Trails are open from the ball fields in Cannon Falls to mile 13.5. Today I did from Welch to mile 13.5 and back. Except for having to cross 2 gravel lined roads into Welch Village and then County Rd 7, which meant taking my skis off, walking, then putting the back on 3 times in the first mile, and then 3 times on the way back, it was great. There is about 3 inches of fresh powder on top of what feels like good grooming. Didn't have a crust on top, so it wasn't causing me to crash even when having snow over my skis. Classic tracks looked great too. Once you are past those roads you are on your own in the woods until the gate is closed at mile 13.5.

Photos:

(Scott Haag)

Skate deck and classic tracks groomed earlier today following the snow and wind. Good conditions and a pretty fast ski, but still a lot of leaf litter and debris out there. Classic skied to the SNA from CF and didn't run into any issues. Still pretty awesome.

(Neil Slifka)

Trails are closed at the 13.5 mile mark toward Red Wing. I skied from Cannon Falls to Welch today. My friend skied classic and I skated. At the gun range down to Welch (the last 2 miles or so), someone drove on the trail with a 4 wheeler and left big tire ruts. These ruts took out one of the classic grooves and made skating very hard, I just had to kind of waddle in between the tracks.

Photos:

(Scott Haag)

I skied from Welch East to the 7 mile marker. It was freshly groomed this morning with classic tracks set. Overall really good conditions, a bit soft in spots, but no bare spots. Just a fantastic day to get out. I don't skate aki, but it seemed a bit to soft.

Photos:

(Benjamin Mouw)