Ellis Golf Course (NW Cedar Rapids)

This afternoon the wind was blowing at 15 to 20 m/hr and the temperature was around 15 degrees F. The snow had become crisper in the last 24 hours so the downhills were faster and the climbs more difficult than yesterday. Breaking new trails was as easy as following existing trails since the skis did not penetrate the snow more than few inches in most places.

Ellis Golf Course is very hilly. It presents some challenges in the steep climbs, but also gives some nice downhill enjoyment. Of course there is no grooming, but then you are not limited to following trails.

Carr Woods, Ames

Ames received another inch or so last night, so I plan to head out around 3pm today for a quick grooming run. I'll probably just re-comb the skate trails to incorporate the new snow, but sections of classic track that need work will be touched up too.

The weather is supposed to be frigid for the next few days, but at least there's snow to ski on. Bundle up and enjoy. Have a safe and happy New Year!

Decorah conditions

We had some snow last night, but not enough for the park crew to re-groom the trails. They said the groomer would just chop up what is already there since it is hard packed and and since we don't have a pulverizer, it would just make things worse. With the new snow on the packed, plenty of skiers have been out on the trails (even more than when we had the first heavy snowfall). An additional 3 to 4 inches of new snow is needed before the park crew can groom again.

For those who don't have our cross-country ski trail map (includes groomed and non-groomed trails) it is posted on this site. In addition, we also groom what is finished of the new Trout Run Trail (a map is posted on our website: www.decorahia.org -- see Park-Rec. column on the right side of the page) and the Luther "bottom" (basically circles the athletic fields).

The basic order of grooming: Oneota Drive (aka Dug Road) out and then back, then they do the trail along the river, hit Palisades, Van Peenen, Trout Run Trail from Wold Park out to Fish Hatchery area, then do a return trip along the river and hit the City Prairie and Luther. Since we only have one groomer, please be patient.

Ashton - Iowa City

Ashton - Iowa City, temp - 14, wind - NW 17mph, snow - fine and dry.
Ashton was groomed and a classic groove set. The skate lanes were gone over as well. The snow was drifting back in right after grooming so we'll have to see what happens over all. The race will still be on as I'll head out very early tomorrow and work Ashton again - Brett

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

We received another two inches of snow yesterday, which brings us to approximately 36 inches in December. The Lake Loop and Mary's Avenue have been groomed so there is approximately 10k of trails that are open. Mary's Avenue will be classic only this year and I have attached a photo. All other trails are groomed for both skate and classic. The trails are packed well but some areas, particularly the classic tracks, have some soft pole plants. As time permits we will open up some of the interior trails and the River Loop.

Cody McCullough

Wyth Courderoyed

For those folks in the Cedar Falls area, George Wyth was nicely courderoyed this morning between 9 and 10. Great for skating--classic tracks mostly present, but look like they need more skiers to make 'em fast.

Decorah Trails

The trail system in Decorah never disappoints, even when conditions are less than perfect. The classic trail at Van Peenen Park today was hard as a rock but not so crusty that the kick was impacted. Parts of the trail had an amazing amount of debris from the high winds and rain but the sky was blue, the sun was out and we have enough snow to ski. The skate skiing at Luther proved to be more of a challenge as the trail there was very wind blown and many parts were decimated by "hikers" or deer with huge feet. Too bad.

FW Kent Park (Tiffin)

Both the north and south sections of the park are carrying good snow on 95% of trails. There are a few windblasted ridges and runoff spots to avoid, but it is done easily. In the north part of the park, foot traffic is moderate close to the conservation ed center, but peters out quickly to light foot traffic. In the south section, foot traffic is light to nonexistent. Easy ski in both cases. Snow is of great quality, but still thin enough even the skinniest of skis won't wallow off-track. Ungroomed fun with great solitude. Only other trail uses yesterday were deer and horned owl.

MNRA

MNRA was groomed this evening. Should be rock solid tomorrow for some good skating. There's not a lot of snow there with which to work so striders will have to be patient until we get a few more inches of snow. Have fun out there.

Busse Woods

I know the focus of this blog is "Iowa" ski trails but I have a tidbit that may come in handy for some. If your significant others ever drag you to the Woodfield Mall just west of Chicago and you are looking for any excuse not to go in...........across the street is the Busse Creek Nature Preserve with some excellent cross country ski trails. It was a lifesaver for me.

