30 degrees and freshly groomed trails made for a great afternoon of skiing. The trails were in great shape with only a bit of debris and animal track damage.

(Diana Magner)

Trails are great. Tracked and fresh snow on it. Minimal recent traffic evident on loop 2. Occasional debris- some brush poking through on a logged area, some oak leaves in tracks, but overall pristine. Boomer blue of course shows more wear and foot/dog traffic.

Photos:

(John Schroeder)

Groomed and shallow track set yesterday made for firm skiing today on loops 1 and 2. Many sticks to flick due to frightening freight train winds. Inch or two of snow falling.

(Catherine McLynn)

Skiing with extra blue worked at first, but wished for softer wax within the hour as temps warmed up to 20. I was skiing while groomer was out there. Some sections not yet groomed except that skiers had been skiing in previously set tracks. Those were nice and firm. The loop that had not been packed was freshly tracked and was very challenging as the track collapsed as I went along. It was very difficult to herringbone up the steep uphills in the soft deep snow. More skiers will pack it in? The stretch past the Scenic Shelter was not groomed and actually blocked off.

(Catherine McLynn)

About half of Cowhorn has not been groomed since our big snow. No grooming since our last snowfall of about 4 inches. Snowshoers, walkers, and dogs on Loop 1. Part of Loop 2 was tracked, but snowed in. The rest of Loop 2 has skied in tracks. Looks like lots of activity on Boomer Blue on Saturday.

(Jon Byrne)

Posted on DNR page by Therese Nett: Half of the system was tracked Dec 17th but equipment failed before it could be finished. To establish a better base with less debris, the system will be packed Dec 23rd with intentions to track after the next snowfall.

(Catherine McLynn)

Kacie Stanek, DNR, reported that crews had spent several days clearing trails as a result of July wind storm. They have been brushed and mowed and packed by new groomer Joel who will meet with Boomer the Groomer to learn the finesse required for Good Grooming! Hurray DNR!

(Catherine McLynn)