New track set today, so much better for classic - no more ice in the tracks, just old snow, but of course it got windy so some oak leaves in the tracks already. Skate deck was softer than yesterday, but still fast. Some nice cord, but some chunkiness too, but it looked worse than it skied.

(Owen Baird)

Groomers have been getting out most days keeping the skate deck groomed so it is mostly firm and fast old snow with a few areas a little icy or hardpacked. Classic tracks were last set several days ago so they are fair to poor - glazed with areas of collected oak leaves.

(Owen Baird)

Skied late afternoon on Monday and Wednesday and the Arb has solid tracks and plenty of snow. The track on both those days was the best I've seen it all year there - thanks groomers!

(Dan Fundingsland)

Skate deck groomed today after a dusting yesterday afternoon-evening. Classic track last set several days ago so some new powder in it, mostly skied-in where I saw it. There is about 13 inches of snow in the woods, and about 7 to 8 inches on the trails. Surface is dry fine-grained powder from several recent dustings, and the rest is old sugary snow. With moderating temperatures and good snow, conditions are looking excellent for the Lumberjack Jaunt on Sunday.

(Owen Baird)

Trails are hard, but not icy, old snow with about a half-inch of new snow blowing around on top. Good solid classic track was collecting the new snow, but folks were skiing it in, and the new snow was covering the collected leaves well. Note: A small high school race is scheduled Saturday from 10:00 to 1:00.

(Owen Baird)

Plenty of snow well packed and groomed. Very good way finding/signage. Beautiful day and scenery. We skied the Northland trail. No fee required but donations accepted. [ Note: Minnesota Ski Pass is required for 16 yrs and older -- Ed. ]

(Joanne Reinhart)

Good skating conditions today. The trails are well-maintained and fun. This season the snow is much better than the last few seasons.

Photos:

(Steve Fisher)

Skate deck groomed today after a little dusting of new snow. Older classic track still good, but slower than the skate lane with the new snow in the tracks, but the dusting helped mitigate the oak leaves that have collected in some sections of track. Groomer plans to hit the skate deck again Saturday morning.

(Owen Baird)

Plenty of snow. The trails were recently groomed for skate. Older machine set classic tracks had about 2" of new snow over the top. So some of the tracks were skied in, some not, and some were partially groomed over with the skate track grooming. Still, good skiing and beautiful scenery.

Photos:

(Jay Wenner)

Conditions are great at the Arb. Great track. Very nice skating. It was colder (4°F) than the day before and my skis were waxed for warmer weather, so my glide wasn't great. But the trail grooming and the Arb are the best.

Photos:

(Steve Fisher)