Put in two hours skating at the Nordic center. Well worth it, even with only 1k course for now. Looks to be a foot of base. The 1k loop is all you need to brush up on all technique variations with two good climbs with turns and downhill to get comfortable with.

(Jim Linstedt)

Perfect tracks. Perfect deck. Strided the 1K loop under a bright blue sky in 29 degrees with strong winds that both punished and rewarded the skier. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Excellent skiing this morning at the ANC! Freshly groomed earlier in the day, 3/4 depth tracks alongside a flat and firm skate deck throughout the 1K loop. Ten snow cannons blazing away made it look and feel like winter! Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Boilerplate conditions this afternoon, but a good inch or so of corn snow on top made it safe on the downhills and uphills weren't too bad either. Even though the wind was cold, I think it helped to keep the melting down. Skated, so I didn't use tracks, but saw a couple classic skiers out who seemed to be doing well.

(Mark Ehlers)

Those of us who braved the elements (36 degrees at 9 am under a crisp blue sky with light winds) were rewarded with fresh tracks and a beautiful skate deck. Terrific skiing for both striders and skaters alike. Note: The ANC plans to close on Friday and Saturday to wait out the warm up. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Continued excellent skiing on the 1K loop in 34 degree weather, under a cloudy sky on an almost-no-wind morning. Excellent pole plant far both classic and skate. Carpe Skiem!

(Bob Warpinski)

Firm, fast and fun under a blue sky in 28 degrees this morning at The ANC. Tracks were 3/4 depth with a slight glaze from the overnight, in other words "perfect". Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Opening day at The ANC! Terrific skating and striding conditions on a rigorous 1K loop that sits atop a 1.5-3' glacial ribbon of man made snow. The Nordic skiing masses would like to thank the Ariens Company for this gift! Carpe Skiem.

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)