Carr Woods (Ames) 12/28

Carr Woods trails were groomed this afternoon. The groomers weren't in town over the holiday but it looks like the trails received ~4" of powder on top of whatever rain occurred earlier.

I re-combed the entire trail system for skating and set new classic tracks throughout. For the first time this season, the short trail to the low-head dam was groomed. I also worked on the east-west path that runs to Stagecoach Road, but until the snow stops blowing that stretch is pretty hopeless.

Judging from skiers I observed, the snow looked a bit soft for skating. Classic skiers seemed pretty happy though.

A bit more snow possible for later this week. We'll probably make another pass over the trails after that to firm things up.

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City, IA

After a record snow fall of 22 inches of snow (and 40 mph winds), we have been working hard to open up the trails. Currently, the trail from the Barn and the Lake Loop are open but may be drifted in areas. We will be setting classic tracks and opening the balance of the trails when the wind subsides - Cody

Lime Creek - Mason City Area

The Lime Creek Conservation Area skate ski trails are now being groomed by North Iowa Nordic, LLC (NI Nordic). All skate trails are in great shape with a great base despite the recent rain/sleet. Trails were refurbished on December 26 AM and PM. New snow fall on Sat PM the 26th was groomed on Sunday AM. Classic tracks have also been set around the skate loops now that snow depth is adequate. In many areas the skate lanes are wide enough to accomodate two skate skiers. Come check it out! Contacts for NI Nordic: Todd Juhlin 641 430 6112, Robert Polking 641 420 7489.


The classic tracks in the "woods" are still being groomed by the county personnel at Lime Creek.

Jester Park - Des Moines

Jester has plenty of lovely snow throughout the park's ski trails and the park in general. As of Sunday the park roads had not been plowed and the gate is locked. This also means that no grooming has occured so the only classic tracks are those made by fellow skiers. There are plenty of nice ones to follow or cut more of your own. Park in the main lot by the maintenance facility and ski into the park.

George Wyth-Cedar Falls

Yesterday George Wyth state park was groomed around noon--skated in the afternoon and it was good--pretty fast. A few places towards the end east of the trail that were very bumpy due to a snowmobile disrespecting the trail. Classic tracks looked good too. Lots of folks out both skating and classic skiing.

Big Creek

Sunday sun and ski at Big Creek was ever so fine - snow is in very good shape for skate and the classic skiers were looking happy - I didn't ski classic but kept an eye on the tracks which look to be in nice shape. Two exceptions, I suppose, the oaks have dropped an amazing layer of leaves on the trails at a couple points. which one can ski over and I did. Also the road in was not cleared as of noon on Sunday, so take a vehicle with some weight and clearance.

Twin Pines Golf Course (NE Cedar Rapids)

There was about 2" to 3" of fresh snow on top of the frozen snow left after the rains. The temperature was 19 degrees with a 19 mile/hr wind out of the NW. Breaking new trails was as easy as following existing trails. It was quite enjoyable skiing in what was 3" of powdery snow and on top of the frozen snow below.

MNRA (MacBride)

The trails at MNRA were rolled and groomed this morning. There are about 2 inches of soft stuff on top of 1 inch of ice. I tried but there's not enough snow to set tracks. The road was also plowed and sanded. Have fun out there.

Decorah

All of the trails in Decorah were well-groomed before the Christmas week rains and icing came. We've now had a couple of inches of new powder on top of the ice. With no sunshine today, it should last. So get out there and try it out.

Ashton

The Ashton Cross Country course was rolled and groomed today... prepare to be disappointed. There is not much volume in the snow we received and the rain has left puddles and run-offs in several spots that might stick you up. I did not lay any new tracks but several people have been through on their classics and left a pretty good line. Hopefully we get a couple more inches of white stuff with some substance to it.
PS- I will be rolling MNRA in the morning and will evaluate if it is deep enough to groom at that point.

Big Creek trail

The trail received about 5-6 inches of snow after the rain. The trail was groomed today for classic and skating and is currently in pretty good shape. Come out and enjoy the snow while it lasts.

Tom

Wickiup Hill (NW of Cedar Rapids)

This morning there was about an inch of fresh snow on the trails and the temperature was about 20 degrees. There had been quite a bit of melting in the last few days so the clasic track was mostly gone and there was ice under a lot of the new snow. The low area along the southern trail had water covering the trail so was impassable.

