"World Class Tracks" was the comment I heard today that made me and the grooming crew feel good. We had both Pisten Bullies out this morning grooming all the combis including opening Peltonen Pass and Popple Climb while Wide Track put the finishing touches on brushing as he groomed the famous single track. So in total we have about 57 km open and groomed and in excellent condition -- mid winter conditions. Grooming in the early morning with a full moon on one horizon and a beautiful sunrise on the other horizon was spectacular. Snow hanging on the "Christmas Trees" was also spectacular. With almost 40 inches of snowfall this is a great start to winter.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Beautiful afternoon classic ski at ABR trails. Snow laden trees were absolutely beautiful! Two inches of ungroomed new snow on trails from morning snowfall. Tracks were solid and firm. At least 12 inch base of snow. Some of classic only trails are not open due to down branches (check before you ski).

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(Ron Fabrizius)

We have 41 km of combination trails Pisten bully powertilled and track set including the Highlands. The main trails 27 k are pretty firm and have nice tracks. The exit of highlands, blueberry/bards south, deer trail, and dog trails are Pisten bully groomed but are softer than the main trails (to be expected after 39 inches of snow in 4 days).

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(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Couldn't ask a for any better. Beautifully groomed, snow drenched trees, deep snow...on November 30? Don't know about the rest of the season, but today was a good one.

(Ken Schoville)

Fantastic skiing, with plenty of snow and more snow coming down! They are working their tails off to open it all, there's plenty of snow, but they just need to clear off the branches to get it all open.

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(Will Andresen)

Excellent conditions and, after only coming to ABR the last 2 years on the day of SISU, probably the best conditions I've skied on there. Did all the open trails skate with great conditions overall except for a bit of ice/water on Sulo.

(Benjamin Fuller)

Another 1 inch or so last night, so we had the full groomer crew out again this morning. I was in the bigger Pisten Bully out powertilling and setting track on 20 k, and then ventured into the Highlands. I made two passes behind the snowmobile packers and brush/blown down cutting crew. The Highlands look like they will be opened tomorrow. We have it pretty well ready to the new Blueberry bypass as of noon today. There are a few slush spots on the Saari loop portion that can be by passed. Grooming plans for early morning, we plan to groom with the Pisten Bully the 20 km, and work on the Highlands with a full crew. We plan to open the Highlands Sunday using the Blueberry connector as the exit until Monday. Skiers were very happy today with conditions. I did get some calls and I bumped into three skiers who volunteered to help clip brush on the open trails as they skied. The Foundation is looking for volunteers to snowshoe and trim brush with loppers on the Hemlock, Jack Pine/White Pine so we can start packing and grooming the famous classic only trails. See or contact Matthew, the new manager in the chalet or via the website. He has loppers and snowshoes available and maybe some swag.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Midwinter ski conditions in November! Deep tracks, firm level skate deck and stunning scenery. It doesn't get much better than this. Sulo's loop is still wet and there is a lot of km not groomed yet, but it takes a lot time to deal with 3 feet of snow! More than enough km for a 1st or 2nd time out.

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(Eric Koch)

Excellent skate skiing, mid season conditions, firm considering amount of snow. Skied around 15 K. Track looked good. Grooming was over the top good.

(Andy Kang)

Woke up to 2 inches of new snow at 4 AM. Full groomer crew on this morning. We spent an 8 hour shift getting existing trails regroomed and opening more. I was in the bigger Pisten Bully out powertilling and setting track on 20 k, that mostly has had up to 6 multiple passes and is in midwinter condition except Sulos and Memory have only had 2 PB rounds and are a bit soft. A large portion of the groom time today was spent getting the Highlands open. Lots of trees down and bent over so it is slow going. I got in the PB and packed a few of the steep hills on the Highlands. Grooming plans for early Saturday morning: We plan to groom with the Pisten Bully the 20 km, and work on the Highlands with a full crew. We hope to open the Highlands Sunday. The Foundation is looking for volunteers to snowshoe and trim brush with loppers on the Hemlock, Jack Pine/White Pine so we can start packing and grooming the famous classic only trails. See or contact Matthew, the new manager in the chalet or via the website. He has loppers and snowshoes available and maybe some SWAG.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)