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)

Excellent conditions with some wind this afternoon, causing drifts or light debris in a few spots. We had 1/2" new snow on the trails after they were groomed yesterday. After 1-2" ice/sleet and 1" snow on Christmas Day, 2"+ powder fell Tues/Wed., so there is a very smooth, firm skate deck. The classical track is mostly excellent. It felt fast, so consider going one wax warmer if you like a lot of grip. The 10 km of trails are maintained by Itascatur ski club, all volunteers. Trails are all skate/classic, there is an easy beginner loop (Lilly's), with other trails intermediate to advanced. Sunday afternoon open houses run from 1-4 pm with ski equipment available. MN ski pass required. Be sure to stop here if you are in Park Rapids this weekend!

(Deane Johnson)

Stopped by Soaring Eagle for traditional Christmas ski with the boys. The skate deck had been recently groomed. Level surface, nice spread of corduroy that was snappy and fast. Joyous ski. Scattered forest debris which is expected from the pines. The track looked good other than a few thin coverage areas. Fun tight old school trail system tucked in a diverse forest setting. Always a treat to ski here.

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(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

Excellent conditions for skate and classic skiers. Another 1" new snow yesterday has been skied into a nice soft, smooth surface should be nice through Christmas Eve at least. Ski pass required and the DNR does check on holidays sometimes.

(Deane Johnson)

Very good conditions with a few leafy or scratchy spots. We have 1" new, 8-10" snow depth and packed 3" base. All trails were tracked and groomed yesterday and the week ahead looks beautiful for skiing! Classical track is very good also with 100% coverage most areas.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)

Excellent skate conditions on Lilie's and Eagle trails, (5k) which have been previously rolled and then groomed today with skate lane and a vg classic track. Lake and Troll (6k) have just been rolled so are a little loose -- fair to good. Classic should be set soon. 2" new snow on top of about 6" last week, groomed to about a 3" base. Had a beautiful ski this afternoon, nice to be out again.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)