Another dusting of snow today. Skate deck is firming up. Track is set all around the outer loop. Low spots are getting filled in even more. Skate deck is nice and wide.

Photos:

(Chad Metzger)

Good morning beautiful 8 inches of snow on the trails set up. Track is set. Low spots are filled in more trees have been removed and cleared from the edges from the last major storm.

Photos:

(Chad Metzger)

This was the scariest, iciest, skate ski of my life! Phew! Plastic ski edges can barely dig in to the crust (but cannot punch through it) -- went from 32F to 30F. However, this might be a fun ski on touring skis with metal edges, or if it is a few degrees warmer. I'd suggest skiing this if you (a) have metal edges or (b) are heading out while it's been in the mid-30's for a few hours already. I skied all the loops and they are in approximately the same condition, though those with more down branches, boot and deer tracks are a little harder to navigate given the ice. I actually caught air for a second when I flew downhill over a branch that's covered in ice (landed on my feet, unbelievably) -- the same exhilaration as downhill skiing!

(Sarah Forzley)

Trails are packed for skating. More trees were taken off the trail. Multiple passes on the surface harden the surface, making it great for skating. Grooming plans: Will have track set for the weekend.

(Chad Metzger)

I started skiing around 3:45 PM using my backcountry skis. Trails had not seen any grooming yet where I started by skiing in from the cul-de-sac at the end of Avis Lane. Breaking trail was easy with my BC skis. I soon came upon trails where grooming had begun and I eventually caught up with the groomer. I chatted with Chad the groomer for a bit and then continued on to the trails he had just rolled. It was fun skiing on the trails without them being blazing fast like they typically are. I pretty much skied the entire trail system and logged 9K. It was another fun outing on BC skis.

Photos:

(Jim Gantz)

12" of new snow, lots of limbs and trees bent over from storm. Surface is packed and ready for skating.

(Chad Metzger)

Trails were screamin' fast tonight due to the warm up/freeze we had today in the Lakeland area. The icy tracks on this hilly trail system provided a nice adrenaline rush, but those just starting their skiing journey might want to wait for new snowfall before coming here. The new lights are awesome and make this a fantastic place to go -- no headlamps necessary on 2.5K of trails (until 8pm nightly). Tracks were set on about half of the lighted trails. Not the best conditions overall at the moment, either use B skis or A skis with some caution. However, I appreciate all the work the volunteers have put into making this trail possible. This hidden gem is free, lighted, and practically right in downtown Minocqua. Consider donating if you can, and thank the volunteers if you see them!

Photos:

(Levi Smith)

Trails are open, packed and leveled. 16" in woods, packed base is 4-6" no tracks are set. Grooming plans: Plan to have tracks set for the weekend. New lights are working well.

Photos:

(Chad Metzger)

New lights installed for upcoming ski season. Trails are being mowed and wood chips place in spots needed. Lights will be on 4-8pm thru the winter for ski season.

Photos:

(Chad Metzger)