The north and south loops were in very good condition. About an inch of powder on top of previously groomed base. It was being groomed as I returned to the trailhead on the two-way trail. Inexplicably the southern loop was softer than the north. I broke through several times on it. It was between 20 degrees and 17 degrees in my estimate and sunny. I used FastWax Blue LF which was slow as was I, still not fully recovered from my cold and maybe feeling my 69 years. Still a fantastic place to ski, I passed two classic skiers, and one returning skater on my way out. Once I reached the north loop, one other skater and I were the only ones who had skied it until he turned off on the Highland Lowland Lake Loop. I then had virgin snow to myself until I reached the south loop that had been skied by classic skiers but not skaters. Unfortunately, my car phone charger was not fully plugged in and my external battery did not have a cable with the right interface with my phone. ( I thought I was uncharacteristically prepared this time. ) So the phone died just as I took it out to take a few pics and I couldn't document my pace. One of the volunteer groomers was in the shed when I got back. I thanked him for the great job they're doing.

(Keith Carlson)

Trails groomed up real nice after the squall. Debris pretty minimal. But I think HR is better for skate skiing—pole plants not the best on the outside and quite a few pole-grabbers hanging over the tracks. But very good skiing overall.

(Ryan Urban)

Skate skied just after lunchtime today. Sun was out so that was really nice. Everything freshly groomed. You're not going to believe this, but that snow is still super cold... and thus it was actually pretty firm, a bit more than I expected. There is a bit more debris than I expected, but it's rather small so anyone would be fine with good skis. I only saw about 3 skate tracks so still plenty of cord while it lasts. FatBike trail is groomed, but nobody has rode it yet. I'm guessing all skiers and bikers are awaiting for the one day only heat wave. Everything should set up great overnight.

(Brady Zwiefelhofer)

Great ski this morning! Trails were cleaned up and groomed nicely after yesterday's wind. Thanks to those who removed all the debris - fantastic conditons!

(Kevin Barnett)

Had an awesome ski today. Skate deck was firm and in great shape. Only complaint was seeing just a few skiers -- get out and enjoy the trails! Only week and a half until Birkie!

(Jeff Kirschling)

Recently groomed to perfection with about three skiers only on it as of about noon Sunday. Late January-like conditions given the cold. A bit soft but that's just because new snow. It's going to set up great when it warms. Very little debris.

Photos:

(Brady Zwiefelhofer)

I could really see the improvement from the previous weekend. Great job, especially on the North and Tram Lake trails. Could use some more snow, maybe later this week we will get some. I enjoyed the sun on Saturday!

(Jim Thomas)

Ski Trail - Lots of work went into the trail today. A crew went out first and shoveled snow on any thin areas. The groomers headed out and groomed the skate lane and set a new track. It's thin, but it's covered. To be safe, I wouldn't use your best skis. Fatbike Trail - I didn't get up there this week but with the cold temps I'm sure there was very little change from last weekend and it should be great. Thank you. Enjoy!

Photos:

(Kevin Roytek)

Coverage was good for the most part, but there was a lot of debris and a few rocks poking up on the tops of most of the hills on Tram, lowland-highland, and dog island. The lack of snow is starting to show.....we definitely need snow.

(Nick Leisz)

Trail was groomed with fresh cord starting Saturday morning. The skate deck seemed to have less debris. It's prime January conditions. Firm but easy to get an edge. I give it a 9.5 out of 10. I think good skis are ok for skate but you will have to easily dodge the occasional stick.

(Brady Zwiefelhofer)