Skated at the OO trailhead today. Seeley received about 1" of snow on Friday night so there was a fresh layer of snow on top of Wednesday's groomed paths. Trail still needs to be skied in but happy to have trails to ski!

(Matthew Skoglund)

I skied the trails at the Birkie start and also out on the Birkie trail to the Northend trails (which were not groomed). The course was freshly rolled, and classic tracks were set for much of it. Surprisingly the natural snow seems to ski better than the manufactured stuff, There is pretty good coverage, but the base is rather thin, and branches occasionally stick out of the snow. I both skated and strode with quite acceptable results. Amazing for December 1! It's also fun to see the improvements happening at the Great Hall and on the former lodge footprint.

(Jim Mohr)

Skied Hatchery to the 17k. Trail is groomed to Hatchery, not beyond. Pretty soft in spots, but very nice skiing for Dec 1. Beware of rocks disguised as leaves, as there is variable coverage. Thank you groomers for giving us a great opportunity for early season skiing!

(Sarah Hamilton)

Skied the the lit loop at OO and the classic trail north of OO. The groomer had just gone north so corduroy was nice and surprisingly firm. The skate trail was groomed but softer. Grass and some debris on trail from winds yesterday.

(Karen Possley)

I had a chance to skate the lighted loops at HWY OO in Seeley Wednesday night. The area received about 8 inches of new snow and the trails had been recently groomed for skating. There was not a classic track set yet, but in some areas, skiers had skied one in. The base was relatively firm with a few soft spots. I used my B skis and it was fine.

Photos:

(David Martin)

The crew had the Pistenbully's out last night and groomed the entire Birkie Skate trail after around 7-9" of snow Tuesday. They did not set a classic track yet. The ski was wonderful this morning. See the complete map of grooming on our site.

Photos:

(Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner)

Great conditions on the man made snow for the Turkey Birkie at the Birkie trailhead in Cable WI. The B ski rating feels a bit conservative but I would not call it risk free. It was hard to quit: really nice quick snow and several km including the start line stretch, back in the woods, the stadium climb and s curve and two way out to the new groomer shed. Saw a lot of smiles out there.

(Per Nelson)

Currently we have approx. 2km of trail covered with machine made snow at Birkie Trailhead. It is spread on the thin side (approx. 6") but gets us a few loop options (some hills, some easier terrain, etc). No classic tracks set yet - will explore that option today. There is an additional 5ish KM of natural groomed trails on the Birkie Skate/Classic trails as you head out to the powerlines (see map). That is thin, but still has good coverage. Not perfect skiing, but super to be out before Thanksgiving! Get out and enjoy!

(Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner)

We test groomed a little loop up at Birkie Trailhead - out the Birkie Skate trail to the Powerlines and back in on the Birkie Classic trail - approx 4km.  It is OK - lumps, little debris, no tracks obviously... but welcome to try it.  If you do ski there, PLEASE do not go near the snowmaking operations.  You can purchase your trail pass online - or using a QR code from the trailhead.

Photos:

(Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner)

Ungroomed but classic skiing from Hwy 00 going south was fun. I hit just a few rocks on a 10km ski, but it was pretty nice. We have received about 5" of snow during the past week. Keep in mind the 9 day WI deer rifle season opens Nov 19th (Saturday) so wear orange if you are out skiing.

(David Nelson)