There was either some very sharp ice or some rocky area on part of the dike also along the southern trail. I was on top of it before I relized it and got some scratches on my skis.

The best classic skiing was on some of the trails that were never groomed in the past. They still had well defined tracks.

MNRA (MacBride)

MNRA will not be groomed until all this white stuff stops falling from the sky. I will probably try to do it tonight but that is also dependent on road conditions. No word yet on the roads in (and more importantly out) of the field campus. Based on the line of cars stuck at the bottom of the hill last week, I wouldn't recommend heading out there until you know they are plowed.

MNRA Road Conditions

The road was last salted and sanded about 10:30 am. As of the last report the road was wet and passable. Please use caution especially if the temps begin to drop. The road will be not be salted again until tomorrow.

Big Creek - Des Moines/Ankeny

Tried the classic track and skate lane last night and as could be expected given the weather, it was a mixed bag. The classic track is OK but really needs more snow as it is starting to ice over. For December in Central Iowa though, it is still darn good. The real trick was what grip wax? The temp was 34 degrees, some spots were icy and some still soft. Did I need a different grip wax or klister for the evening? Red/Silver was the softest kick wax in my bag and it just wasn't enough to avoid a double pole up every hill so I tried a universal klister and it was great for the areas that had been exposed to the light drizzle of the day but in protected areas it was way too much grip. Lesson learned, carry more wax and klister when you are skiing in tough conditions.

The skate lane remains in really good shape (at least by my limited experience). It is hard packed and icy at most trail connections but otherwise there is still good snow to push off and of course the glide is fast. Note dangerous, icy out of control fast, more like big grin fast.

Let's hope all this rain, wintery mix stuff misses us and we get another 4"-6" of snow. Merry Christmas all!

Ames Grooming 12/21

I spent a couple hours grooming Carr Woods last night. All the skate lanes were re-combed to incorporate Sunday's snowfall. I left most of the classic lanes alone because they looked to be in good shape. I added another lane of classic skiing along the N/S powerline trail, and widened the skate lane along that portion.

Things looked great when I finished up, so ski it up today while you can.

We're keeping a close eye on the weather. The bad news is that Ames will likely get a lot of rain starting tomorrow, which will lead to significant deterioration of trail snow. The good news is that the rain will probably switch back to snow on Friday. Depending on the timing, we may get enough snow to redo everything.

Both groomers will be gone for holiday travel this week. Thanks for your understanding while we're away with our families. We'll get to the grooming as soon as we get back. The extended forecast looks to be calmer and cooler, so our new snow should last for a while.

Have an enjoyable holiday! More updates to come next week and the storm.

Ashton - Iowa City, 11:00 PM

Ashton-Iowa City, was groomed as of 11:00 PM. The skate lane has been courderoyed and a new classic track set. Will the 1st classic skier out please help by skiing in the classic grove and helping to pack it down? Also classic skiers try to re-pack the old groove if you could. I apologize for a so/so classic track as the snow is minimal - Brett

MNRA

IMPOSSIBLE! When I arrived at McBride this morning I was greeted with a perfect corduroy without a ski track on it. It was impossible to ski without a silly grin bursting out. I also got a chance to meet the gentleman responsible for the expert grooming, as well as this website. Thanks for both Brett - Dan.

A note to all who visit the site; Paul Sueppel grooms MNRA so KUDOS to Paul! And I (Brett) groom Ashton and keeps this web site ship shape. Just enjoy the skiing is all the thanks I need folks!

Ames Carr Pool aka East River Valley

sorry all for being such a laggard about updates -- skated Saturday (with my good skis) -- very nice. shoveled in a little track for wind-blown NE corner; then a couple inches of nice snow over night and for Sunday it was perfect for the classic tracks - very nice. Sunday evening the skating was looking a bit like cornmeal, since it was pretty fresh and not re-rolled. But the snow remains in good shape and worth your while. THINK SNOW. --

MNRA (MacBride) - Iowa City/North Liberty 12 Noon

MNRA (MacBride) - Iowa City/North Liberty 12 Noon, temp 25 with little wind, the snow was firm and getting faster for skating. The classic track was gliding well on the downhills. Watch out for the ski grabbing leaves still here and there on the trials. Better skiing at the bottom - Brett

