Skiing was very good. We skied 7.4 miles and all of the trails we skied on were groomed and had tracks set. We could also see that the trails we did not ski head tracks set. Tracks were generally deep and pretty well defined. There were a few spots where they were a bit shallow or intermittent. There were a few spots with dirt, exposed or frozen slush. But these were generally easily seen and avoided. In terms of scenery and interesting terrain and good snow and good grooming, it was our best ski of the season yet in Minnesota. We were using our skin skis, and they performed perfectly. Temperature was about 0° F and windchill was about -20° F by the lake, but not much wind in the woods. Saw some very interesting round pancakes of ice floating around in a circle in the current in the open part of the river at the Fifth Falls. Looking down at them from the foot bridge, they looked like some kind of mobile artwork. The warming building is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, since it is also a highway rest stop.

Photos:

(Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)

Skied most of the classic trails this afternoon. Everything was groomed - classic trails and skate trails. Classic trails were ok. Most sections were pretty good with a few areas with stubble sticking through or the very occasional bit of dirt sticking up. As one might expect with the first groom of the year on virtually bare ground, there is a decent amount of waviness and a few sections with very shallow tracks, which will improve with even a bit more snow. But overall well worth the ski and a lot of fun. I used my good skis and with some attention and hopping out of the tracks here and there, I thought that was fine. Kudos to the groomers for getting it done - fun and beautiful place to ski on the North Shore.

(Jim Carlen)

Appears that Gooseberry groomed their trails! I am unsure if all of them are open, but the groom looks fantastic near the visitors center and towards the fifth falls.

Photos:

(Ellie Sin)