I skied the manufactured ski trails just has as the new snow was stopping. Slow as expected, but nice conditions. Still only 2K open, but the snow cat was pushing out the giant snow piles on the last 1/2 K while I skied and made good progress and the snow guns were going on the hill bypass section. Hopefully the extra 1/2 K should be open in the next couple of days.

(Kathleen Miller)

Explored the classic conditions on all the natural trails today. Lake and Creek were the best, Eagle was mostly hard packed and blown over, Monarch had good deep snow but was not groomed and had lots of foot traffic (I asked a groomer about it he said they may groom Monarch today if they have time). Overall, I was able to find snow coverage everywhere by moving around on the trail, so I wasn't worried about damage.

(Dan Zenk)

The existing man made snow loop was in very good condition with a slow area near the chalet from fresh snow blowing from the snow guns on the tubing hill. Snow guns were on the South Donut so that should open soon. Natural snow on Northern Lights was skiable but not recently groomed making for a very hard packed surface and therefore a bit challenging to find an edge.

(Don Callander)

Had a great ski on the natural snow trails. Creek trail and Eagle trail had both been rolled and well packed due to a good amount of ski traffic. Snow was thin, but very skiable. A few spots of pavement to watch out for and definitely felt the skis hit something once or twice so rock or B skis to be safe. A few areas where runners make it interesting, but overall really nice ski! Man made snow loop nearly fully open.

(Erik Erickson)

Skate skied the outer natural snow trails (multiuse, creek trail, northern lights, etc). Conditions were better than expected, and surprisingly better on the multi-use trail. No classic tracks on any of the natural snow trails yet. Some areas had grass tips peaking through, and only two spots where most of the trail was bare ground but where easily avoided by double poling around. I would definitely recommend jumping on some B skis or rock skis.

Photos:

(Zachary Pierson)

Skated most of the natural snow trails (Valley, Creek, Northern Lights) and the open parts of the snowmaking loops. Conditions were fair on the natural snow loops, with a few small bare spots that were easily avoided. The trails were packed, but a bit uneven because of the thin snow coverage. Snow was starting to soften up in the 39F temp by 1:30 pm. No tracks set on the natural snow trails. Snowmaking trails were in excellent condition.

Photos:

(Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)

I skied the Northern Lights loop, and the dark side both yesterday and today. In one day the conditions have gotten much worse on the dark side (non lighted). I used B skis yesterday and rock skis today and glad I did. Coverage is still there but thin but where trail follows or crosses pavement, poles are useless and ground and pavement are starting to show thru. The best part of the loop is the back half of Northern Lights.

(Tim Nelson)

Man made loop this morning was perfect and pretty quick! Did some of the natural trails, which were softer, slower, and had some bare spots but were easily avoidable. A few sticks here and there poking through too on the natural trails. Great morning with lots of people out around 10 AM!

(Harry Rothberg)

Man made snow loop in perfect condition, regroomed mid morning. Northern light OK but less even overall.

(Bernard Cerles)

Skied the manmade, Northern Lights and part of the Lake trail. The NL and Lake had been rolled but not enough depth yet for a classic track. They were a little soft and uneven, as one would expect, and I saw some sticks and vegetation poking through. I didn't hit anything solid but gave it a B rating for those who may not want to use their best skis there yet. Good to ski off the manmade.

(Mark Lahtinen)