Getting pretty ugly out there. Snow is littered with pine needles and various debris. Ground peeking through on sunny exposures. Get out the waxless skis or take a hike. This will likely be the last report this season. Happy Spring!

Photos:

(Andy Fisher)

Old snow. At least a month since there was enough snow to groom. Trails still have good cover, but that can go fast with these continuing warm temps. Pine litter on the trails too. Get out the waxless skis.

(Andy Fisher)

No new groomable snow in the past 2 weeks. Temps above freezing for several days have taken their toll. Still good coverage but expect deteriorated tracks.

(Andy Fisher)

I skied the west half of the trails. They could not have been any better. Great snow, good trackset, and the big thing that makes this trails stand out: intimate mostly hiking-trail width winding trails in the most beautiful quiet boreal forest setting. My favorite was a long loop through cedar-spruce-tamarack bog. If you haven’t tried these trails, it is well-worth a drive to Isabella!

(Mary Lawler Shedd)

Well, I got my one new trail for the season. First time at F-G and I loved it. Old time skiing! Twisty, turny, uneven tracks! Super scenic forest peppered with lakes and swamps. We skied everything there which ended up being about 16 miles. This is how XC is meant to be! The trails are mostly pretty easy. But I did have a couple moments of doubt as to whether or not I was going to make a few corners! A few of the down hills definitely got my attention with some two-ski drift and a few abrupt hockey stops! I only checked the B ski box due to the fact that, if you are very particular about your good skis, you definitely could find a few things to scratch your bases. I made it around unscathed with a pair of S-LABS. But I would have taken a different pair had I known what to expect. I shall return.

Photos:

(Mick Dodds)

Light snows (1/2in) over the last two nights have covered any pine needles. Great tracks and firm bass. Beautiful and great skiing.

Photos:

(Jon Schneider)

Just a trace of snow last night is all we've had since last Friday's grooming. With this weeks frigid temps, the system has been skied very little. Track set is good.

(Andy Fisher)

Awesome snow depth, great grooming by the National Forest Lodge proprietor Andy Fisher. Great snow, solitude and scenery. Unmatched beauty and conditions!

(Pamela Anondson)

Enjoyed an amazing long weekend skiing these trails while staying at National Forest Lodge. I skied almost the entire network. Grooming was flawless throughout. The extreme cold made the snow a little bit slow, but that helped the less aggressive skiers in our group to handle the hills. Skiing up here has become a highlight of the winter for our family, and we are excited to come back next year.

(Thomas Blackstock)

2" accumulation out of Thursday's snow event. Groomed the entire system Friday afternoon. Fairly decent track set. Very dry snow and cold temps. Will be soft or drifted in areas. Top couple inches of fat bike lane will be soft. Dress warm! The costs for maintenance and grooming of these trails are defrayed by your purchase of the Great Minnesota Ski Pass.

(Andy Fisher)