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
2022-2023 season
Friday, February 24, 2023
Morning
posted: 2023-02-24 12:51:14
Grooming [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Just finished grooming all trails this morning. With all the snow, skiing will probably be soft. Great day today, this weekend and this week to be out. Before you know it, winter will be gone. Enjoy.
(Greg Hoelscher)
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Monday, February 20, 2023
Afternoon
posted: 2023-02-20 17:08:01
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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I classic skied at 1pm today after about two inches of new snow had fallen. The trails had not been regroomed yet, but I could easily discern where the tracks were to ski in them. There were no bare or icy spots. I could hear my poles hitting ice underneath but it didn't impact my skiing at all. Trails were a bit slow due to the new snow but still pretty nice. I skied the green except for Dd Kennedy, all the blue, and the two shorter black segments. All are in similar condition. Beware, the parking lot is a icy skating rink just under the snow so step carefully.
(Michelle McArdle)
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Thursday, February 16, 2023
Morning
posted: 2023-02-16 09:42:43
Observation [ Trails Open: All, ]
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We have tried very hard to keep the trails in good condition this year. Unfortunately, with the weather being warm, then rainy, and now cool, it has created difficult icy conditions to groom properly. We will stay on top of it. Hopefully, the next storm will be in our favor.
(Greg Hoelscher)
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Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Morning
posted: 2023-02-14 17:25:34
Firsthand: Freestyle [ Trails Open: All, ]
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I skied late morning with a temp of 40 degrees and light rain falling. At that time, conditions were good considering the weather. A bit sticky but not soft. Some tree debris but nothing to worry about.
(Louis Muench, CASTA)
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Saturday, February 11, 2023
Morning
posted: 2023-02-11 11:10:21
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Friday, February 10, 2023
Afternoon
posted: 2023-02-10 22:27:49
Firsthand: Freestyle [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Trails were being groomed as I was skiing. They were in good to very good condition; expect they will be excellent by the time grooming is completed. It was 27 to 28 degrees and sunny. I used FastWax Blue LF. Unfortunately, it was slow on the colder, drier snow in the shade, faster in the sun-exposed portions. Even though the groomers were setting shallow but adequate corduroy as they groomed, it was still soft and slow enough that, where possible, I skated the hard packed half of the trail if trail-width grooming had not been completed. It was an impressive grooming effort with two groomers working simultaneously.
(Keith Carlson)
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Friday, February 10, 2023
Afternoon
posted: 2023-02-10 16:34:16
Grooming [ Trails Open: All, ]
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All trails groomed this afternoon and new tracks set as things had gotten quite icy. The skiing should be good for the weekend. There is now minimal debris. The hills on the black outside loop could still be a little icy until the temperature is above freezing.
(Barry Tulkki)
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Friday, February 10, 2023
Afternoon
posted: 2023-02-10 15:43:28
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Friday, February 3, 2023
Afternoon
posted: 2023-02-04 05:20:27
Grooming [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Freshly groomed trails. Groomed entire system, both skate and classic lanes. Should be good skiing for the weekend.
(Greg Hoelscher)
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Friday, January 27, 2023
Morning
posted: 2023-01-27 15:01:14
Grooming [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Trails groomed and new track set this morning. Two inches of new snow. Trails should be very good with a firm base.
(Craig Johnson)
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