Skiing is superb at Birkie Trailhead/Telemark on the machine made snow loops (approx 4km). We have also groomed about 10km of natural snow there and it is a 1" base, pretty good skiing. Additionally we have around 20km groomed from Boedecker to Gravel Pit. Similar to the northern half, it is a thin 1" base or so, but if adventurous, give it a try. It gets pretty thin by Gravel Pit as you head south. Enjoy! Scheduling: Reminder the Birkie Trailhead trails will be closed on Saturday for Ski de She until 3pm.

(Redgy Jorstad)

I skied out of the Birkie trailhead today. Glide was slow with the cold snow, but otherwise it was great for skating. There was a dusting of new snow from last night. Artificial Snow: These loops are in excellent condition and there are more of them since I was here a week ago. The classic tracks looked good on these trails. The snow guns are currently making some huge piles of snow for future use. Go Birkie! Natural snow: They have groomed down to Timber Trail and several other trails close to the trailhead on natural snow only. It's probably too thin to put a race on, and certainly not as good as the snowmaking loops. But these trails were good for skating if you don't mind occasional sticks and grass (I don't). There are no classic tracks on the natural snow trails (for obvious reason) except that some shallow ones were set on the powerline. It's promising to see a base getting started.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

Skated Birkie trail at the start line up through Elevator Shaft. Beautifully groomed 4k, tracks set. No rocks or dirt seen. Warming hut appreciated!

(Richard Searl)

The Boedecker Loop (OO to Boedecker on Skate and Classic trails) has been groomed for those wanting to ski despite the cold temperatures! No tracks at this time.

(Carolyn Senty)

Skied the loops by OO and south on the trail about 5 km from OO. Surprisingly I was the only one there in minus 12 temps! Trails are rolled with nice corduroy, not deep enough for tracks to be set. There are a fair amount of dirty patches, but no bare ground showing through. Very doable on rock or even B skis. While it's too thin for a race it has me encouraged that it's a good base.

(Michael Gotzsche)

I went for a relatively long ski on the snowmaking loops today. Conditions were very good. Ironically, the only complaint is that the new natural snow slowed down the glide. The tracks looked great. But I'm thankful for every flake this winter. They appear to be getting a lot more distance opening soon - which is needed for the upcoming events.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

I skied 1/2 hour at both the 00 TH and Boedecker TH. 3-4" of snow at each. No grooming, so skiing was hard, but fair to good glide, and no damage to skis.

(Tom Detzner)

Great day to get out skiing at the trailhead! 3" of fresh snow on top of a good base from the snowmaking crew. 1.8k for the longest loop. Kept getting busier as the day went on with everyone excited to get out on real snow.

Photos:

(Jack Burns)

32k marker on the skate course/00/Roam Basecamp. 4 inches of fresh powder on the Birkie trail plus a solid foot of Hope. Skate deck not groomed. Classic tracks set old-school by another skier. Rock on.

Photos:

(Lars Gaalaas)

Lovely morning at the Birkie Trailhead/ Start area. Got there right when it opened and was rewarded with a freshly-groomed trail. My skins worked like a charm in the fast, firm tracks. Skate deck looked solid and even. Kudos to the crew for making the best of a tough situation. The main 1.3km loop meanders through the woods, and I actually felt like I was rolling into OO each time I came through. Lots of champs and smiles out there!

(Pamela Toshner)