I got out for a skate this morning and the deck had firmed up nicely. I popped into the classic tracks to see how they were working and despite being crumbly in places they held the skis really well. I didn't sustain any ski base damage while skiing today.

Photos:

(Bruce Piburn)

I groomed the entire system this afternoon. Good early season conditions but suggesting B skis if you have them. The skate deck on everything but the trails between Bobcat Byway and the Barnes Rd. Trailhead should be nice and firm after setting up. There are classic tracks on everything but the snow depth variation makes for variable conditions. The classic only Blue trail took a track nicely and should be good tomorrow. I was grooming out tire tracks by the Barnes Road trailhead so those are very soft and rough at the moment. If you enjoy snowshoeing, we have extended another loop on out trail adding about .8 of a mile to the existing trail. Our ski trails welcome dogs and skijoring once the snow is set up.

(Bruce Piburn)

Our ski was more like a nature hike given the lack of classic tracks and warm day. Still lovely and better than fretting and waiting for perfect conditions. Definitely don't think it's a legit skate skiing situation, though, at least until the deck firms up. Have you ever seen beaver tracks in the snow? Check out the photo.

Photos:

(Pamela Toshner)

Groomed the outer loop to the green cutoff. The red and blue cutoffs are rolled only. The classic trail is rolled only. The section from the barnes road trail head was not rolled or groomed. The loop that was groomed is good for early season but there was not enough base to set a classic track. For those who skate or don't mind classic skiing without a track the opportunity is there. Expect soft conditions and a less than level track. Not bad for late November. Enjoy!

(Scott Toshner)