I skated Maple, North Loop, Spruce, Balsam, Oak, Aspen and River today. The earlier rolling appears to have paid off since there is a decent base on portions of the trail. Unfortunately sections of the trail that are under large pine trees are thin or bare as well as sections subject to direct sunshine are in poor shape too. I would recommend using Easy Entry to get to Maple to avoid a big bare spot and also avoid River since there are multiple bare spots. If you venture onto Oak I would also recommend using the Spruce Shortcut and avoid the bottom section of Oak. Expect bare spots, ice patches, uneven but firm skate deck and some sticks. Wear bright colors if not blaze orange since it is still deer season.

Photos:

(Jon Jurek)

All trails have been rolled this week and cleared of downed trees and large branches. However, with temps in the 40's for the last few days we are rapidly losing snow cover. There are large stretches of bare areas appearing on White Pine where the snow was thin to begin with, and wet seepage areas throughout the trail system. Apparently this was a pre-season tease by Mother Nature! Tracks of bear, wolf, bobcat, turkey, and of course deer have been observed while working on the trails this week. Gates remain up on the trails due to deer hunting season opening Saturday November 21st. Be safe!

(Kurt Janko)

Very good early season conditions. Some big patches of ice, but large sections of good snow. Kudos to the groomers for their hard work to get the trails ready for the season.

(Frank Kaszuba)

After an 8” snowfall on Sunday, around 12k has been rolled. Expect a soft skate deck, occasional ice patches, some thin spots and a few sticks. No tracks have been set. With Deer season opening on Saturday morning the gates are still up but can be easily skied around or under. Wear bright colors for safety if skiing Saturday Nov 21 thru Sunday Nov 29. Enjoy.

Photos:

(Jon Jurek)