Silvermine was groomed, so I headed out there. Got a condition report from a fellow skier of the joint, which is always nice. Firm and fast skiing, sections of ice, and definitely one section that melted out enough for no skiing, but 99% of the trail is intact. I'd go B skis though. Classic tracks were set in the main loops at the bottom of the hills; there's not tracks from the parking lot trail, but once you get in the main area, you're good to go. Hills are climbable, although a little sketchy. However, I don't recommend skiing down the inclines; if you choose to climb the hills, do yourself a favor, take off the skis and walk/jog it down; the terrain to the side is good enough for that. With these icy conditions, you just don't have the control, and thin, hard snow doesn't cushion falls well. In my mind, it was worth the hill climb practice, wasn't worth it for a speedy downhill. Probably the most hazardous thing was parking; it's a complete sheet of ice. Climb the snow bank for maximum safety to access the trail, seriously.

(Tiffany Miller)

Great day out at Silvermine for some hill reps. The trail is groomed (no classic track set), debris is minimal, deer sightings plentiful, and downhills bombable.

(Tiffany Miller)

Fluffy snow covering a firm skate deck. Packed and tracked, no classic tracks set. Skiing was slowed down by this new snow, but it made for nice downhill runs that way. Trails are in great shape. Grooming plans: Next grooming will be probably next snowfall.

(Tiffany Miller)

Went out to see what condition the trail was in. Good coverage, although thin on the field and a few patches under the trail area that goes by the bottom of the first hill climb. Trail was an odd combination of icy but soft; poles punch through many areas of the trail, so I suggest only a no pole workout if you do go. Can't say it was fun in these conditions, but it was fine enough. No classic tracks set. Hopefully we get more snow soon.

(Tiffany Miller)

Trails got a fresh scratch today, although no classic tracks set due to time constraints. Snow is cold and a little fluffy, skate deck nice and firm. Good, fast snow to be out on today.

(Tiffany Miller)

Finally back on snow. Trails were groomed and in great condition; yes, there's still some debris around, but it's in expected amounts, which is not very much. Some stuff sticking through the trail, but easy to avoid and no reason to not wear good skis. Snow was solid and fast. Classic tracks were not set; I plan to reach out to see if we can get those set for the next groom. Overall, great ski conditions.

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(Tiffany Miller)

Trails had a groom before the New year weekend. Packed and tracked, crunchy snow, and while the skate deck was slightly soft, snow was still pretty fast. Classic tracks are set on lower trails by the ski jump, but not on the trail by the gate or on any of the big hills. Outer trails of the field and the middle hill were not regroomed; outer trails are too rough and thin, need more snow for those areas. There's a bit of debris down, and there were a couple spots starting to get thin.

(Tiffany Miller)

Groomed and smooth, best stuff I've been on in the last week. No classic tracks set yet. The middle hill was not groomed, which isn't a big loss, you still get great up and downs. Still need B skis, as the main parts of the trail have some debris yet, but I got a lot of sticks out of the way, and overall improved debris-wise. Plus the additional trail is still a bit brushy-need to remember to bring the cutters next time to clear that out. But it's getting better! Wind had picked up as I was finishing up, so probably more stuff fell on the trail; it was falling almost as fast as I was cleaning stuff up. So if you're out at Silvermine, please be kind and flick sticks into the pines!

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(Tiffany Miller )

First tracks out there today and it stayed that way while I was out. Not groomed again after the small snowfall we had today, so the snow was soft and slow, but a good base. Downhills are about as slow as they'll probably get, which was nice. Still no classic tracks set. Made tracks on all the trail to help map it out for others; you could almost use good skis for most of the main groomed parts, but would definitely need B skis for the newly added trail and in the field by the gate. Drive is currently plowed. Still, it was greatly appreciated!

Photos:

(Tiffany Miller)

Packed and tracked pretty well; soft snow, but still pretty solid. Debris is sticking through many places; more snow should cover it up, and I'm hoping to come out and snip down any other sticks. No classic tracks are set, maybe after the next snowfall. Unless you have a truck or snow tires, park by the gate, you can ski in from there. Much easier to get your car out, since the drive isn't plowed yet. Ski team was just coming out to practice as I was leaving and we're planning to run the snow ATV around to pack the track down

(Tiffany Miller)