It was a lovely day at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center with balmy temperatures between 10 and 20 and mostly blue skies. I did the 17 K loop three times and had it nearly to myself on the first lap. On the second lap I was passed by throngs of hot shots, five or seven of them at a time, in lines as if drafting each other. It seems there was a race or something going on. Then they were gone and I had the trail nearly to myself again for the third lap. Overall, it was a very enjoyable ski. The skate deck was mostly firm and smooth, with only a little sugar on the up-hills after the racers went through. Classic tracks looked great too! Best of all, at various points around the loop there were friendly people offering me blueberry drink and telling me that I looked good. Thanks to the wonderful people of Mora for their first-rate hospitality!

(Lois Braun)

Classic skied all the trails from the Nordic Center. It seemed it was mostly all natural snow. One classic track set was pretty solid but shallow in most places. Some thin spots and tree debris but overall was a great ski. Temps were below freezing until about 1pm, about 37 degrees when we left at 3pm and snow was starting to get soft.

(Tim Nelson)

Skated laps on the Vasa Hills and Lake loops. Good trail coverage generally throughout, but did spot occasional thin spots. The skate deck is firm and varies from scraped-down hard pack (skis slipped on push and directional ski stability was somewhat compromised) to a couple inches of loose snow (reduced glide). There is also some equipment damage here and there, as the groomers are moving snow onto the trails, but is relatively easy to avoid. Very few skiers out, so it was pretty easy to use the full trail width to minimize time on the hardpack and in the loose snow, making for very nice skiing.

(David Sonnenberg)

Skied the full 13k system under overcast skies and 27F temperatures. The trails are in excellent condition with full coverage and no thin or icy spots. The skate deck remains firm and fast. The classic tracks are all set and free from debris. The trail overall seems very well prepared for the Vasaloppet!

(Derek Johnstone)

The full trail was groomed last night in preparation for this morning's Moraloppet race. Conditions as of this afternoon remained excellent with a firm skate deck and well set classic tracks throughout. Temps were near 20 degrees and bright sun made for a delightful ski. The snow base on the 13km of trails remains very good for Vasaloppet 2026 next weekend.

(Jim Conway)

The snow base on the 13km of trails remains very good, supplemented by a fresh inch of powder a couple days ago. Key parts of the trails were groomed with a Yellowstone groomer two days ago. In some exposed sections windblown snow has partially filled in classic tracks or accumulated on the skate deck. The Snow Farmers continue their work--despite the frigid temps--to prepare the course for Vasaloppet 2026 weekend Get out and enjoy the trails! The Nordic Center is open 8am to 9pm daily.

(Jim Conway)

There is about 3.5K of excellent skiing, thanks to the snowfarmers and groomers! Everything else is pretty icy. I skied several loops this morning, some tree debris but otherwise the skate deck is great and there are classic tracks set. There is a HS meet Saturday morning so the trail will be closed for the races.

(Phoebe Miron Kroll)

At present, trails are relatively icy.  Despite warm temps a few days ago, the snow base on the 13km of trails remains good.  Grooming plans: Snow Farmers expect to spread and groom over the next two days.  There are a few, relatively short sections in the woods where leaves, pine needles, and other organic debris are pretty evident. Get out and enjoy the trails!  The Nordic Center is open 8am to 9pm daily. Note: there is a large High School Relay meet at the Nordic Center this Saturday, January 17. Trails will be closed to the public from 9:30am-2pm Saturday.

(Jim Conway)

Skied 11 am to 3 pm. All trails have solid tracks and a wide-open skate deck. Saw just tiny amounts of bare spots, easy to ski around. There are plenty of leaves caught in classic tracks on 20% of the tracks. First time there, I would go back. I had fun skiing there, with short, sharp hills, some tight turns, a fun lake crossing, a very welcoming group, and an amazing building. There are some evening/lighted trails.

Photos:

(Phillip Wadsworth)

Fast, fun, and hard packed conditions on Sunday morning for the skijor race. One-eyed Wonder and I covered 10km of the trails and coverage was quite good. There were leaves on the trail, and a few sections with ground cover poking through, but nothing that couldn't be avoided. There were classic tracks here and there, but not everywhere. Excellent conditions considering the recent weather history.

(Mike Schowalter)