Overall, pretty good conditions this morning on the Razorback trail, considering the high temps yesterday and overnight freeze (and no new grooming). I would say about 5% icy, 5% forest debris, and the remaining 90% was good conditions. I was able to get in two loops of the Razorback without falling so I consider it pretty darn good! Due to the forest debris (twigs, branches, leaves, etc.), I suggest "B" skis to be on the safe side. Also, I tried out the Kettle Trail and it was likewise in good shape. Classic tracks were present and pretty good throughout the Razorback and Kettle, but intermittent forest debris to watch out for. Lots of folks enjoying this gem of a ski trail this morning!

Photos:

(Bill Oyler)

Murphy was its typical mix of decent to marginal grooming. I skated most of the system. Although I normally stride here, I was skiing with a friend who only skates, so I did too - and I'm glad. Trail was a little icy and some ruts, so a little treacherous in places on Razorback, so classic would have been challenging (frightening?) especially because there were a lot of oak leaves in the tracks. The inner trails were better. A fun ski but a lot of work. It was definitely slowing down when I left at 11.

(Pete Thurmes)

Skate skied the full outermost 6-mile loop (Razorback). Great to have enough snow to ski these trails again. Generally pretty good, but they could use a couple more passes with the groomer on the skate deck to fill in the troughs and grooves and knock down the ridges. The set classic tracks looked excellent over most of the trail.

(Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)

Skied Razorback and Knob loops this afternoon. It had been many years for me and I forgot how challenging and exciting the hills on Razorback are. Conditions were good although the trail gets narrow on many of the hills forcing skating over the classic tracks, a condition aggravated by some drifting. Grooming was a little uneven but it was great to be back on these exciting and heart pounding hills (both up and down!).

(Tim Nelson)

My first time at Murphy, and conditions were great. Looks like they had been groomed this morning, I was first track on Razorback, and did that twice. All other trails once. Classic track was set on all the trails, I was skating, but hopped in on a couple areas and they seemed pretty fast. There were a couple windblown sections near the end, and a couple hills weren't quite flat, bowled in the center. Based on what I've heard though, it's probably as good as it gets here.

(Zach Varty)

No grooming after last night's fluffy 4" snowfall, but it didn't seem to matter on the Razorback, it was still super fun and fast enough for me skating with Start Green wax. So much fun I had to do two loops of the Razorback! The classic tracks were well skied in, and plenty fast, and the uphills were not too terribly chewed up. Amazing sunshine, warm weather, fresh snow, in the woods, with killer hills! What more can you ask for in March?!

Photos:

(Bill Oyler)

The classic tracks and skate deck are in perfect condition. No better time than now to ski our awesome natural snow trails. This place is one of the best if you like hills and forest.

Photos:

(Tom Ajax)

Groomer was still out this morning and had made a couple of passes on the 6K for the skate deck, but not yet the tracks. Tracks were firm and faster than the skate deck. Beautiful!

(Phil Vigliaturo)

Skated all the trails on top of about an inch and a half of powder. It had been groomed yesterday with good tracks before the snow, but the skate deck was narrow and somewhat bumpy. I recommend rock skis because Murphy has not been groomed enough to build a good base; you may break through. I've been told they will try to groom on Friday. Still, Murphy is the best place to ski when it's open!

(John Kendrick)

Beautiful conditions at Murphy. TRP groomer knocked down 10"+ of fresh snow while rolling the trail today. Not much of a breeze today, as such the trails were clean and free of debris. Tip of the hat to the TRP groomers!

Photos:

(Richard Schulze)