1" New snow early this morning; combed and track set the north 9k classic skate trail; deck a bit punchy but setting up firm already, currently 8*f and partly cloudy. South trail and 3k classic groomed yesterday and has 1" powder snow cover to ski in. Average base depth 3 to 4 inches. Bring your good skis. Started at 9am after the snow was over and groomed the 9k rolling hills. Very few twigs or leaves and plenty on snow to work with. I had an issue on crow's hill so a bit bumpy going up, happy new year to all!

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(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

All the trails we skied were very nicely groomed with very good snow coverage. I would say good skis are ok to use! The 6K blue loop (easier loop) was in the process of being groomed as we went out so it was a bit soft, but very good considering it was just groomed. The 3K single track classic was in good condition and newly groomed too. The 9K red trail (advanced trail) was ungroomed, but the groomer said he's planning on grooming it tomorrow. From prior experience this trail is quite fun!

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(Benjamin Bauer)

2"+ fresh powder snow from Sunday; currently 29+F above; South 6k trail now renovated, combed, and track set. 3 K classic only renovated and track set. North 9K trail is covered with the fresh snow and will be groomed tomorrow. Average base remains at 3 to 4 inches; very few twigs or leaves present on surface. Combing on the deck should set up good overnight and track sets are clean and deep, bring your good skis. Started this morning at 20*F above with a fine mist in the air then light snow showers then big snowflakes falling then back to the beginning. Renovating the old base and resetting tracks went better than expected and with the fresh snow it was like being in the Winter Wonderland. Did have some skiers out ahead of me on the South trail but only saw there glide strokes. Happy New Year!

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(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

Air temp 28. Skied at 10 am. Icy with skied in conditions. Enough of a dusting of new snow helps but fast conditions making downhills frankly terrifying. Recommend B skis because conditions are fast on downhills and we did a lot of edging and still had a spectacular wipeout. Skated and then classic'd on 6 k loop in the morning and evening today. Some small debris from winds on parts of trail heavy and other sections clear. Skied out and back on the long loop where it junctions into the 6k-where terrain is more gently rolling and avoided the big downhills. Overcast conditions kept the beautiful hoar frost on the trees all day-gorgeous. Frost on trees is spectacular.

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(Jill Troutner)

Temp 29F, cloudy to mist, ski trails look good for good skis. Enjoyed being in the woods on natural snow.

(Amy Xu)

Trails are in pretty good shape. Classic tracks were good. Skating was pretty good as well. Some crusty spots, but overall quite good given the warm-up last week.

(John Pfund)

Champlin ski team skied at Rainbow Resort trails during its December ski camp. Trails (groomed for classic and skate skiing) look good and skiers had a fun ski camp.

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(Amy Xu)

Renovated, Combed, and track set the South 6K trail and the 3K classic only trail today. Loose granular surface; Average Base Depth is at 3"; deck is rock hard; very few icy spots from thaw/melt: 9* above and cloudy when finished; twigs and leaves are strewn about from high winds last couple days. Bring your good skis. After renovating a couple trips finally put the finishing touches on grooming the trails. Worst thing was picking up the twigs from the crazy winds the past few days. We now have 18K of trails groomed and ready to go and conditions all things considered are good.

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(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

North 9K trail now renovated, combed, and track set. Average base depth 3"; base very firm; surface is loose granular snow with some small snow/ crystal nodules. With high winds there are twigs and leaves here and there on trail surface. Off trails 10 to 6 inches of snow. Previous track sets on South 6K trail renovated out. Not perfect but considering warm up earlier this week trails are good. Bring your good skis. The night grooming of the North trail went better than expected; previous roll pack base renovated and track set good. Track sets in stadium area are a little shallow due to snow loss from this week however on the trails they look good. Grooming plans: Will be grooming the South 6K trail and 3K trail tomorrow.

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(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

All trails double roll packed in last four days; South Trail and 3k Classic are now Tidd Tec combed and Track Set; average base 3" ; Base firming up good; North trail is roll packed for skate skiing; Track set clean and deep. Bring your good skis. Got going late this morning at 5*F above, cloudy skies, NW wind, snow showers in the air and finished at -5*F, clear skies, and wind diminishing. Setting tracks and combing went very well for a first time groom for the season. Very clean and deep track set and with the cold temps I am positive the base will be set hard.

Photos:

(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)