It's so awesome being on snow again! Short loop, soft on the one uphill by the parking lot, but for the most part nicely groomed for both skate and classic this morning.

Photos:

(Thomas Pearce)

Wonderful morning for a ski 8 loops is roughly 10 K. Groomers and crew have made a great loop for such early skiing!

Photos:

(Scott Greymont)

Last report before opening on Saturday...I know...what's the point. Trails are smoothed out and ready for final tracks. Wax 'em up and see you on Saturday.

Photos:

(Mark Lahtinen)

Approximately 1.5 kilometers of the Elm Creek ski trail will open at 5am this Saturday, November 17th. We will continue to make snow toward having the entire 2.5K Valley trail open in the near future. Chalet hours for November 17th - 22nd will be from 8am - 7pm on Saturday and Sunday (17th & 18th), 9am - 7pm on November 19th - 21st, and closed on Thanksgiving Day. The ski trail will be open daily from 5am - 10pm. If you purchased a Three Rivers annual cross-country ski pass last season, save some time and renew your pass online. Looking forward to having your back for another season.

(Bruce Bolduan, Three Rivers Park District)

Rough grooming on about 2 K...everything but the lower donut. Not blowing any snow this afternoon. Hopefully open soon.

Photos:

(Mark Lahtinen)

Rough grooming has occurred. They are no longer making snow on the early loop (~1.25 K). Looks like it is ready for final grooming. Making snow down below also. Opening can't be too far away.

Photos:

(Mark Lahtinen)

Snowmaking is progressing. They have a snow trail set up from the garage area to the trails for the groomer. Cold enough out there. Hope we might be able to ski this week.

Photos:

(Mark Lahtinen)

Snowmaking is going on the usual starting areas from the start area to the upper donut. Early start this year?

Photos:

(Mark Lahtinen)

Elm Creek snow guns are in place today.

Photos:

(Mark Lahtinen)