These trails have an "Out West" feel, with their long climbs and descents and distant views. Joanie and I strided Loop C on the Valkyrie Trails and Loops A and B on the Teuton Trails. There was about 2 inches of powder on the trail, but it was easy to ski in the existing track and still have solid pole plants and an enjoyable ski. It was nice to have some loose snow on some of the bigger hills. The skate lane on the Teuton Trails would be challenging with the new snow cover. Thanks to Connie and the volunteers for maintaining these very special trails that we have enjoyed skiing for many years.

Photos:

(Darren Blankenship)

Skied the B loop of the Valkyrie trails. The base was firm and the track was set very well set. Trail conditions were very good. Thank you to the groomers for a great job. I'd say the new equipment worked just fine.

Photos:

(Ron Kendziera)

Another inch or two of snow feel overnight. Today we got all of Valkyrie tracked. We were trying out new equipment so you might notice some interesting tracks. The snow set up nice.

(Connie Rasmussen)

Cloudy and a light snow coming down. Wrapping up for today. Teuton side is completely groomed. And took the drag on Valkyrie.

(Connie Rasmussen)

Classic skied the C loop on the Valkyrie side after work today. Nobody had gone since the last snow, so I made a social track, if that helps encourage you to get out there, as that might make it slightly easier. A couple other people have left tracks on the A and B loops. The last snow completely buried the grooming, and the ridge (~3mi in) has deep windblown snow. It's quite slow going; I needed 50% more time than usual. But, if you've got time, a snack, and an extra layer tied around your waist, it's beautiful out. Decent-size paw prints follow the trail for quite a ways; I tried not to ski over them too much in case that helps someone identify them! I'm guessing coyote, as there are also some smaller ones further down the trail that seem similar to a fox I sometimes see nearby.

(Sarah Forzley)

Connie's grooming set up great. Nice and firm beneath the new snow. There is no glide, however; skating was not much faster than walking for me. If I could do it over, I'd have classic skied instead! Smart skater before me set the example of taking all the downhills in the classic tracks, which someone had tamped down before us. That helped a bit. I only did the A and B loops, but someone has already classic skied the C loop so if you go out, at least it's a bit tamped down there already as well. Teuton side is nice in this weather because not only do the trees protect you really well from the wind, all the downhills are pretty short, so you don't get too cold before you start working again.

(Sarah Forzley)

It was a picturesque day in the woods, snow covered branches and new falling snow. Valkyrie side is dragged but not groomed. Teuton side is completely groomed/tracked. The fine snow set nice tracks. It's all a little soft however.

Photos:

(Connie Rasmussen)

A nice 7 inches of fluff were on the trails this morning. We dragged all the loops on both sides of County C. On the Teuton side, we groomed and set tracks on loops A and B. On the Valkyrie side, reset tracks on loops A and B. It's still snowing so they'll be a little bit of snow in the tracks and on the skate deck. Plans are to groom again on Tuesday. Stay warm if you head out. Special thanks to Greg for helping groom!

Photos:

(Katie LeMoine)

I went out right after the snow fell. I skied the Valkyrie Loop C and pushed snow the whole time. I had to pole downhill because it pretty deep. The tracks were still kinda of visible, so I managed to follow them the best I could. It took me a long time, but this side of the trails is beautiful. I was zonked but excited to go out again tomorrow.

Photos:

(Adam Driscoll)

Groomed all Teuton trails today. The skate deck for the most part pretty firm. The classic tracks are pretty crumbly, but it is still fun skiing.

Photos:

(Connie Rasmussen)