Trails are surprisingly in good shape for spring skiing this week. There are spots that are fairly heavily laden with wind-blown debris; this is especially true of the southwest corner of Eagle Trail which is also a bit icy. Other areas are fairly good and if you catch the temperature as it's going up to the mid 30s it should be somewhere between icy and mushy and you should have a good time.

(Deane Johnson)

Surprisingly excellent conditions (90%) to icy and wind blown debris (10%) after today's grooming. Classic tracks were set, still klister conditions there. You know the times are a'Changin' when a cold front with a 30mph NW wind brings the highs down to the lower 30s. Lots of needles, cones and branches in spots.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)

After two warm days and a spritz of freezing mist last night, it's a little scratchy out there. Trails were groomed and tracks set last week, and it still looks good, had a good crowd for today's open house. There is still about 10" snow depth and 6" packed base to work with, and there is plenty of snow in sheltered areas. There is an icy glaze, especially noticeable on sunny hills. Looks like this will be a week of spring conditions, best mid-day when things soften up. Don't leave your brakes behind if you are planning on taking the hills. Still, today was a beautiful day to ski -- faster and funner than ever and with a nearly full snow moon tonight.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)

The trails were excellent three to four inches of new snow was well-groomed into a nice firm deck. The warming house was inviting and we had a great day skiing and chatting with fellow skiers.

(Jeffrey Quam)

Soaring Eagle looks beautiful for the weekend ahead, with excellent conditions and grooming this week. We had 3" new snow Monday into Tuesday, which covered up the icy base nicely. Skate lane is now smooth, with a good snow cover over the firm base beneath. Classic tracks are good.

(Deane Johnson)

Conditions remain fairly good for skating after the grooming earlier in the week. The trails are smooth, but crusty, hard, and very fast. They are fine for good skis, except for a bit of debris and iciness on the south side of Eagle. Classic tracks are good but firm, probably klister if you're waxing. If you plan on falling a lot, you might want to grab some hockey breezers. Open house continues, Sundays from 1-4. Hoping for some snow in the next few days.

(Deane Johnson)

Snow coverage is staying solid for Soaring Eagle Trails! Groomer had gone over the skate lanes yesterday late afternoon and trails had a firm skate deck at 26 degrees! Classic tracks holding up well yet a bit iced over.

(Anne Ellefson)

Good conditions, with a fast skate trail throughout, and good-looking classic tracks as well. The area was skied heavily over the weekend, and there is a little windblown debris, mostly needles and twigs, here and there. Most people would use good skis, but if you're particular, B skis. We still have a good base and snow depth, which should stand up to the mixed precip on the way, but still have highs in the 30s which will set up a glaze on the tracks.

(Deane Johnson)

All trails were in excellent condition when we arrived, but the Eagle trail was getting heavy use while we were there. The club that maintains the system was holding an open house, with free use of their ski collection, so a lot of beginners were out, which is a good thing. Troll and Lake were pristine, beautiful and a lot of fun! If you just want scenery and solitude, go to Itasca State Park. If you want to ski hard and get a good workout, go to Soaring Eagle, and you'll get some beautiful scenery too! Thanks to the ski club that does such a good job maintaining this trail system! (Thanks for the clementine too!).

(Lois Braun)

Conditions: Pristine, after a beautiful grooming job by Mike today after the new snowfall. We had 4" new snow this morning, and have about 14" snow depth and 6"+ packed base. Tracks are all set, and the skiing is amazing, both for classic and freestyle. It was cold, but mostly sheltered from the NW wind today. Temps will remain low for a few days, but the chalet is warm. Open house this Sunday from 1-4 was well-attended despite the cold, and will continue weekly. This weekend looks more promising.

(Deane Johnson)