I skated the 18k race route today. Yesterday’s warm-up made for very fast transformed snow. A bit scary at times so I took it easy going down hills and picked up sticks. Expect early season conditions with thin areas, debris, and a wavy skate deck.

(Jon Jurek)

All trails have been rolled and packed after receiving about 4" of snow Tuesday morning. Not able to set tracks yet, as there is too shallow of a base. Expect some grass and debris poking up throughout the trail system, and spots of uneven bumpy areas until we receive more snow. All trails are skiable.

(Kurt Janko)

After about 6/10ths of rain on Wednesday night that turned eventually to about an inch of snow accumulation on Thursday morning, I went out to inspect the Afterhours trails on Thursday afternoon. The warm weather and rain wiped out any snow-base that still existed prior to the rain. There were scattered branches, limbs, and a few trees down too. I was still able to 'ski' with my non-wax, rock skis in the little bit of new snow with grass poking through - obviously disappointing and extremely poor conditions. I wouldn't recommend any one come to Afterhours hoping to skate ski, but you could ski very carefully as I did with classic skis if you don't have a better alternative.

(Cordell Manz)

Great ski today. Still early season skiing, but trails have been widened this year and all have been rolled. Some deer have been digging for acorns so some leaves on the trails, but no sticks. The best I have seen these trails in years. The groomers have been great at taking care of the place over the summer by clearing trees and removing the brush. Great place to ski with lots of hills if you are looking to increase your Birkie times :-).

(Jonathan Thralow)

It was bumpy and soft with some grass and leaves showing, but skiable. Only skied Maple, North Loop, and Aspen, but others have skied most of the trails and give fair reports.

(Beth Manz)

I skated the 18k race route today. All trails have been rolled, the gates are down and the chalet was open and heated. Expect early season conditions with thin thin areas and a soft wavy deck in places.

Photos:

(Jon Jurek)

All trails have been rolled and packed for the first time this season after the weekend storm left us about 5" to work with. Not quite enough snow to bring out the big groomers or to set classic tracks yet. Expect some grass tips poking out and leaves/debris scattered throughout the trail system. Trails are skiable, but will remain a bit rough and uneven until we receive more snow.

(Kurt Janko)