What a great day of grooming. The storm brought us 20-22 inches of heavy, base building snow! We had a full crew today out grooming/packing and prepping trails. Even with the extensive trail brushing done this summer by staff and volunteers, we had considerable clearing to do. Many 5 inch birch trees from 15 feet off the trail bent over with the heavy snow. It was slow going but we packed in 15 km of trails, mostly the combi trails on old ABR: Blueberry, Cherry, River, Popple, Hilltop. Grooming plans: We plan to have a full crew again in the morning on Thanksgiving working to repack, drag and hopefully trackset for skiing at 9 AM. Skating may be a bit soft but I think that is obvious given the heavy snow amount. I am hoping to bring out one of the Pisten Bullies either tomorrow or Friday morning depending on how things freeze down. We plan to open more trails as the volunteers and staff cut bent over trees and we can groom them. Happy Thanksgiving, see you tomorrow 9-4.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

We had a great opener today. Skiers from the Twin Cities, Hayward, Duluth and Minocqua along with our local crowd. Lots of smiling faces. The new early season loop proved to be the key to getting us open on 5 inches of fluff on unfrozen ground. However the early season loop can not overcome mother natures warm temps. We are closing today and will reopen as soon as we get some colder temps and another couple inches.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Shockingly good skiing at ABR today. I was surprised how smooth trails were given limited snow depth. There were of course some rocks and debris to dodge with the early season conditions.

Photos:

(Sue Schroeder)

ABR's new Low Snow Loop came through with great skiing on only 5 inches. Blueberry, Cherry and upper Pelto especially good. I used my good skis, but would recommend B or rocks to be safe.

(Will Andresen)

What an exciting start to the ski season -- Red skies in the morning...brought snow Sunday. Trails packed Sunday and then again today. Pig Heart, Snow Cross, and Crasher roller groomed 8 km of trails including most of the new Early Snow Loop (ESL) and a piece of River and Memory and Blueberry return. The ESL loop groomed up extremely well with one small wet spot on Blueberry. The River Trail from the ponds to Popple groomed up well as with the new surface. The snowmobile skis did not bring up any rocks or gravel. We do have early season skiing, I always suggest rock skis until you ski the 8 km loop and decide. Matthew, the new Foundation Operations manager, has decided to open Tuesday for skiing!

Photos:

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)