I skied the entire system this morning. The man made snow loops were in excellent condition. The silver, gold, and ski games were somewhat soft and a bit uneven in sections. Nevertheless, a beautiful morning to be out.

Photos:

(Ethan Knuti)

All trails, man made and natural snow, have been groomed and new classic tracks set. As you would expect, possibly the best conditions of the year. There was not any skier marks anywhere after the grooming was done. That's a PR for me as a Battle Creek groomer. Must be something else going on that is drawing some skiers away from our trails?

(John Fitzgerald)

All trails packed (including ski games side) and classic tracks set for the man-made snow sections. The classic trails that were there were in great condition. Really beautiful classic skiing! The trails are quite soft - which is to be expected given the abundance of brand new snow. In my opinion, this is a great chance to gain some confidence on the down hills of Battle Creek! Thanks to the trail crew!

(Martha Torstenson)

Nothing like 10+ inches of new powder to make the ski trails look good! We made an initial grooming of our entire system this afternoon with the Pisten Bully, including the Ski Games trail. The trail was starting to set up nicely and should continue to harden with cold weather. No classic tracks were set on the natural snow segments. Grooming plans: Natural snow areas will be groomed again after 10 pm with fresh classic tracks added. The man made areas have new classic tracks set and will be thoroughly groomed again early tomorrow. Skiing should be just about the best it has been this season. I have never seen the Gold trail look any better.

(John Fitzgerald)

Th entire system, man made and natural snow, was groomed for both skate and classic skiing overnight. There has been considerable drifting in the open areas so don't be surprised if the fresh grooming disappears for a bit. Mostly good conditions. Have heard positive feedback from a famous skier about the quality of the conditions on the natural snow segments. Recommend that caution still be exercised on the Gold and World Cup segments. There is no classic track on the Silver trail segment.

(John Fitzgerald)

The little bit of snow we got yesterday sure does make the grooming results look better. The entire man made loop was groomed early this morning including fresh classic tracks. If the weather man isn't wrong, you better get out early today before the new snow covers it all up again. The Silver trail was not groomed but remains in pretty good condition. The remainder of the natural snow trails remain closed. Hoping that we can get them reopened very soon.

(John Fitzgerald)

I got out after the snow fell. My skin skis did a great job climbing all hills on the Silver loop. Tracks were not in great shape anymore but still complete. On the big downhill toward Winthrop some skier had carved the tracks up a bit. Still, with the slow conditions I made it down in the track with no issues. Not ideal ski conditions, but wonderfully quiet and peaceful skiing, especially back on the natural stuff. I spoke with a skater in the parking lot who said he found the Gold loop completely doable due to the fresh snow cover and slower conditions. Still, it is not recommended, and is officially closed.

(John Kieselhorst)

Groomed the manufactured snow overnight with good results. Able to set a nice classic track and a firm skate deck. Natural snow trails will hopefully benefit from the upcoming snow. For now the World Cup/ Gold trail remain closed due to ice and bare spots. The Silver trail and ski games are still open but are a little icy in spots. I am not one to hope for vast quantities of snow but it would help the trails so "bring it on".

(Rob Adams, Ramsey County Parks)

Fresh grooming this morning on the man made snow loop with extra attention paid to restoring the classic tracks. Good results on both areas, skate and classic. The silver trail skate lane was refreshed a bit with the Tidd Tech. Caution on this trail. The bottom of the "A" climb gets a little narrower each warm day, still plenty of room for one skater up the middle.

(John Fitzgerald)

Another gorgeous ski day! Classic tracks are thin in just a few spots, and it's a slippery climb in the trees, but conditions are great. Definitely the most oak leaves I've seen. The new signs (in the last two weeks?) leave no question about where to go. A very nice, professional addition.

Photos:

(Jennifer Myers)