Excellent conditions on the lighted trail loops, which are packed and tracked. Other trails have been rolled but remain quite soft. Thanks, volunteers, for all the work!

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(Bob McKlveen)

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)

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.

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(Magdalen Ng)

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)

Trails were groomed today and rolled yesterday. There are plenty of rocks for everyone, so be careful. The grooming turned out better than I anticipated. Black loop is rockier, so you may want to stick with the inside loops. Have fun. Lights have been turned on for the season.

(Greg Hoelscher)

Took my dog for a walk on the hiking/snowshoe trails and to scout the ski trails. After 8" of new snow parking lot is cleared and trails are rolled. Snow is very soft. Trail crew was doing their best to shovel snow over roots, rocks, etc. Thank you volunteers for working hard to set a good base for the season. I'd recommend rock skis or B skis as there is plenty of exposed plant matter in places.

(Katie Folkestad)