Valley groomed, northern lights not looking skiable. Crisp, fast corduroy early. With the crystalline snow it was starting to break down by mid-morning but still fast and excellent skating. Classic tracks were holding up very well. One small icy patch coming out of the south donut. With the early season snowmaking and the late season grooming the season at Elm Creek starts with the geese heading south and ends with them heading back north. Thanks park workers.

(Gandy Kramar)

The groomers were just starting when I arrived. So fresh corduroy but very soft. The uphills were quickly taking a beating. But overall still a very nice morning on the boards. The classical tracks were just being finished as I was leaving.

(Don Callander)

Not bad for the day after St. Urho's Day. I missed the time slot though as it was slowing down. Sounds like before 10:30 or so was better. Skied just the manmade trail with skins. Talking with some fellow members of the ECOFSL (Elm Creek Old Guys Ski League) who skied the Northern Lights after moving some groomed gravel yesterday. They said it was pretty good but probably B skis. We collectively wondered how many more days until grooming stopped.

Photos:

(Mark Lahtinen)

I classic skied on the Valley Trail about 10 a.m. Grooming was good. Tracks were excellent. The skate lane was soft. A good number of skiers were out for a Tuesday morning in March. Some skiers were venturing down the Northern Lights trail which was not groomed. The N.L. appeared to be well covered but I did not try it.

(Mark Basiletti)

Skied late morning during snowstorm. Nice sugar snow, not mashed potatoes nor ice. Classic corners very doable, skate good. A few leaves but nothing serious. Grooming good, thank you groomers.

(Karen Peters)

Skied the manmade loop this morning. Even though overnight temps stayed above freezing the skate deck was surprisingly firm. A little dirt was showing on the south donut but otherwise excellent coverage. Kudos to the groomers. The uphills were already turning to mashed potatoes as I was leaving.

(Don Callander)

Perfect skiing at Elm Creek. The magic window today was around 10am-11am. Great grooming, firm skate deck, classic fast, but not icy. One of the best days since Monday, and I was surprised at how good it was after rain! I've heard they will keep grooming vs. plow it away, so come out for great spring skiing! No debris on tracks or trail and clean snow.

(Karen Peters)

Started classic skiing at 9 a. m. on the Valley Trail. There were a handful skiers out and more arriving when I was leaving. The trail had been groomed and tracks were in good condition. Snow was fast but not ice. Double poling was fun today. I had to herringbone in steeper uphill sections. Had a great ski. I hope there will be a few more.

(Mark Basiletti)

Man-made is only available. Tracks are solid but a tad icy. Getting soft by 9. Saw two trumpeter swans fly over. 2.5 km open.

(Bonnie Scott)

The manmade set up before I got here, after the first band of precip. Soft but firm skate deck, deep crunchy tracks. Quick klister worked even when I went back for my rain coat, then zeros. If you can stand the pitter-patter, it’s pretty nice skiing.

Photos:

(Daniel Luoma)