The grooming report posted in the chalet indicated that most trails had been groomed today including Lake Marie which is one of my favorites. I skate skied Base Loop to Tornado Alley to Survivor to Yukon to C&D and on to Lake Marie. What I found was trails that may have all been groomed today but received 2-3 inches of fresh snow after grooming. Therefore, I was skating through 2-3 inches of fresh snow on top of a firm deck which made for slow going. It appeared to me that classic skiing may have been the better choice for today.

Photos:

(Jim Gantz)

Epic conditions and expert grooming. Conditions could not be better ever (and I've told you a million times I don't exaggerate)! Do yourself a favor; call in sick to work....tell them you are too well to attend. Get to Minocqua before the weekend and the temps plummet. This is a special place.

Photos:

(Matt Hood)

First time skiing Winter Park and I witnessed perfection! Trails were groomed exceptionally, temps were ideal, no wind which left the trees full of frosting from mid-week. Skated nearly all segments the past two days and saw conditions similar to the photos. Such a special place, make the trip if you are able!

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(John Butter)

Mighty nice little tootle around Lake Marie. Classic tracks, firm. Skate deck, stiff corduroy. Beauty, A+. Lots of snow laden trees as the gliding was swift and easy. Took Island Hop on the way back home and swamp did not disappoint. Rime frosted spruce and tamarack and the largest view in the park seemed mystical and ephemeral with gray sky and fog adding to the atmosphere. Fast tracks made double poling a breeze.

(Ken Schoville)

Skated Base Loop, Tornado, (distal) Survivor, XC Express, (proximal) Steeplechase, Mellow Meadow and Silver Strider. The place is in great shape: firm skate deck with considerable residual corduroy, full coverage, no debris, tracks looked excellent.

(Gene Musser)

Arrived at 3:30 pm and tried to get as much in before sunset! First time here, and loved it! Perfect conditions on all trails that I hit, especially liked the base loop but wish it was lit Friday night. Check before you go - I didn't see that it was closing and had hoped to stay longer under the lights.

Photos:

(Jill Werner)

Three pieces of equipment are out on the trails packing in and grooming up all this fresh snow! We measured about 7" of fresh snow this morning! Trails are open, but expect soft conditions today. The classic skis might be a better choice today. The Pisten Bully is running around setting tracks and fresh corduroy, but there will be fresh snow on them as it continues to snow throughout the day today. Grooming plans: Grooming will continue through the night! Enjoy the snow!

Photos:

(Erin Blow)

Winter Park survived the rain and warm temps recently in great condition. They groomed up the closer in trails this morning, turning the hard pan into a very fast and fun track.

(Kirby Schuller)

Due to the rain/freezing rain currently falling, we will be closing the park today. Safety is our number one priority and this weather will make traveling to the park hazardous. Trails can be easily damaged with these wet, soft, and warm conditions. Groomers will head back onto the trails as soon as the snow dries out and temperatures drop back below freezing. We have a good trail base though, so hopefully this weather won't affect the trails in the long term.

(Erin Blow)

Conditions were fantastic at Winter Park today! Skate deck was hard and fast with great edge control. Damn near perfect.

(Kirby Schuller)