I skied today and Tuesday, primarily on the Mitigwaki Loop. Conditions were better Tuesday in the warmer temps which led to softer snow then, versus crunchier conditions today. Hopefully if you can hit the sweet spot for temperatures, there might be somewhat enjoyable skiing for part of the weekend. Can't rate the trails better than poor to fair today, but there were a few areas where the flat packed courdory was soft and smooth. At least the ice created last weekend was broken up. Definitely getting to be the rock ski part of the season. Skiing trails with less sun exposure, and the bike trail base should be the "better" option while they last. Only found remnant tracks out there, which were mostly icy.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)

Classic skied the south/west side of Pioneer, Deer Creek loop, then back on the north/east side of Pioneer/Dry Creek. Track was excellent, with only a little snow blowing into the north/east side of Pioneer, and a few sticky spots where there was full sun exposure and south aspect. Beautiful day and conditions, and this was a good route choice to stay out of the south wind. Saw deer and swans.

(Bryan Lueth)

Really nice track for the most part on the Mitigwaki Loop, with a nice run down to the river on the boat landing road. Overall, good conditions or better in most places. Places with more sun exposure, like the boat landing road out in the open, and the south facing sections of the Mitigwaki Loop high above Dry Creek were icy before the recent snow, so the base of the track is still a little icy there. Snow is pretty thin on the dip to the south of the boat landing where the little creek comes in, so use caution there as warmer temps may expose some dirt. Otherwise good coverage, and a great day to be out.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)

Skated the Highland Hills loops, I was anticipating icy conditions after the warmth yesterday, but it was much better than I expected. Areas exposed to the sun had a crunchy texture but surprisingly not icy, and areas shaded or north slopes were a softer but firm sugary base. Overall firm and fast, the downhills are a thrill. The wind has left leaves, twigs, and other debris, so new some snow will help. The best conditions of the past few years, and I always enjoy searching and spotting deer along the way.

(Bryan Lueth)

Cut the first tracks on Pioneer and Dry Creek. Groomers did a good job turning last week's ice into a flat base, and with the fresh inch of snow, it was a great afternoon as the sun broke through. The new snow was surprisingly sticky on our no wax classic skis, probably because it was such a fine texture. Always a bonus to see deer, and I had forgotten what a beautiful section of trail it is.

(Bryan Lueth)

Still skiing the flat pack crushed ice/combed surface. I skied the Mitigwaki Loop to the boat landing road, and zipped down the hill. Trails were a little icier in the open down by the river. Beautiful hues by the river as the sun dropped. Back up on top, the bike trail portion of the Mitigwaki had been groomed wider, and the snow along the edges was really quite smooth and nice. Still fair conditions due to the lack of tracks and small ice chunks.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)

Not surprisingly, skiing was "firm" today. Ungroomed locations were glazed on top. Tracks were icy where they existed. I skied the Mitigwaki Loop, and found a flat packed, ground up surface. Fair conditions at best, but at least a skiable surface, albeit with a popcorn texture.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)

Nice skiing late afternoon. I went from the Dry Creek Trail to the Pioneer Trail, then to the northwest part of the Deer Creek loop, before going up to the paved base portion of the Mitigwaki Loop. I skied the latter tonight also, and really liked the consistency. Still pretty good conditions this afternoon, but much slower with the warmer temps. Coyotes howling Thursday, and swans coming in for a landing north of the river access road this afternoon.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)

Chills, hills, thrills and no spills! I skied the E side (E for east, and easier) of the Highland Hills loop, plus the Little Highland Hills loop, returning via the west side of the Pioneer Loop. Mostly I liked the snow, but I was striding, not skating. There was some popcorn texture snow in places, but overall a skiable surface, and good conditions. Yesterday's ski included the Mitigwaki, boat landing road and River Trail south of the landing. Even though that hadn't been regroomed, a fresh dusting of snow gave adequate grip. Good coverage over leaves on both days. Photos are from Wednesday. Light wasn't good enough for photos today.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)

My first time in many years skiing Wild River SP. Last time may have been wood skis with 3-pin bindings. Great conditions on these extensive trails. Many trails with fresh grooming, some I was getting first tracks. A few soft areas on corners. Great to have very few oak leaves in this largely pine forest.

Photos:

(Sue Schroeder)