It was a lovely ski in the foggy darkness. I appreciate the lighted trails as these trails are the only ones in the area that are lit and well groomed. The warmer evening didn't affect snow conditions too much. There were a couple sparse spots near the lake portion on the green trail (northwest part of the map). Conditions were fast. The only hiccup was the occasional foot traffic on a few segments of the green trail. Thank you groomers!

(Ashley Martinson)

This is a gem of a trail system. It winds through woods, and for the most part is gently rolling. The trail labelled most difficult has one very big downhill. But there is a new bypass so the hill can be avoided. Freshly groomed, excellent classic track. The system has excellent signage; the only downside is that the trail can be skied either direction so care must be taken on the hills. There is a small parking lot with a port-a-potty.

(Ralph Schwartz)

The perimeter trails was in very good to good condition. There were a few high spots that were sticking thru the snow but nothing you could not easily get around except the last climb where I had to break my stride to avoid one of those bare high spots. Everything had been packed with a small amount loose snow on top, It was 32 degrees and sunny. Looked like there was a fairly consistent classic track. I used salmon FastWax LF There were a still a few spots available in the parking lot when I arrived around 1:00. Met no more than a half dozen parties on the trail; all doing classic. Given that I had just base waxed my skis and applied salmon FastWax LF over that, - which should have been perfect for the temperature, I was really disappointed in my speed of 4.9 mph. I skated the short loop on my rock skis waxed with too cold Blue FastWax LF at a 5 MPH pace afterwards, which confirmed my impression.

(Keith Carlson)

The skate deck was firm. A couple spots of grass or thinning of trail in the outer loop, but the trail was otherwise a gem. Great grooming!

(Eric Wilkerson)

Skied the Green trail and a bit more, and both the track and skate deck were in good shape there. Parking lot was full, as Balsam Branch is getting to be a popular destination. Thanks to the folks who groom and take care of such great trails.

Photos:

(David Wilford)

All trails tracked and groomed. The skating deck is a little soft in places. Watch for occasional rocks on outer loop. The forest is beautiful.

(Barry Tulkki)

Skied the easy (green) and some more difficult (blue) trails. Got out before this afternoon’s snowfall, no bare spots. Man-made tracks for classic, not recently groomed. The woods were beautiful and we saw only one other skier.

Photos:

(Kendra Tlusty)

Wonderful to be out skiing. No tracks, but with more snowfall conditions should improve. Get out and enjoy.

(Larry Behne, Balsam Branch Partnership)

Classiced yesterday and today. No tracks, but full coverage. Snow fairly quick. Poles make contact with ground every so often, but skis never do. Beautiful trails.

(Ralph Schwartz)

We were able to pack for base and groom this morning. Conditions are far from ideal, in need of more snow. Snowshoe Trail should be in excellent condition. Will groom when receive more snow. At least it's a white Christmas.

(Greg Hoelscher)