Skijored part of the multi-use trail enjoying the later sunset (and yes, we picked up our brown klister). Trails were ungroomed since Tuesday's better-than-forecast snow. There were some snow-drift moguls along the north side. Groomers have plenty of great snow to work with once they have a chance to catch up.

Photos:

(Linda Evert)

Good conditions. A little soft and slow due to the fresh cold snow. Northern Lights track is set as far to the left as I've ever seen it. Some brush comes into play so be aware. Left hand pole plants break through occasionally.

(Mark Lahtinen)

Started a ski from the overflow parking lot on the Northern Lights Trail. Found the trail to be ungroomed, at least since overnight snowfall. Given the uneven surface beneath the new snow, I would postulate the trails had not been groomed since sometime Friday morning. I skated much of Northern Lights, Lake, Creek, and the multiuse trails. All were ungroomed, somewhat soft and somewhat slow. The only sign of grooming I saw was when I passed a groomer on a snowmobile pulling a screen on the multiuse trail near the Nature Center. That created a smoother surface, albeit still soft and unstable underneath. Many of the trails were getting skied in by the time I left around 1 pm but, with the warmer temperatures, the surface was still a bit rutted and grabby. Classic tracks were present on most ski trails and seemed to be skied in but I did not sample them anywhere while skating. Multiuse trails were, of course, seeing multiuse, with foot prints, snowshoe and fat bike tracks adding to the unevenness of the trail. I also saw a few people skijoring and the corresponding "brown kilster" in a few places. Watch your step. ;-)

(Leif Irgens)

Superb conditions on the outer loops this afternoon. Hard to imagine better natural snow conditions. Classic tracks were mainly solid and fast, skate deck was a tiny bit on the soft side but I didn't see any significant ski gouges. Eastman Nature Center loop hadn't been groomed yet today, but was still pretty good.

Photos:

(Robert Ibler)

Classic skied Lake and Eagle, came back via Northern Lights. Lake and Eagle were about perfect with nice deep tracts. Only meet two other skiers. Northern Lights getting a little washed out on the sharp corners from heavier traffic previous day. Valley trail was of course perfect. Beautiful scenery thought out.

(Earl Stabenow)

The Lake Trail was in fantastic shape. The classic track on Northern Lights was well loved and losing form. The man made snow loops were outstanding. The skate decks were firm but not icy in the limited places that I used them. All in all, awesome skiing.

(Greg Loper)

I skied the multi-use bike/hike/ski trail after work and it was fantastic. Not super firm and poles went all the way thru sometimes but I can't even recall the last year those trails were skiable. Was a great time.

Photos:

(Jim Dahl)

Recently groomed and excellent classic conditions on the outer loops this morning. Skate deck looked great too.

(Brett Schulze)

Skated Northern lights while my friend classic skied this evening as part of the Valentine's Eve ski event. Trails have firmed up a bit since yesterday. Classic tracks were good and skate deck was cushy for skating or striding out of the tracks. Some drifting just after the downhill along Mud Lake, filling in classic tracks and part of deck which the groomers will probably have all nice again for tomorrow's skiing. Perfect spot for a night ski out of the wind.

Photos:

(Linda Evert)

Skied the classic only trails. Glide improved as I came off the manmade/natural mix onto the real snow. Classic tracks are great although not rock solid yet. A few places where brush is over the trail - some at eye level. Coyotes left some 'brown klister' right in the track in 3 spots. The classic track on the Northern Lights has had more use and is a little washed out in spots.

(Mark Lahtinen)