The 6K saw a lot of use yesterday, so we regroomed the skate deck this morning. Classic track, set yesterday, is well skied-in but remains soft since this snow has not yet transformed. Today we compacted the 9” of fluff on the 8K, and finally did four Ginzu runs to set a Skate deck. It is beautiful, but still soft . The is no classic track on the 8K at this time. Scheduling: The forecast predicts a severe warm-up on Wednesday and Thursday. If this proves true, we will close the trails at noon Wednesday and remain closed on Thursday, to preserve the base for colder weather.

Photos:

(John Graham)

The NWS called it "very unusual conditions" that led to a big dump of snow in Duluth in the last storm. Snowflake got 10 inches I think. The 5 K loop (that is actually almost 6 K) is rolled widely for skating and has a very good classic track. I was striding and extra blue waxed short gave great kick and glide was excellent. A few skaters said it was soft, as expected. There is one wet spot at the bottom of Bee Hollow in the track, that is easily stepped around, the skate lane is fine. I used my good skis, no problem.

Photos:

(Tim Holst)

Mid-winter conditions at Snowflake today. A ton of snow came came down overnight, and groomers had the 5K and Special K trails groomed with a classic track set as of mid-day. Conditions were soft, of course, but smooth and no rocks or roots. Should set up well tonight. Time to break out the good skis!

Photos:

(Peter Coenen)

Actually 9-10” of snow, so it took six runs sled-only before we could get the Ginzus around. The entire 6K is now groomed with a good skate deck and a soft classic track. The snow needs to transform and the track needs a freeze cycle, but it is decent skiing. Debris will be a factor as the winds continue. The 8K is not groomed, but clear of branches and open to folks who want a back-country experience. We plan open the 8k some time tomorrow. Kudos to CSS Nordic who began there workout in 9” of snow, but looked cheerful all morning.

Photos:

(John Graham)

The mixed precip we expected last night turned into 6" of heavy snow. I arrived too early to ski on groomed trails, although the groomers were hard at it. Classic is the way to go today. The new snow over the existing base gives me hope that we will do OK through any warm-up.

(John Jereczek)

5-6 inches of damp and humid snow overnight. Grooming plans: We’ll start grooming the 6K trail shortly. Should be able to set a classic track. The chalet is locked, rentals are not available, so arrive ready to ski. Strong winds forecast as the day goes on.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Arrived at 7pm to a sign saying the trails were closed for the day which was confusing given the encouraging reports from Wednesday. Wish I had known ahead of time via Skinnyski. Who knows...

(Jim Carlen)

Snowflake continues to jump on the early season ski opportunities! We headed out in the late afternoon and got in a couple of laps on the 5k while watching a beautiful sunset. The trail is covered, but there are plenty of rocks poking through, so bring skis you are willing to put a scratch or two in. The coverage is not as good as it was in Oct., but still super fun to be on snow. Only the 5k and Special k are groomed. No classic track, but I was on some wider fish scale skis and had an enjoyable ski while Josie skated.

(Matthew Ryan)

First time at Snowflake since moving from the Cities. Skied with Sam O'Donnell-Hoff. Super fun to get out for a short post-work night ski and enjoy the fresh snow we got last night! Trails were mostly covered with some bare spots, easily avoidable, we used out B skis and had good luck. Looked like it had been freshly rolled recently. Saw a few other skiers out enjoying the trails by headlamp since we lost day light pretty early. Looking forward to a season full of more K here!

Photos:

(Hanna Torvi)

4” of snow last night. So we took the compactor and a Ginzu out the morning and groomed a skate deck on the 6K trail. It is thin cover, but returning skiers called it “good, for the conditions”. Compacted snow is not sufficient to set a classic track. The chalet is locked, so no sign-in required for members. Day-pass skiers, just put you payment in the slot inside the blue Check-in box. With rain forecast on Saturday, we will not be grooming the 8K yet.

Photos:

(John Graham)