Our trails systems received over 8" of new snow in the last week. We currently have all trails groomed for classic and skate. The trail system will be closed Friday and Saturday for the Badger State Snow Bike and Snow Shoe races. All trails will be re-groomed for classic and skate after the competition on Saturday afternoon. Our lodge remodeling project has finally been completed and the new lodge will be open Sunday from 10:00 to 4:00. Come out and see the wonderful trail conditions and the new Lodge!

(Randy Lueth)

The trails are showing some wear from lots of use, and I grade them only fair. The skating deck is solid beneath a significant layer of little snow/ice balls. Presumably, these formed when trying to re-groom after the recent melt. In many areas these clumps have spilled into the classic track, which are already a bit shallow and glazed. On a positive note, oak leaf debris is not prevalent.

(Dave Henning)

The School Forest Trails received more than 12" of new snow in the last week. The oak leaves are finally covered up with lots of new snow. We have groomed almost daily to keep things under control. All ski trails are currently groomed for classic and skate. These are the best trail conditions we've had so far this season. Hope you can get out and enjoy it.

Photos:

(Randy Lueth)

Very good conditions on a perfect winter day -- 23 degrees and bright sun. Classic tracks showing a little wear on a few narrow curves where there may be skater or herringbone encroachment. Skating deck is fairly firm, but there is snow available for snowplowing. Only a scattering of oak leaves -- only one area where I felt the need to step out of the track.

(Dave Henning)

Our trail system received almost 8" of new snow Monday. Our base survived the rain quite well and we're back to mid-season conditions. All trails were rolled and packed on Tuesday. We groomed the skate lanes on all trails. We had some equipment issues so were only able to set classic track on Trail A. Enjoy the new snow as we welcome the new year!

(Randy Lueth)

Except for the occasional oak leaf and deer hoof print, trails are in excellent condition with well formed classic track and firm skating deck. There is a lot of deer evidence, but they were generally courteous enough not to dig up the trail (except for about three areas on the C trail). No wet spots on the ski trails. Nice to have good skiing this early in the season.

(David Henning)

All trails groomed for classic and skate this morning. The deer herd and the oak trees have deposited lots of leaf litter on the trails but there is nothing exposed that would damage skis. We currently have have 4-6" of packed powder base on all trails.

(Randy Lueth)

We have removed several downed trees and started packing and rolling our trail system. The trails are closed through the weekend for the final muzzleloader deer hunt. All trails will open Monday Dec 16 and the conditions for the opener should be the best we've seen in a couple years. The lodge will be closed until mid-February as our remodeling project is in progress. There is a portable toilet on-site for skier's use.

(Randy Lueth)