Stop 2 of 4: Hit the trails around 10:30 am. Very good conditions with plenty of snow and nicely groomed surface (about half inch loose on top, firm but not hardpack). Nice classic track set as well. Temps were just pushing above freezing but the course was still skiing fast. Just the Star and Willow loops open today. The best conditions out of the trails I skied today, mostly because of timing with the temperatures. Surprisingly not busy, plenty of room at the visitor center parking lot.

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)

What a great post Thanksgiving surprise having a full mile loop available to ski. Plenty of people getting their ski on this morning. Star and Willow are open so a little bit of hills available.

Photos:

(Scott Greymont)

Black Friday Update: The first 1.8K (Star and Willow) of Hyland Cross Country Ski Trails will open on Friday! Starting Saturday, Nov 26th, ski rentals will be available online.

(Sonja Bercich, Three Rivers Park District)

Hyland XC ski breaking news: With the cold temps in the teens last night, more snow was made and Hyland's amazing groomers will be able to open 1.8K Hyland XC Ski Trails on Saturday, 5am - 10pm. Visitor Center is closed Thursday for Thanksgiving and will be open 9-5 on Friday - Sunday. Thank you to Hyland Maintenance!

(Sonja Bercich, Three Rivers Park District)

Hyland Maintenance made good progress making 60% of the snow needed to open the first kilometer (Star Loop). Grooming plans: With the warmer temps this week, snowmaking will be minimal. No date for opening at this time. Elm Creek's snowmaking trail is open!

(Sonja Bercich, Three Rivers Park District)

They had the guns blowing around the star loop. Asked when they would be open and the guy was hoping in the next couple of weeks. Here's to hoping for cold weather for more snow.

Photos:

(Scott Greymont)

We are loving the colder temperatures; snowmaking begins full blast!

Photos:

(Sonja Bercich, Three Rivers Park District)

Snow guns operating this morning on the Star loop.

Photos:

(John Shirriff)

3-4" of loose snow on trails. Snow guns silent in Nordic area, blasting in alpine area.

(Tony Pellegrini)

I spotted about a dozen guns positioned around the star loop, with crews out powering things up. Downhill area was a winter wonderland with 30+ guns blasting.

Photos:

(Spencer Davis)