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Snow and Trail Conditions Update

As of 2/24/2023:

(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

The multi-day snowfall that began on Monday totaled 10+ inches of snow in the Hills - the 7+ inches Wednesday night into Thursday morning is a very dry snow, it blows away like a mature dandelion.

Grooming Report

  • Wednesday evening (February 22): worked 4 hours packing the 3.5 inches of snow that had accumulated since Monday.
  • Thursday morning-afternoon (February 23): worked 6-7 hours using rollers to knock the air out of the 7 inches of new DRY snow. Groomers described challenging conditions, sometimes dealing with 4-foot drifts in open areas, and snow that was limited in its ability to pack or compress - it tended to bunch up in front of the rollers - and required a lot of 'working' of the snow to get it to cooperate. The result was pretty soft trails, not able to set track yet.
  • The access road (Fire Lane Road) was not plowed as of Thursday evening. Until it's plowed, you'll need a high clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead.

Grooming Plans

  • After temps drop below zero Friday morning, more grooming is planned later in the day after temps rebound. Hopefully the snow will be more compressible, and allow creation of a firm skate deck and the ability to set classic track.

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

This week we were blessed with 14" of fresh snow in the Blue Hills! Our Groomer's have left some trails untouched for today's riders - see the Trail Report here: https://www.christiemountain.com/trail-map. Tomorrow (Saturday 2/25) you will find powder on the following trails: Lynx, The Edge & Wildcat! See you out there!

-Check out their website or Facebook page for more updates.