Finally got the groomer out of storage today as there seemed to be enough snow. And it is not even February. Groomed the East Side trail from the parking lot to the snowmobile trail this morning. I did not feel it was possible to groom the 3 mile loop since it was recently plowed but I did ski it this afternoon. The couple of inches of snow put the 3 mile loop back is skiable condition. There are no bare spots and while the track set on Friday is wallowed out a bit it is not bad. So the East Side is back in business. Groomed the West Side early this evening. It should be in good shape with cold temps tonight.

(Bob Turnquist)

Groomed all trails late this afternoon. The west side looks like it should be very good. Surprisingly I was able to set full depth tracks on the portions of the 3 mile loop that was recently plowed for future logging operations. Unsurprisingly there are many places where the base of the track is below the level of snow. Tonight’s low temperatures should make for firm tracks so if we get evens half inch of snow, skiing on the east side will be fine.

(Bob Turnquist)

After grooming the East Side from the Parking Lot to the 3 mile loop and all of the West Side this morning, I skied the West Side this afternoon. For the most part the trail was is very good shape, however the 2" of snow that we got recently was not quite enough so there are a few thin spots yet. There was a lot of traffic right after grooming but the tracks held up well. Skiers report the 3 mile loop on the East Side is not good due to the plowing of large portions of the trail in preparation for future logging operations. Since we have no donation collection box please support the trail by mailing a donation to the Land O Lakes Fish and Game Club. Thanks.

(Bob Turnquist)

A large portion of the East Side was plowed last night in preparation for timber harvest.  There is maybe a half inch of snow left on the trail. I skied some distance on it just before noon and while it is possible to ski it is very thin.  Use old skis only.  There will not be any grooming done unless we get several inches of snow and they don't plow again. I am hesitant to try grooming on the West Side for fear of making that worse as it continues to be quite skiable. Temps look good for grooming on Sunday.

(Bob Turnquist)

This trail is entirely located on Forest Service land. You may have noticed trees painted for a timber sale on the East Side Trail.  Tonight activity will start with plowing large portions of the East Side Trail.  Actual timber harvest probably will not start until approximately March 1, but that is subject to change.  Those folks plowing the trail have been instructed to leave a "mat", i. e. not plow down to the dirt.  We will have to see how they do.  Since the trail is already packed I hope they will do nothing right now, but if wishes were fishes....    If they do leave a thick enough mat it is possible that I can still set a track until such time that they begin the actual timber harvest.

(Bob Turnquist)

No lying, things are very thin in Northern Wisconsin, and only a little better here, but devotion to the groomer's craft, and a relative lack of use, makes this one of the more pleasant opportunities, until such time as real snow, really falls. Track is weak on the west, but the amazing "old school" narrow section of the East trail, is as pretty and skiable, as can be hoped for.

Photos:

(Bob Nussbaum)

All trails were groomed last night. I skied most of the trails this morning. There are a few thin spots in the tracks and almost all of them are on the flats so it is easy to get around them if desired. Most can be skied over without issues but if you are using your best skis you would do well to avoid them. Other than that there are full depth tracks and very good conditions. For having so little snow the trails are in good shape. Please support our trails by sending a donation to the Land O Lakes Fish and Game Club.

(Bob Turnquist)

We don't have a lot of snow but folks have been skiing, especially on the East Side. I dragged and set a track on the East Side and on the main trail on the flats of the West Side late this afternoon. Things leveled up fairly well and for the most part a full depth track was set. In some areas, especially on the West Side, there were leaves or grass and pine needles in the bottom of the track. Grooming plans: If we are lucky enough to get more snow, I will groom again later tomorrow. All of our trails are located in the Ottawa National Forest. We are no longer allowed to solicit donations on the trail. We need donations to continue maintaining and grooming the trails. Please send a donation to Land O' Lakes Fish & Game Club and indicate the donation is for the ski trail. Thanks.

(Bob Turnquist)