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)

Numerous big trees are down on the Red Cedar State Trail and the DNR hopes to have them cleared by the weekend. Once the work is done we will update the conditions.

(Bill Kryshak)