The 1K human-made loop at the BSTH was firm and fast! Skate lanes all well cover, just a tiny bit of leafy debris in the wooded sector. Classic tracks were well set, again just a bit of leafy debris. Pretty darn good skiing for November. Thanks ABSF!

Photos:

(Jeff Tumbleson)

We finished grooming the 1K snowmaking loop last night - fresh corduroy and new tracks. Should be setup and ready for the weekend. We will freshen up the skate deck as needed throughout the weekend.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

The rain turned to snow and the temps have dropped. The 1K snowmaking loop is open again. Grooming plans: We will groom this afternoon/evening.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

It has continued to be on the warmer side and we received even more rain last night. We will be closing the 1K loop until the temps drop again, hopefully by tomorrow. Check back here for an update.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

The temps during the day have been warm and we've seen some rain, but it's still freezing at night. The trail gets icy with traffic. Keeping an eye on the forecast, which includes snow. Grooming plans: The goal is to freshen up the 1K loop at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead by the weekend.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

The snowmaking loop at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead is open as of Friday! There is a 1K lighted loop with classic tracks set on both sides. Skate deck in good condition. It's time to ski in Birkieland!

Photos:

(Ashley Shuman)

We are making snow better and earlier than last year. The snow guns have been running since Tuesday. The temps for the next week look favorable to keep the guns running. The first skiable snow will open when we can complete a 1k loop and remove all the snowmaking equipment from that 1k area so we can move onto the next location. The best-case scenario to open that 1k loop is next weekend. Stay tuned for more updates as we can give a better estimate in the next couple of days.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

They have begun blowing snow at the start area. While I was in the area I stopped to chat with a couple of the trail crew. The high capacity well will be online soon(ish). In the meantime they are testing the system and covering some of the start line using the low capacity wells.

Photos:

(Andy Schwartz)