Vasaloppet volunteers Sunday afternoon groomed about 10km of Vasaloppet ski trails at the Nordic Center. Most areas were reported to be very good to excellent with the exception of a short section of wetland just south of the Vasa Hills on the northeast section due to water issues and several short sections that remain a bit rough due to earlier trip work or have thin snow due to strong winds. Classic tracks are set, but not everywhere. The large pond on the north end is not yet safe for equipment so all trails segments are not at this time totally connected.

Photos:

(Wade Weber, Vasaloppet USA)

The entire Nordic Center trail system was groomed on Saturday afternoon. A short section of trail crossing a wetland just south of the Vasa Hills and the Berm just north of the Nordic Center were not done because of wet conditions and high water. "Enough snow to make a good base for now and snow was wet enough to hold most grass down so just a couple more inches can make a good trail at this point," volunteer groomer Don Olson reported on Saturday.
Grooming is tentatively planned for Sunday afternoon depending on when snow and winds subside. With the amount of snow overnight on Saturday skiing conditions should be good once that grooming is completed.
High water levels in the wetland due north of the Nordic Center has flooded the ski trail just north of the Nordic Center and before entering the woods. Ice thickness is not deemed safe enough for grooming equipment, which has for now cut-off direct access to the rest of trail system. The trails can be accessed heading west of the Nordic Center along the bike trail, but snow there is thin due to high winds blowing most of the snow away. Snowmaking efforts will also resume once cold weather returns.

(Wade Weber, Vasaloppet USA)

Report as of 9pm Wed. night from volunteer Peter Larson: About 1km done right now, working out some equipment issues and swamp water, hoping to have more done tonight. Update: won't get more grooming done until Friday at the earliest. More snow coming, hoping to have it ready to rip by Sunday afternoon! Short .5km loop around Nordic Center has manufactured snow base.

(Wade Weber, Vasaloppet USA)

Vasaloppet volunteers have placed a half K loop of manufactured snow around the Nordic Center. Skate deck deep and very good and classic tracks also excellent.

Photos:

(Wade Weber, Vasaloppet USA)

Snowmaking has fired up at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center!

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)