Trails were groomed yesterday after the recent snowfall (finally some accumulating snow!). Today they were soft, having about an inch plus of cold (!) dry powder over a somewhat firm base. A bit of drifting in some spots. I skied a very limited portion of the system in hopes that the unused trails will set up for tomorrow. Back to B skis, but where the snow had previously disappeared there is a possibility of a rock, stone, or branch poking through. If you are familiar with the trails you will know where. No classical tracks.

(Keith Brugger)

First ski this morning after Wednesday's heat gun. Still some sections to be skied, and some of these skied fine. The puzzle is how to link these together. Based on what I skied today, here's what I can report: sections that have snow are often crusted and icy; bare trail sections (absolutely no snow) include the "saddle," the bottom of the lower shortcut, the middle of the upper shortcut, the main trail after the junction with the lower cutoff and headed toward Deep Woods, and the field leaving the parking lot - I walked the 100 m into the woods. The main trail along Cranberry Lake heading toward the Pines is not long for this world. Very thin in many places with rocks and branches poking through, so rock skis are recommended. You really gotta want to ski under these conditions.

(Keith Brugger)

We skied this morning in order to avoid the forecast highs for today. Skate deck was firm, but no ice. Some nice sugar in the shaded stretches. As we finished (11:30), the snow on the sun-exposed hills was becoming slower due to melt.

(Keith Brugger)

Not much new to add to previous report. Trails holding up well and remain firm. Bare spots haven't enlarged significantly, and virtually all can still be skied around/thru. With the warmer temperatures today the snow had some moisture and was reasonably fast.

(Keith Brugger)

Trails were groomed recently and remain in pretty good shape. Skate deck firm. No classical tracks. A few bare spots that can be skied around, or otherwise avoided. Surprisingly good skiing today.

(Keith Brugger)

Another dusting notwithstanding, trail conditions are virtually the same as Monday's report. Virtually all trails groomed. B- to rock skis. Finland and Deep Woods are groomed but haven't been skied as of 4 pm this afternoon.

(Keith Brugger)

Surprisingly there was enough snowfall to groom the trails. One-to-two inches of packed powder over hard base left over from weeks past. The packed powder is semi-firm to soft. Snow cover is thin where bare spots existed prior to the recent snow; icy underneath in a few other places. Definitely skiable with some stretches pretty nice all things considered. No issues other than the cold, slower snow. B-skis if you pay attention, otherwise use rock skis. Virtually all of the trials were groomed.

(Keith Brugger)

Mixed bag of conditions. Some sections remain in decent condition and skied reasonable well; others not so much. Many barely passable thin areas with rocks, branches, grass, and/or leaves. One can connect the better sections by gingerly going thru the bad. Lost quite a bit of snow since yesterday's ski. This morning there were still some crusted/icy patches. Downgraded to rock skis but a B pair can still be used if you're ever vigilant. To be cliche, it is what it is.

(Keith Brugger)

On Thursday we skied much of the trail system not skied on Wednesday and report that the hill coming down to Isaac Lake on Finland is dangerous. Use caution. Also noted that the "cancer" spots were developing and/or enlarging. This morning, we found the conditions deteriorating in spots but still some decent skiing to be had. At the end of our ski (11:30) the snow was becoming wet and slower. B skis if you keep alert. The entrance to the trails from the parking lot is dicey, but ok once entering the woods.

(Keith Brugger)

Being a life-long pessimist and skeptical scientist, I met a friend at the trailhead this afternoon expecting to immediately head home. What a pleasant surprise! Despite the paucity of snowfall here the trails were open and groomed. Maybe 1-2" of a firm, crusted base with 1/2 inch of powder over top - enough for fresh corduroy. A thinner and/or bare spots but nothing to worry about. B skis recommended due to the occasional stealthy stone, sneaky sand patch, or threatening buried twig. No classical tracks. All-in-all very skiable, and overall good skating. We skied most of the main trail and the shortcuts, preferring to leave other sections to firm up for tomorrows skiing.

(Keith Brugger)