Snow and Trail Conditions Update
As of 2/22/2023:
(2/19/23): US National Weather Service Twin Cities Minnesota is our regional weather. They're usually the most reliable forecast. Looks like we're in for some fun!
-Please check the Ride Rusk page for confirmation on your trail routes and for updates on trail maintenance and grooming.
Cross Country Ski Trails
(2/22/23): Trail Conditions1.5"-2" fresh snow Monday. When skiing Tuesday, this quiet creamy snow was sitting on a generous base that is compacted hard and mostly smooth. This provided very good skate skiing Tuesday, wonderful gliding through the soft fresh ungroomed snow. Monday's snowfall made for decent classic skiing Tuesday in the old (ill-defined) classic track -- good kick, nice striding especially where someone had already 'broken trail' in the classic track.Grooming PlansBased on the predicted arrival of the Wednesday/Thursday 'big snow event', we are planning to groom Wednesday evening, Thursday morning, and again Thursday evening. Watch the website for twice daily updates. The updates will include information regarding plowing of the access road (Fire Lane Road). With lots of new snow and wind, the access road may be nearly impassable for a day or two.
If planning on skiing that section of trails, note that there is a segment of trail just west of #20 that is bare ground where loggers have been turning around. Plan on removing your skis to walk through that 100 meter section. Due to the destructive December ice storm, open trails are currently limited to about 45% of the East Side of the trail system, and Excelsior Road on the West Side. Click on 'Trail Conditions at the center top of each page on our website to view the daily updates and informative maps.
-Be sure to visit their website or Facebook page for more trail conditions.
Ladysmith Area Trails report:
(2/3/2023): Jim groomed the east side skating lane and reports it as very good skiing. We also continue to work on our trail system after the storm in December. This includes the lighted trails at Ladysmith High School. There are a number of trees down and many branches still covering the trail. Jim has organized a work day this Saturday at 10:00 am to work on clearing the lighted loop. If we can get 8 or so volunteers we could get the trail cleared by noon. If you can lend a hand that would be great. Also there is a fun snowshoe hike of 1,3 or 5 miles on the Ice Age Trail on highway F south of Birchwood near Murphy Flowage Campground next Saturday, February 11. Snowshoes can borrowed from the Ladysmith Info Center at no cost.
-For more updates, check out the Ladysmith Area Trail Association Facebook page.
Christie Mountain
(2/21/23): Our Kinderschool program teaches children ages 3 - 7 the basics of skiing through play. K1 sets the foundation for basic ski skills. After learning the basics they can advance to K2 and build confidence in those skills through repetition and play. Each 2 hour lesson costs $35 per student.
Choose from the following sessions Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and make your reservations online (10:30am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 3:30pm). Reserve your spot at www.christiemountain.com/lessons-rentals
-Check out their website or Facebook page for more updates.
