Both the skate deck and the classic tracks (skied both techniques) were firm and fast. Surprised how well it set up and at the speed of the snow. The man-made snow was mixed well with the new light and fluffy. Made for a fun ski. Always running into someone to ski with makes this a nice social skiing venue as well. The turns and transitions that weren't quite right are now completely dialed in. Erik Blow has been working hard to sculpt a world-class nordic ski experience right here in Duluth.

(Cory Salmela)

Great skiing at GANC. Everything set up nice from the new snow. Perfect skate lanes and deep solid tracks. Thanks Spirit!

(Matt Ryan)

Conditions are fantastic right now, snow is firmer than yesterday and should be great for a ski. Tracks are solid and deep through the system, there are some sections on the upper loop where they get close to the base, but does not go through. Get it while it's good!

(Erik Blow)

The drought is over! 4+ fluffy inches of snow have given the trails a much needed face lift! Things haven't looked better this season, if you haven't been out yet now is the time to do it. Things will be a little soft, but there's plenty of support underneath so skiing should be a dream.

Photos:

(Erik Blow)

Stadium and classic tracks on the lower 1k have been reset and groomed after a successful CXC kidski program yesterday. The rest of the system is still in good shape, but we're holding off for possible snow overnight into Tuesday to refresh the rest of the system. The "styrofoam snow" we've been experiencing needs some moisture replenishment and a little warmth to bring everything back to beautiful conditions! It's a beautiful morning to get out and ski!

Photos:

(Erik Blow)

More fast, hard snow today. Skate deck is perfect on the lower 1k loop, and there is a patch of dirt to look out for on the upper loop just above the valve house. Otherwise great snow! Classic tracks are good through the lower loop, a little shallow on the upper loops due to the thin coverage in spots.

Photos:

(Erik Blow)

Cold temps mean cold, fast snow (if you waxed right)! Reached -5F this morning and when snow gets that cold it tends to behave like set concrete. Thankfully, we were able to get everything filled up and reset without much issue, and the tracks and skate deck are perfectly solid for a great ski.

Photos:

(Erik Blow)

Warm temps this morning with some freezing rain is never a desired sight, but the trails have held up to the weather thus far. The skate deck can be a little icy in some spots but overall has a medium firmness to it, plenty of support but a little give as well. Classic tracks are solid, a good klister would most likely be your friend today! Snow overall is in great shape on the main 1k loop, and our outer loops are in good condition with some dirty patches and ice coming through. A fresh snow would definitely bring the upper trails some rejuvenation!

(Erik Blow)

Things have warmed up quite a bit from earlier this week, but that doesn't mean conditions have suffered! Tracks have set up quite well and the skate deck is firm with just a little give. Tracks are set through the system, but the quality does vary on the upper loops. There are some stretches with no tracks due to ice issues underneath the snow surface.

(Erik Blow)

Conditions are coming back after our rain event, with very firm skate decks after two nights of below zero weather and the classic tracks are coming back into form with a little warmer temp to allow some moisture into the snow again. Classic tracks have been set in the upper loops, though the quality is variable. There are some sections with nice deep tracks but they do get shallow in areas with ice underneath and low snow coverage. The upper loops are in decent condition, but there is some debris and dirt in a few places and some ice floes to watch for.

(Erik Blow)