Trails are holding up extremely well, especially in the woods. Expect fun, fast, spring skiing conditions. With a little anticipation it is still possible to use your good skis and really enjoy skiing in the Erhard Hills.

(Knut Ronnevik)

Spent one day of our annual MLK weekend ski camp at Spidahl. Snow was coming down pretty hard which made things a little slow and soft, but generally great conditions. Dave and Cindy were wonderful hosts as always! They've cut a new skate trail that branches off of Speedy adding an extra 2.5k of dips and curves in the woods. All of the trails were in great condition, so great time to get out despite the cold! We skated Emma's, Speedy (2X including the new Loop), and Chick's Bop!

(Bill McKinney)

Minnesota is rich in unique nordic ski areas that surprise you in many so many ways. Korkki has a world class classic single track, Snowflake has an incredible community of skiers, Hidden Valley is living proof of the power of a group of people to make great things happen. Spidahl Ski Gaard is a step back in time. When you enter the ski chalet, located in the basement of the Spidahl's home, you feel the warmth of the wood stove, you see evidence of the tradition of making maple syrup and honey, displays of interesting kick waxes, and the welcome smile and greetings from Cindy and Dave. Talk skiing, grooming, maple syrup and waxes with Dave. Look at history book of Fergus Falls area skiing written by Dave's dad, Walt. Now you are waxed and ready to explore the trails...maybe if you are as lucky as I was, Dave will take you and your skiing partner on a tour of the sprint course he wants to use in an upcoming race and on to Liz's Loop, named after his mom. What are the conditions like? They will be the best that they can be based on the available snow. What was that like on Sunday? Soft, light snow, not enough for a set classic track, a bit of grass sticking through here and there...but what did that matter? The skiing was good, the conversation meaningful and trails were laid out with care. The sun was setting as we drove out of the parking lot and turned towards Fergus Falls. As I looked back at the Ski Gaard I was glad that I had purchased a season pass...I might not make it back this year, but I want to do my part to make sure that Spidal's Ski Gaard is there when I return next Christmas.

Photos:

(Dave Johnson)