Skiing Tuesday late afternoon was extremely fast after a late morning grooming. The warm weather Sunday and Monday caused a few dirty spots along the trail and a handful of icy spots remain. I was using my best skis and it was easy to avoid the few spots that might cause a problem so that is why I selected Good Skis, but someone else may view this differently. Overall, the skating lane is in good shape although the high winds have knocked down pine needles and small tree debris. This, however, did not affect skate skiing. The strong winds also left a considerable amount of leaves and debris in the classic tracks. Snowmaking operations started again Tuesday evening as temperatures fall into the single digits overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday morning. Snowmaking will continue as long as temperature remain cold and will provide the snow for Vasaloppet "Snow Farmers" to haul the snow and build the 18km course for the Vasaloppet weekend.

(Wade Weber, Vasaloppet USA)

The volunteers have been doing a great job of making and spreading manufactured snow--particularly in the last couple of days. There are now about 5K of groomed trails for both skate and classic. Snow coverage in these open sections was excellent and despite temps in the upper 30's, conditions were fast and not slushy. In some short stretches, there were a few oak leaves or pine needles, but not to the extent they impacted glide.
They are hosting a "First Chance" race Saturday morning. Conditions should be really good for the event. If you're looking for a change of pace from other places in the Cities, give it a shot. It's only a little over an hour north of the northern suburbs.

(Jim Conway)

Made the drive up from the Cities to ski on the beautiful trails in Mora. They received three inches of new snow on the 31st and today it lightly snowed the entire time I skied. Snow farmers were working on spreading snow. Most of the trails are open with good skiing conditions. I used my best skis and just worked around the few dirt areas. So impressed with the Mora community and how the volunteers make it a great venue. Thanks to the volunteers!

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(Jim Williams)

The Vasaloppet Center had just received a nice snow fall. We arrived to find the groomers had already gone out and groomed the trails to perfection. Fresh tracks and surprisingly firm skate deck. Used good skis and had a blast skiing on natural snow. Very nice conditions. It was great to see all the kids out skiing on New Year's eve.

(Ray Johnston)

3km of the 14km total. The lighted trail, with an additional 1km of new hills, have been fully groomed and are ready with full classic tracks set along the entire Groomed section. Additional trails have been skied upon but not fully groomed and will be Snow Farmed as the snow pile is builds over the next few days in preparation for the First Chance Race and Expo on January 5th.

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(Jon Larson)

A bit icy conditions today; groomer/ice crusher came through while I was there, and made some nice corduroy. Pleasant day, they are doing a great job of putting together the trail network, especially considering the warmer weather from last week.

(Phil Nicolas)

Trail conditions are improving. We currently have 2+ KM of hard packed trail with more then 5" of base. Classic Tracks are set on most of the trail. We will be adding more snow first thing in the morning and as conditions permit.

Photos:

(Jon Larson)

The Vasaloppet Nordic Center now has 1.8km of trails open all with manufactured snow. A short 250 meter loop around the Nordic is tracked for classic skiing and is excellent skiing. Remaining loop to Bowl is in good condition, but a little dirty in spots. Very fast.

(Wade Weber, Vasaloppet USA)