I skate skied the 5K that had just been groomed with a Yellowstone this morning to break up the frozen snow that had thawed yesterday and refroze overnight. The deck was fast and good. It was a little soft is spots, but skied quite well. The classic tracks had been set the day before and were rock solid, icy, and fast with very few melted spots. In the woods where it had not thawed, the snow was beautiful and still unthawed. The groomed trails included: the flatter section of the Vasa Hills, also from the Marshmellow hill to Benji's lake and back and the bowl. The plan is to regroom tonight. So, it should be good skiing on Saturday morning.

(Terry Salmela)

Thanks to the recent major snowstorm, we're pleased to say that the Nordic Center is open and that there are currently 5k of trail groomed for skiing.  Given the softness of the snow and ground, all grooming is being done with snowmobile.  Conditions are soft and uneven--but happy to have a trail.  Note that with warm temperatures, trail conditions will likely degrade in the coming days, so enjoy it while its here!

Photos:

(Jim Conway)

There is currently a 1km loop open. Snow coverage was very good with no bare spots. The skate deck was firm/slightly icy due to cold temps. Classic tracks were set and firm, but had some pine needles and leaves in them in some sections. A good chance to bring the kids out or if you haven't had a chance to get out much this season as you're never too far from the Nordic Center. :).

Photos:

(Jim Conway)

Yesterday the snow farmers and groomers put together a 1K loop of manmade snow around the Nordic Center so they could have the Miniloppet Children's race. It's only 1K, but the snow is fantastic, fast, a little icy.

Photos:

(Phoebe Miron Kroll)

Last week's rain turned the 7K loop to an ice track. Yesterday the Mora snow farmers built a nice 1K loop for the Miniloppet. 42 laps completed this morning for a symbolic Vasa and first day of prep for next year's race.

Photos:

(Jeff Pesta)

We all know how bad this winter has been. The Founder's Classic races were changed because they couldn't set a classic track worthy of a race, so they held a tour for classic and skate skiers with a simultaneous start and a 6K loop that was in good condition for classic and skate skiing. The debris that was on the classic track a few days ago was no longer present. There were a few bare spots, but nothing that was a problem at all. Very enjoyable conditions. Kudos to the snow farmers and groomers for keeping the trails skiable in extremely challenging conditions! Big thanks to the great folks at the Mora Ski Club for putting on a fun event!

(John Helms)

We had a great time in Mora at the Founders Classic Tour. We were carefree on rock skis but you could probably get away with B skis and some care. Some dirt spots and occasional mud balls in the trail, but overall it was super impressive what they've been able to put together in this bleak winter.

Photos:

(Spencer Davis)

The 7 km loop remains open. Snow coverage on the trail is fair to good. With snow melting, there is definitely more sediment in the trail and several small bare spots are emerging. At present, these can be skied around. Due to trail conditions, rock skis are recommended. With the current forecast, it will not be possible to make additional snow or groom.

(Jim Conway)

We currently have a 7 km loop open. Snow coverage on the trail quality is generally good. While there are currently no bare spots, there are stretches with less snow coverage and some sediment and organic matter in the trail. Rock skis or B skis are recommended. With warm weather, it may not be possible to make additional snow or groom. Focus at this time is trying to preserve the trail to support the Vasaloppet ski races. We may need to reduce days/hours or even temporarily close the trail. Note: Thursday the trail is closed to the public 10am - 5pm (major high school ski race); Open to the public at 5pm.

(Jim Conway)

There is a fair amount of debris in the classic tracks, like leaves and sticks. I have skin skis, and it was OK when I was diagonal striding, but when I was double polling, the debris would sometimes cause my ski to stick suddenly. There were some places with dirt patches where you have to avoid the classic tracks. All things considered, I think they have done a good job with the snow they have, and they have made a lot of snow that they were just starting to move onto the trails this afternoon when I left. They have races scheduled for next weekend, and I hope they will be able to have them.

(John Helms)