Skated outermost loop from before noon on, temps high 20s to low 30s. Very good coverage, even transition to Island Trail, very little dirt showing through. Groomed yesterday, skate deck often firm and a little choppy, but also seemingly wider as I saw no tracks set on the trails beyond the Fairway start! A great day for skiing, the trails pretty much deserted (we saw two other skiers?). Used B skis, but really, could have used good skis.

(Richard Swenson)

Great conditions at Baker. Grooming report says poor but conditions are at least fair if not better in some spots. Firm skate deck and no track set. Can’t recall any bare spots that would damage skis. Wind blown and icy in a few spots only at the top and along the golf course sections. Low sections through the wetlands to Island and Timber trails are uneven and thin. Get out there!

Photos:

(Tyler Thompson)

Skated the Fairway-Island loop. I'd say the trails were in fair to good condition overall. The wind was a significant factor. The wind created notable snowdrifts in spots, and also some areas where it seemed recent snow had been blown away to reveal thinner older icier coverage underneath. Most of the trails, especially those out of the wind, had very good coverage and were in good shape except some minor leaf litter. In spots exposed to the wind, there were some areas of grass barely covered by snow. Nothing that couldn't be skied around but also enough to maybe be cautious. Hopefully over the next couple of days as the wind dies down these bare spots and snowpiles can get evened out. It was fun to be out despite the cold blustery wind.

(Kristian Markon)

A nice firm skate deck all along the island and fairway trail loops with conditions improving with each bit of new snow we get. The building is open for warming, bathrooms and snacks / drinks too!

(Cliff MacLeod)

Surprisingly good skiing with regular grooming for skate. A bit thin on the climbs in the heavily wooded sections but pass-able. Be careful of sticks frozen into the deck. Got a boot caught in one and did a less than graceful body plant. Freshly groomed corduroy isn’t a bad place to skid on though, so no harm done!

(Cliff Macleod)

Thin out there but beautiful. I would use hard wax, multiple layers, as the snow is very sharp and hungry for all your skis wax! Sticks on the trail covered with a little snow and when climbing on paved paths pretty thin be careful. Kind of hopping around to avoid ski damage but good for balance and makes you pay attention. Pray for snow.

Photos:

(Josh Bloom)

Trails were packed and are in poor condition. The base is very thin, but we are open! Chalet will be open from 9 AM - 5 PM, as trail conditions allow.

(Bri Koch, Three Rivers Park District)

Classic skied all the trails from 8 - 10 am. Good conditions and still complete coverage with minor trail debris. Snow still looked like new especially on the edges where it was just soft enough to make a track as no tracks were set. Center was pretty firm and no ice showing anywhere.

(Dan Zenk)

Good snow and grooming thruout. Three Rivers website says poor, but only occasional avoidable dirt showing. Used 30 year old rock skis (still my fastest), but will use B skis next time. No tracks. Clubhouse not open except for bathrooms.

(Scott Engstrom)

Great to be back out at one of my favorite trails, especially on such a beautiful sunny windless day! A little bumpy and some shallow ruts, but snow coverage very good and mostly very clean with only some scattered oak leaves. I did flick a few dozen small branches off the trail as I went by. No classic tracks set. And the clubhouse was closed. It was getting a bit soft in the sunny spots by 1pm. Thanks, groomers, you've done it again!

(Dave Carlson)