I skate skied the red skaters loop first. The skate deck was soft and very uneven. Skate conditions were fair at best. However, I am not complaining as I wish the Wisconsin DNR would groom more trails for skating. I did the entire red loop back to the parking lot and then did another loop out to the trail hut and back to the parking lot for 10 kilometers total. Then, I changed to my classic skis and skied the blue loop for another 7 kilometers. The classic track was firm but a little slow. Overall, it was a great XC outing.

Photos:

(Jim Gantz)

All loops were groomed and tracked and the skater's loop was groomed. There are thin spots on the blue/green loop on the east side of Helen Lake and on the east side of the red skater's loop. There is some debris on the trail and in the tracks. Overall conditions are good.

(Nikki Kloes)

All loops were cleared of downed trees and packed. There are thin spots throughout the trail especially on the red skater's loop. There is debris on the trail.

(Nikki Kloes)

Portions of all the loops are packed. Snowfall was light and fluffy. No tracks set, working on establishing a good base.

(Lynn Wright)

First snow, about 6 inches. No grooming so broke trail. Good coverage and glide. Around 11 am the snow started to get a little sticky. Great to be back on skis, love that kick and glide.

Photos:

(Greg Dahl)