Skied the connector from the snowmobile parking lot off Hwy 61 to the pioneer loop, up and across the connector to Deeryard loop, around deereard and the short loop and back down the other side of Pioneer. Most of the trail is is in excellent double classic track condition. On lower pioneer there were quite a few walkers which made the trail uneven but it was not a huge problem. Tree debris on pioneer and the connector was a minor problem and I still got a few pole plunges in the deep snow on deereard, but all these are minor problems to an otherwise great afternoon on the Norpine system. Great trail system, great workout especially climbing up to Deeryard on Pioneer.

(Tim Nelson)

Skied all the Deer Yard trails, which had been groomed on Friday (after the wind died down, apparently). The tracks were in great condition (classic only). The spur to the old fire tower didn't looked like it got the Friday grooming; the tracks were a bit filled in but still easy to follow (photo is from that section). We followed fox tracks for quite a while. A beautiful and peaceful outing in the woods. Thanks, Norpine Trail Association!

Photos:

(Anne Flueckiger)

Skied the Norpine connector trail starting at Ski Hill Road. Snowing today, but it was easy to still see the classic tracks. Hard to find a word to adequately describe the marvelous new fluffy snow on this great trail. Perfect day. This trail is good for beginners. The trail is full of pine trees that were laden with snow. Magical.

(Mary Stephens)

Skied up from Cascade lodge trailhead up Pioneer to the Deeryard connector, around Deeryard and Short Loop and then back down second half of Pioneer. Last night's snow dusting plus strong winds overnight caused the tracks to be drifted in. After I skied them in they were better but still shallow. There is so much snow up there that pole plunging is still an occasional problem but overall it was a great but slow ski. The short loop was in much better condition than the last several times I skied it. Much of the rolling dips have been smoothed out and the single track placed in the center versus the side of the trail, all making for a much safer ski.

(Tim Nelson)

Skied from Caribou Trail trailhead to and around Massie and Hall loops and back thru the lower deer side loops on the way back. Skiing was excellent in spite of the cold (well below zero) temps. Tracks were well formed, kick and glide was good and the tree debris, although there did not seem to interrupt my ski flow as sometimes happens. Minimal drifting and a firm deck made for a good ski.

(Tim Nelson)

Six inches of fluffy new snow in the middle of the Pine Forest off Ski Hill Rd going to Cascade. The trail was magical. Groomed for classical skiing by some kind person ahead of me. The Norpine Trail offers a great gift with this relatively easy and magnificent trail.

(Mary Stephens)

Parked at the HH Rd. Trailhead and found the trails not groomed (after the overnight snowfall) but a few intrepid skiers set some decent track on the lower trail to the Cascade connector (the rest of the Massie and Hall loops were not skied in) so I stayed on that trail out and back. Some branches overhanging and one fallen tree that I removed, but all in all very fun and very beautiful after the new several inch snowfall. I'll have to come back and try the loops sometime when they are groomed.

(Dave Carlson)

Skied from Cascade Lodge up the Pioneer Loop, over to Deeryard, around Deeryard and up the Fire Tower and around Short Loop, and back down the rest of Pioneer Loop. A light dusting of snow overnight made skiing over the tree debris much less of a stop and go effort. Tracks were fine in most places and the skiing excellent. There have been snowmobiles wiping out tracks on the Deeryard connector and the fire tower hill but one set remains on the left. Just watch for descending skiers. I do not recommend skiing the Short Loop: it is rocking and rolling rough, no set tracks, deep footprints and skier divots. But everything else was great skiing, especially with the warmer temps today.

(Tim Nelson)

Same as yesterday, I stuck to the lower elevation trails to get a little warmer air. Skied from Lutsen Ski Road to Cascade and back. Plenty of snow, great tracks, firm deck, no issues with pole plunges. Tree debris was a problem on the downhills, but sun is shining and I am exhausted after a great day on the trails.

(Tim Nelson)

Beautiful ski from Lutsen to the Massie loop, wonderful grooming and tons of snow! Perfect conditions the whole way.

(Tyler Gilbert)