Conditions were significantly better than I expected, especially after the additional 1 - 2" of snow the mound got in the last 24 hours. Very controllable with great kick and glide in the morning, though the snow was starting to get a bit sticky towards the end of my ski. The north/east sides of the mound were in pretty good condition, although there is still the occasional rock sticking out of the snow. So I would still recommend rock skis. Do not try skiing the campground roads. They had plowed the roads after the last big snowfall, so there's only an inch or so on top of the asphalt. I did not try skiing Pleasant Valley, but I noticed a few folks on Strava had given it a shot at some point today. Nothing is groomed yet, but this snow should make an excellent base.

(Kyle Richard)

They say the Mound rarely disappoints and what a treat to find 4-5 inches of dense snow on the trails. No grooming but a decent skied-in track including the flat grassy hill top. Probably best to avoid any downhills with possible rocks or sticks hidden but all in all worth the trip. El Niño has been tough on the Midwest XC scene so grab it where you can.

Photos:

(Mike Ivey)