Beautiful day, skied OO to Hatchery. Only the first 2k and the section from mosquito brook to hatchery had been groomed since last night's 2 inch snow. The rest gradually got skied in. North of OO was groomed today as well.

(Patrick Doornek)

I skated south from Hwy OO. The trail was freshly groomed for the first kilometer but beyond that there was 1 or 2 inches of snow on top of the last grooming. Nevertheless, skiing was great if perhaps a bit slow. The classic tracks on both sides had been used, so the new snow was pressed and the tracks looked good. I give it a 9.

(Don Quick)

I skated north from Hwy OO on the classic trail. The grooming was fresh (last night, maybe) and the trail was lightly used. There was no debris, even in the classic tracks, so conditions were almost perfect. I give it a 10.

(Don Quick)

Classic skied from Birkie Start to Hatchery Creek. Started out skiing the skate trail to get in the power line hills. The classic connector was not groomed. Skied the skate trail to Fire Tower. Tracks were exceptional: deep, firm, great glide, awesome kick. Switched the the classic trail at Fire Tower to OO. Tracks were freshly groomed on the left side, exceptional. The right side was old grooming: softer, shallower, washed out in areas. After the OO complex of trails the track was freshly groomed exceptionally on the left side. The right side track was iffy, washed out in places. After Mosquito Brook the track was set very close the the brush. Sticks hit me in the face and twigs poke through the snow hitting skis. They were very soft. In this section Fat Bikers zigzagged across the trail for a race. All in all it was a Phenomenal ski! 3 hours 10 minutes about. A great way to celebrate 5 years of sobriety. I recommend this ski for a meditative, motivational experience none can surmount. Thank you for everything groomers!

(Kevin Grand)

New snow, fresh grooming, west portion of trail. Too bad couldn't much use the classic trail between Hatchery Creek an Mosquito Brook. Grooming was set so the brush was almost constantly in your path. Almost un-skiable. Was better between Mosquito Brook and OO but still a significant issue in places. Not only inconvenient but a safety issue.

(Geary Searfoss)

I skated north from Hatchery Creek, in the morning, before the temp got to 32. The trail had been heavily used, so the corduroy was gone. Still, it wasn't beat-up and the skiing was easy, with only a few twigs and leaves. The classic tracks (both sides) looked pretty good, despite a few oak leaves. I give it an 8.

(Don Quick)

Spectacular, wonderful trail conditions for Seeley Classic xc ski races. Abundant snow, excellent grooming, pleasant weather. Hundreds of xc skiers enjoying the Birkie trails.

Photos:

(Ken Kuznia)

Left Ironwood after the ski race and headed to the Birkie trail for a recovery ski. Skied out of Mosquito Brook. Lots of skiers and bikers (not on the Birkie trail though). Trail was in great shape. Lots of new snow up in the area, setting up for an amazing ski season.

(Jim Williams)

Classic skied Birkie Start to OO on the classic trail and back on the skate trail. 43 km I think, I don't know. Conditions are perfect. Tracks are deep, kick is awesome, glide was great. Hill climbs were kickable, and the skate deck was firm with traction, and was forgiving. I didn't bee line downhills because other people were skiing. Downhills were easily controlled. These conditions made for an awesome double high point solo experience! Got done and feel great! Thank you groomers! Can't wait for the Birkie Start to Fish Hatchery ski in a couple weeks.

Photos:

(Kevin Grand)

Strided from Fish Hatchery trailhead to a bit past Mosquito Brook trailhead for a total of about 16K this afternoon. The skate lane had been freshly groomed to about 2/3 width with one firm classic track set. Woods were beautiful with the new snow and the track was silky smooth, making for a great first ski of the season.

(Darren Blankenship)