Bombed the hill down to Amik's Pond from the Interpretive Center, then Mondale/River-Nevers-Old Logging Trail. Generally good conditions, occasional sticks and seeds, but some rocks at the boat launch, a little dirt here and there, and some exposed asphalt on Old Logging. Hopefully new snow will cover the bad spots.

(Bryan Lueth)

Skiable and beautiful but snow is quite thin in most places we went. Impossible to avoid all gravel, rocks, sticks if you want to look at the scenery too. If I had good skis I would not use them. B skis okay if you don't mind some new scrapes. Gravel here and there under tracks on Mitigwaki, a few rocks and skate skier marks on Pioneer, Deer Creek also had some rocks and some washed out sections. One end of River trail seemed better. Didn't do Prairie trails or Logging. Worth the trip but need to watch out!

(Janet Folina)

Skiing in the new year. I skied the Dry Creek Trail and found good conditions for the most part. Since the connecting trail is a horse trail, conditions on that section were more variable. Watch out for the part under the pines after the foot bridge. I stepped off to the side there. Much better conditions on the Dry Creek Trail itself, but there were a few spots with a little dirt or pine needles exposed. Beautiful winter woods, and good protection from the wind on this sheltered trail.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)

Trails were nicely groomed but had some dirty track segments in some of the open areas. It was easy to step out of the tracks to get past the short, bad spots. All in all, it was well worth the drive up from the Twin Cities.

(Ken Fastner)

As far as I know, all trails are open. Skied Deer Creek south from the Visitor Center, Old Military Road and Mondale River Trail north, up the big hill and back south on the Old Logging Road. Classic tracks set and firm. Grass showing through in a few spots, but not bad at all — very skiable and nice, given the freezing rain a couple nights ago. A pleasant afternoon ski!

(Rita Minnichsoffer)

Finally enough snow for skiing! Tracks were well formed and firm but not icy. Early season conditions resulted in some sections where one ski rode slightly higher than the other. All in all, an enjoyable first ski on natural snow.

Photos:

(Kris Backlund)

We loved a brisk afternoon on the trails from about 1:00-3:00 pm. Groomers were out setting classic tracks. Coverage was good, a little icy under the snow pack. Skied 4.5 miles between Mitigwaki Loop, parts of the Prairie Loop, Nevers Dam to the Old Logging Road and back to visitor center. Tracks were in good condition most of the way. Tracks were good.

Photos:

(Kendra Tlusty)