Trail Detail
Notes
The Balsam Branch trails are open to the public for no charge. When there is snow, tracks are set by Polk County Park and volunteers. The trailhead parking area is always well plowed. Toilet facilities are available at the nearby Kennedy Environmental center but no coffee shop or warming facility. Roughly 4K of lighted trails added in 2010.Trail Reports
2020-2021 season
Monday, January 4, 2021
Night
posted: 2021-01-05 16:46:32
Firsthand: Freestyle [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
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)
|
Monday, January 4, 2021
Afternoon
posted: 2021-01-04 21:09:54
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
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)
|
Sunday, January 3, 2021
Afternoon
posted: 2021-01-04 15:41:24
Firsthand: Freestyle [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
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)
|
Saturday, January 2, 2021
Afternoon
posted: 2021-01-02 17:09:37
Firsthand: Freestyle [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
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)
|
Saturday, January 2, 2021
Afternoon
posted: 2021-01-02 15:29:31
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
|
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Afternoon
posted: 2020-12-31 08:13:35
Grooming [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
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)
|
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Afternoon
posted: 2020-12-29 14:26:48
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
|
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Afternoon
posted: 2020-12-27 18:10:49
Firsthand: Freestyle [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
Wonderful to be out skiing. No tracks, but with more snowfall conditions should improve. Get out and enjoy.
(Larry Behne, Balsam Branch Partnership)
|
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Afternoon
posted: 2020-12-26 16:28:57
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
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)
|
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Morning
posted: 2020-12-24 12:41:55
Grooming [ Trails Open: All, ]
|
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)
|
First | Previous |