Went out early morning and it was a saturated mess so went home. Tonight it groomed up better than expected. New snow was cooperative and left a nice skate deck. A few small icy spots, but was able to cover most and I think they will set up great overnight. I rerouted a few spots to find snow but think overall the conditions for skate will be good in the morning. Classic track is au naturale, and varies but looked OK. Hoping you all can get a few more days of good skiing in. Before the season ends I want to thank everyone that has been buying passes, waving and thanking us for the grooming. It’s been a great year and grooming is fun when you get to see and hear people enjoy it. Thanks to our loyal skiers that call U of MN home.

(Mitch Hoffman)

Rutted and starting to ice up. I thought I should wait until temperatures dropped below freezing and the snow had set up, but I think I got it backwards. There was plenty of evidence of people skating before me, but I found the surface too uneven to skate confidently and quit after just half a K. I tried on ungroomed territory but sunk in too much. People doing classic looked to be having a better time.

(Lois Braun)

Surprisingly good conditions between 9:30-10:30 this morning. Firm skate deck but still easy to get an edge. Thanks for the great grooming this year!

(Brett Arenz)

Groomed tonight since the temps finally dropped. Coverage is better than expected. Outer loop is excellent, inner loop a few small bare spots that can easily be avoided. Skating should be good in the morning, classic track is there but well used and not much we can do with it at this point. Got to groom and then cheer a few late night virtual Birkie skiers home as well tonight which was fun.

Photos:

(Mitch Hoffman)

The U trails are still well covered and fast. Inner loop has a couple small bare spots. Classic tracks are sloppy but still there. A little cultivating by the groomers would help but it’s still ski heaven. Thanks to Mitch and other groomers.

(Michael Darger)

Very good trail conditions. Though the warmup slowed things down. Virtual birkie. Big thank you to the groomer. You deserve some fireball.

(Ernie Ogot)

Lots of skiers out this weekend! The skate deck was groomed tonight and we will hope for conditions to hold up through the warmer temps.

(Mitch Hoffman)

Classic track is firm and fast, great kick with Rex blue power grip. No leaves or bare spots, just the right temperature.

Photos:

(James Zyskowski)

Made a few passes on the skate deck this morning and came out tonight to level and widen and reset the classic track. Track varies in depth with the snow but should set up for the morning. The polar vortex snow is harsh, dry and not terribly cooperative but with a little extra time and effort I think we have it as good as we can right now. I expect a lot of skiers this weekend that have been stuck inside with the cold so we will keep things in shape for all to enjoy with the warmer weather.

Photos:

(Mitch Hoffman)

Good conditions with the new fresh dusting of snow. Classic tracks are ok on the outer loop, but largely washed out on the inner loop. Good snow - no ice. It looked like better skating. We may try that tomorrow. Very nice to have more moderate temps.

(Chip Treen)