Skied from Hatchery to Gravel Pit and back (15.57 miles). Spur trail from Hatchery lot had 5 inches of snow, but main trail had 1.5-2 inches powder all the way to Gravel Pit. It was slow skiing but a great training workout. Met 10 people on the trail from 9:30 to 11:30.

(Joe Miller)

Trail crew was busy setting course for the Seeley Hills Classic this morning. We got a good amount of beautiful snow last night and this morning and it’s still coming down. We did groom one pass from Duffy Rd to OO this morning. No loops have been done.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

Currently parked at the Hatchery Lot. Maybe 5 inches fresh powder on the ground. Groomers not out yet. Will update skiing conditions north of Hatchery after a morning on the trail.

Photos:

(Joe Miller)

It’s currently snowing in Birkieland and we’re forecasted to get a decent amount through tomorrow. We will watch the snow and let you know as soon as we can get out to groom the south half of the trail.
Note: A reminder to ski at OO or south until 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday to avoid the Seeley Hills Classic and Birkie Tour. Or better yet, register and join in! Thank you!

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

As good as it's been all season long. During this morning's explorations we skied sections of the Birkie trail from near the start to the Timber Trail rest stop. The trail is groomed to it's full race width with a full depth classic track on both sides. The trail is firm and flat and really fun. There is great skiing pretty much everywhere in Birkie-land these days.

(Andy Schwartz)

Strided out on classic trail from OO to Boedecker and back on skating trail to OO. 4 inches of beautiful fresh powder. At 3 PM fresh snow in the classic track and skate deck, so only had only been groomed by God, but it was a blanket of white and super fun skiing!

(Audun Mikkelson)

I skied the OO lighted loops and the Boedecker loop north of OO this morning. At 11 AM the lighted loops were pristine and the groomers were just finishing up the classic half of the Boedecker loop. Then it started snowing hard so by early afternoon it was all covered up. Very good skiing but be prepared for soft and slow conditions. No recent grooming north of Boedecker or south of the lighted loops that I could see. All the pine cone, acorn and leaf litter that we endured last week is now well buried. In the short term, I still believe your best bet is classic skiing as there are still well defined tracks visible and plenty of skiers to ski the tracks in.

(Andy Schwartz)

It’s snowing! The crew got out and groomed OO south to Gravel Pit and then OO north to Boedecker on both the skate and classic trails today. It is still snowing currently.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

The skate trail between OO and Boedecker was also groomed and had track set on one side. It was a little soft, but better than the classic trail which was skiable but a little more work to ski due to the 3" of fresh snow. Good skiing due to the firm base beneath the new snow.

Photos:

(Tom Detzner)

Skijored this morning at the Birkie Start Line. Ben and the Birkie are now allowing skijoring, on a trial basis, on weekday mornings between the Start Line and the Power Line on either the Skate or Classic Trails (a 3+K loop). This is the only time and place in the winter where dogs are allowed on the Birkie Trail system. Dogs must have an appropriate harness for skijoring and be tethered to the skier. No walking or snowshoeing with dogs on the trail, whether or not the dog is on a leash. No loose dogs and dogs must be under the skier's control at all times. Any dog waste must be cleaned up.
There was 2" of fresh snow on a very firm base, and the skijor was wonderful. This is a great location to prepare of the upcoming Barkie Birkie!

(Ned Zuelsdorff)