After a heavy weekend of hikers and skiers and a some loss of snow volume, ski tracks were reset. Bases were icy, but the ginzu groomer was able to break that up. Ski conditions are still very good. In some areas, track depth is shallow, but most are full depth.

Photos:

(John Swanson)

The park received about 5" of light lake-effect snow overnight. Previously this week about 2" of snow was rolled and compacted over an icy base. This snowfall covered the trails well. It was rolled and tracked. Tracks are for the most part full depth. Some areas under the trees are shallow. Pole plants hit the ice base. Ski conditions are considered excellent for one of the few times this winter.

Photos:

(John Swanson)

Skied most of Whitefish Dunes today. Spectacular day - blue sky, temps in the mid 20s, light wind. Had the good fortune of trailing the groomers - in fact, ran into Rich as he was finishing up grooming. Trails are in surprisingly good shape, despite the thin snow cover. In areas where there is enough snow, tracks are deep and solid. But in the pines, trails are pretty shallow. OK to use good skis. Not a lot of debris. All in all - a great day of skiing!

(Tom Kraack)

Conditions overall are fair. Two inches of fluffy snow was packed, combed and tracked today. Because of the low moisture content in this and so many snowfalls this winter, it is taking a long time to build up a good base from which to set consistent tracks. The quality of the track ranges from excellent in some areas where there's a good base to poor in areas under the evergreens. Generally, the Red Trail is poor with numerous areas with a "dirty" track.

Photos:

(Rich Dirks)

Mother Nature has not been kind to trail groomers. No significant snow for the past 2 weeks, then gale force winds, then 40 degree melting followed by cold freezing tracks to ice. Trails were groomed today. Bare spots and tree debris in areas. Where the snow was still deep enough, full depth tracks were laid. In other areas, tracks are very shallow. Trails are considered fair under the circumstances, but definitely skiable.

(John Swanson)

What a glorious day in the dunes. A little debris on some of the trails but overall enough snow cover. Blue skies --Sunny--"Future so Bright, gotta wear shades" (Timbuk3). Very little wind, 12 degrees didn't feel cold at all. As usual could use a little more snow but the groomer made the best of it.

(Annette Kaminsky)

Groomed today, set tracks on all trails open for classical skiing. Overall good depth on tracks with some thin spots on Lakeside Red Loop. Tilled snow on all tracked trails with very little icy conditions. Could use more snow but is good to very good conditions.

(Richard Weidman)

Lots of skiers out on Saturday and with trails still soft they were in need of regrooming by the end of the day. All trails were groomed and track set late Saturday, but with gale force winds and minimal dry snow, trail conditions are fair with some poor areas under hemlocks and cedars and good in many other areas. Tracks are marginal with soft sidewalls and occasional woods debris at the bottom. The Red trail along the lake is generally in poor condition. Rock skis are recommended. Skiers are reminded that there are a few selected areas where the trail is being shared with snowshoers and hikers.

Photos:

(Rich Dirks)

Best snowfall of the winter so far. 8” of very dry fluffy snow. Ski trails were packed and groomed. In areas under trees and meadow, tracks are shallow over a very icy base. Track walls are very soft. Conditions are fair to good. All trails are open. Hikers and skiers now share the Red Trail to the first beach access, the Green Access Trail, and the Yellow/Green Trail from the WD trail crossing back to the Nature Center. We ask all hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers to please stay off the groomed ski trails.

Photos:

(John Swanson)

Trail Conditions: Fair - poor in some areas, good in others. Less than 2” new snow over crusty snow was packed and combed early Sunday morning before temps began to rise above freezing. A marginal track was set in all areas except the Red Trail which has minimal snow. Many areas have considerably leaf and twig debris from past gale force winds. Rock skis are recommended. Primary purpose of grooming was to pack down and preserve as much snow as possible before warmer weather. Average base is 3-4” with considerably less under evergreens. Skiers are urged to refrain from skiing when temps are way above freezing.

Photos:

(Rich Dirks)