Despite highs around 40 degrees the last couple days, the trails I went on the last two days are still skiable. I skied the River Access Road hill, the River Trail and the Old Logging Trail. The River Trail had coverage, but conditions were much more variable, and I would expect that to be the case on any of the trails with a dirt base. My finishing run on the Old Logging Trail was fast but not icy. There was a fairly decent skied in track. There are also plenty of footprints throughout without any tracks set to make hikers think about where they are walking. I had no issues with dirt coming through, but there are some icy sections, especially in areas exposed to sun along the River Trail, and on the Nevers dike. Unless you're skiing on the paved base portion, you may want to consider rock skis. If I had the time, I would probably be heading north for better snow, but at least I have been able to get out. At least three dozen trumpeter swans on the river.

(Kris Backlund)

Snowed pretty hard on our way up at about 2:00 pm, and kept snowing while we skied. Nice layer of powder over everything when we got there. You could tell that there was icy stuff under the powder but there was enough snow on top to make it a very enjoyable ski. No set tracks anywhere which was fine for us.

(Ken Fastner)

First time skiing for the season, with just enough snow to get by. I mainly skied the trails with the paved base, including portions of the Mitigwaki Loop, the River Access Road hill, and a little bit on the River Trail south of the boat landing. Trails were fair at best if you don't mind short pole plants. There is not much snow at Wild River yet, and no track set, but there was a decent combed surface if you really want to ski. Trails with an earthen base will be less consistent, but the short section I skied by the river was still skiable. I was rewarded with a panoramic view from the Visitor Center deck, and a dozen or more swans on the river near the boat landing. Hoping that one of these storms hits the St. Croix River Valley so we can get in on the fun they're having at points north and west.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)