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
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-12-24 19:23:51
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Saturday, December 24, 2022
Morning
posted: 2022-12-24 18:45:48
Firsthand: Classic [
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Not groomed since the snow a few days ago however a few skiers have been using the trails so there are some slightly burried tracks to follow. Snow is not packed down so it is a little slow going.
(Michelle McArdle)
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Friday, December 23, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-12-23 18:52:36
Firsthand: Freestyle [ Trails Open: All, ]
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As of 3:00 PM not groomed. Tried to ski a bit but 4 inches of new snow didn't work. At least we picked the right wax (cold). Temp was -1F.
(Mark Carey)
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Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-12-20 18:10:18
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Monday, December 19, 2022
Evening
posted: 2022-12-19 19:03:56
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: Most, ]
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Trails looked good, nice and firm with a little fresh powder. One issue: The lights on half of the lighted trails are out. I think it would be the western side of the system, the ones that go through ox lake bible camp. Hopefully it will be fixed soon! My wife and I appreciate all your hard work!
(Zach Hines)
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Monday, December 19, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-12-19 18:04:21
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Sunday, December 18, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-12-18 15:11:32
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: Most, ]
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Friday, December 16, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-12-16 14:32:37
Observation [ Trails Open: All, ]
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As beautiful as this storm is, it has created a mess on our trails. We have sticks, branches and downed trees to clear. We could use some assistance in cleaning. We don't currently have a designated work time, but if you see fit and want to go pick up sticks, feel free. We are trying very hard to have the system up and ready by mid-week.
(Greg Hoelscher)
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Friday, December 16, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-12-16 14:13:30
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Lots of downed branches, I spent time clearing them out. Only one main portion of the trail has been skied, and I don't think it's been groomed in awhile. Of course we only just received many inches of heavy snow so I'm not surprised. I did a short round on someone's tracks and then again, to enjoy the packed down ruts. It seems someone with snowshoes got on the ski trail and went bonkers; there are lots of divets but enough snow seemed to offset this. On the easy route from the parking lot, there is a long heavy branch that fell. I tried to lift it but it was too long and heavy for me unfortunately so I turned back.
(Magdalen Ng)
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Thursday, December 8, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-12-09 09:41:57
Firsthand: Classic Observation [ Trails Open: All, ]
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From the west shore of Oxbow Lake, I traversed east a ways, then returned, skiing the curvy hills in both directions through what I consider the most scenic portion of the outermost challenging loop. I encountered just a few rocks sticking up that can be skied around if one sees them. Otherwise the skate deck is in excellent shape though covered with powder mostly an inch and a half deep. But there is no track and no grooming since the one about a week ago. Most of my trek on Altai Hok skin skis was a 6 km counterclockwise loop following the snowshoe trails from the D.D. Kennedy parking lot. On several occasions I crossed the ski system's middle and outer loops and consistently observed the same, generally good conditions. These ungroomed but otherwise mostly excellent trail conditions, due to a pretty firm base covered with powder, are perfect for those seeking a backcountry experience with beautiful scenery. My 120 cm long and about 5 inch wide Hok skis gave me sufficient control to ski the narrow and even more scenic snowshoe trails with only minor difficulties from protruding rocks and sharp curves.
(Wayne Federer)
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