Skied from Irvington to Menomonie and back. Conditions were excellent; new snow and freshly groomed trails with a firm base.

(Paul Sterk)

Two classic tracks and a middle skating lane were set this morning from Menomonie to Irvington. A classic track was set from Irvington to Downsville and the skating lane groomed. The snow is currently soft with warm and damp conditions. The trail should set up nicely as temperatures drop. A few inches of new snow has covered up the leaves.

(David Gorman)

Trail conditions for classic were variable from fair with tree litter to deep clean pristine track. Add a mix of ice in places. Classic skiers take the B set. Skate skiers are probably okay on the good skis, but bring the B set. The stretch skied was from Menomonie to Irvington, three miles one way. The cleanest track starts above the ice wall and goes almost to Irvington. The track was fast on a cold day where fast was not desired. I did not like what I saw below Irvington so I turned back. The equally fast deck still has a good texture from lack of use. Overall, this was the best trail condition I have seen south of Washburn County this season.

(Jeff Bolte)

Skate lane was groomed from Menomonie to Downsville and is in good condition. Classic track was set from Menomonie to Irvington. There is classic track from Irvington to Downsville, but was not reset today.

(David Gorman)

I skied Menomonie to Downsville late morning. The skate deck was faster from Irvington to Downsville. Menomonie to Irvington was good skiing but a little softer snow. The tracks are set nice and felt fast throughout the trail. Kudos to the groomers for patching up the vehicle tracks south of Irvington! Awesome trail conditions out there!

Photos:

(Matt Molback)

Classic tracks were set and the skating lane groomed from Menomonie to Downsville. The base held up well and the trail received new snow yesterday. Conditions should be quite good, especially after the snow is given a chance to dry out and set up tonight.

(David Gorman)

Snow conditions are good--firm skate deck set on a solid base, with deep/crisp classic tracks. Unfortunately, many people have walked on the skate deck and now there are many frozen footprints to make skating feel a lot like mogul skiing. Occasional debris (sticks and leaves) can be found, but overall solid December skiing.

Photos:

(Noah Weibel)

The Red Cedar State Trail was groomed today from Menomonie to Downsville. Classic tracks and a skating lane were set and groomed. Snow conditions are good. The distance from Menomonie to Downsville is about 7.5 miles.

(David Gorman)

Red Cedar State Trail from Menomonie to Downsville was groomed this morning. A good classic track was set as well as groomed skate lane. There are two classic set tracks with a middle skate lane from Menomonie to Irvington (3 miles), and a single classic track with wide skate lane from Irvington to Downsville (4.5 miles). Plenty of snow with a nice base. The ice wall and Red Cedar River are in fine winter form.

(David Gorman)

I rolled the trail today and it is a little bumpy however we are getting there. We plan to groom Friday morning so that it is ready for the weekend. We apologize for the slow start however in the 8 mile stretch the DNR had to remove over 50 trees with chainsaws in addition to the numerous branches that were down after the storm we had before Thanksgiving.

(Bill Kryshak)