Conditions are very good. Cooler temperatures allowed us to groom early this morning. The Ridge and West trails are groomed for skating and classic techniques. The Loops, Oak, and Pine trails are classic only. Lots of folks on the trails. Snow depth is about eight inches in the woods. Just a couple dirt spots on the Ridge trail, easily seen and avoided.

(Steve Beezley)

My first time out this season and I couldn't be happier! The wind was brisk across the open ridge, but once I got onto the North Loop in the trees, it was just perfect for skiing. The trails have been well used since they were groomed, and the blowing snow has obscured some of the classic tracks, but I usually break trail anyway, so that wasn't an issue for me. There are some little sticks poking up in spots and bits of leaf litter here and there. I think there were two spots where I skied around small little patches of dirt. There were several cars in the lot, but I only met one other skier while I was out on the trails. Thanks to the groomers for getting the trails ready so soon after we got enough snow to enjoy!

Photos:

(Gwyn Calvetti)

All trails groomed with the addition of two inches of fresh snow. The Ridge and West trails are groomed for skating. The South Loop and North Loop groomed for classic skiing. The Oak trail and the Pine trail are also groomed for classic technique, these are accessed from the Ridge trail. Thanks to Kevin from the DNR who groomed up a great base before this latest snowfall. Looks as if the loggers are gone for now. Still some dirt spots, debris, and sticks in this low snow year.

(Steve Beezley)

Not groomed but in good condition. We broke the trail on the North and South loops. It didn’t look like it had been groomed in some time. Good snow cover. No bare ground. Trail very free of leaves, twigs, etc.

(Ross Seymour)

Unfortunately the string of days in the 40's have pretty much made the groomed trails non-skiable. It was clear to see it must have been quite good after Steve B groomed (thank you Steve!) but the warm temps and sunshine really took a toll.

(Gary TerBeest)

Coulee's elevation does it again, a mix of snow and ice totals about 4 inches. The ground is mostly frozen now. The Ridge trail was groomed for skating today, It is five miles to the end and back. Not enough snow to set a track. There were many deer hunter footprints that got smoothed out, corduroy in its place. Expect sticks, ruts, mud, stubs, and grass, but also good stretches. Rock skis rock! Good coverage on the other trails, bushwhackers welcome, but expect lots of hiker/hunter prints.

(Steve Beezley)

It snowed 4-5 inches this morning. I was the first one out, breaking trail about 1PM. Classic no wax rock skis had good bite. Some icing due to the warm ground. Not much glide. Explored the Ridge Trail which was brushed with a forestry mulcher this year and the trail widened. There is also a new link to the West Trail, bulldozed wide, and on north facing slopes. Thank you to the DNR crews. Great to get an early ski outing.

(Steve Beezley)