Skating technique done on Birches. There was a lot of ski traffic since the last grooming episode. Slight amount of debris on the deck with some crowning but the deck was well compacted. No classic tracks were set. Coverage is adequate although it is thin on the uphills of Per's Loop. Overall, the Birch skate lanes were adequate but would benefit from another snowfall. Note that the ski lodge is closed through the weekend but the restrooms are open.

(Jules Blank)

I skied from the main lodge around Maples technical section, skipping Per's loop. Honestly I could have used my race skis, very nice. There is a layer of soft snow on top of the icy layer that makes the skis glide straight but there is still glide to be had. Even the previously very bad area near the sand pit where Birches rejoins was ok, I saw no dirt or rocks there. It is however as the official grooming report says, very thin coverage. Thankfully that thin covering mostly includes solid ice.

(Philip Nelson, Bay Nordic)

The skate deck is in really nice shape. The groomers have done a great job and the cold weather has helped it to set up firm.

Photos:

(Scott Steeno)

Kudos to the grooming team for creating good-to-very good conditions for freestylers at The RFC! I skated the Oaks and Maples, including PERS loop, and enjoyed full coverage. There are no classic tracks, but skaters will be pleasantly surprised. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Skating technique done on Maples and Birches. There is close to 100% coverage although thin under the pine trees of Birches and on the uphills of Per's loop. The biathlon loop was only partially groomed. The skate deck was well compacted, level and had no debris. No classic tracks were seen. Conditions were better than expected. The ski lodge will not be open over the New Year's weekend.

(Jules Blank)

Mid-morning ski of the The Oaks and Birches under a light overcast sky in 37F degrees. There is a solid ice-snow base of 4-5” with full coverage. Plenty of wind debris in the Pine forested areas. Worth skiing, let’s hope we can hang on to it! Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)