Jester Park

Made it out to Jester on Saturday for a couple of loops on their classic track and boy am I glad I did. The track was firm and very fast - very fun skiing. It looked as though the track was re-set Friday or early Saturday morning and had very little use. For those of you unfamiliar with Jester there are basically 3 sections to their classic track, a lakeside loop that takes you down along Saylorville Lake, then you climb into the hills overlooking the lake and finally up into the park and onto a section of the golf course. Note that to get to the golf course section you do have to cross a road, and if you want to do the entire gc section you need to cross the road several times.

For you night skiers please note that Jester is NOT open at night. In a previous post I mentioned a possible night ski attempt but the Park's winter hours are sunrise to sunset and they do lock the gate.

Wickiup Hill (NW of Cedar Rapids)

There was light snow fall that added about an inch on snow to the trails. Most of the classic tracks were in good shape before the snow and the snow covered up some bare and icy spots. There is one section of trail near the SW corner of the large loop that has been reworked to eliminate stub trees and so the classic track does not exist. The skate trail also benefited from the light snow.

MNRA

MNRA was groomed this evening and new tracks were. I don't know how it will ski but it looked stellar. Skaters, please be courteous of the classic tracks, they are hard to reset and takes a lot of time away from grooming for skating. Have fun out there.

MNRA (MacBride) - Iowa City/North Liberty 10AM

MNRA (MacBride) - Iowa City/North Liberty, ski time 9:30-11:45,  temp 24, snow was firm, fast, and holding an edge well. There was no classic track at this time. Snow was falling with the total maybe coming to 1.5 inches. The drive in and out is a bit trechereous and slick so be rather careful as the road won't be plowed until the snow stops. Thanks for working the snow into good form Paul - Brett

George Wyth

Almost Perfect! Firm, hard and fast. The classic tracks are shallow but very skiable. The skate lane was excellent early in the morning although it was beginning to soften by mid-morning. Not sure how it held up in the afternoon. Definitely worth a visit to George Wyth.

Mines of Spain

As of this morning, the trails are rutted and icy. The trails are suffering from the warm conditions last weekend and the cold conditions this week. Skating is unpredictable as the ruts steer your ski tips for you. Classic is possible with klister, but your arms are still going to propell you when the kick fails you uphill.

MNRA (MacBride)

MNRA was groomed tonight, should be good for skating tomorrow. Sorry, no new classic track, the old one was pretty iced up and not enough good snow for a new one. Watch out for a couple ice patches and parts of the old track. Have fun out there.

Ames Carr Woods -East River Valley

I and a number of other hopeful souls skated this last night - the snow was in good condition and fast (meaning fast snow not icy snow)! loved being out, however you need to be heads up for some interesting topographic variations on the trail surface. I"m sure it will be very good today and then we're headed into this freeze thaw stuff and who knows.

Big Creek - Des Moines/Ankeny

Last night (Wednesday) had the place to myself, other than the deer of course. The classic track was in fair condition, maybe even better than fair considering the freezing rain from earlier in the week. The only real trouble areas were the bottlenecks where trails narrowed or 2 trails converged and most every off-camber section. The narrows were very icy and the off-camber stuff lost the track on the lower side of the hill making it practically impossible to stay in the track. Otherwise it was hard and fast. It was a beautiful night to be out.

I didn't take the skate skis so I'm only guessing as to the skate lane's condition but it appeared to have been skied earlier in the day. In the few sections were I stepped out of the track the skate lane seemed to be firm and I can't imagine the glide would have been any less fast than the classic track.

Santa - all I want for Christmas is more snow!

Ashton - Iowa City 12-2:30PM

Ashton - Iowa City, the skating snow was fast and a little wild, note I did not say rocket fast and trecherous. The classic track is in poor condition and there isn't enough snow to set another so classic skiers do your best and try to have fun. There is suppose to be a small warm up tomorrow so get out tonight and early tomorrow, cross your fingers and hope for snow.

Try to walk down to the trail from the parking lot as the 1st hill is all ice. I haven't tried to get the grooming sled through the new entrance however I'll check and see if it will fit for future safety - Brett

Ashton - Iowa City 11PM

Ashton - Iowa City was groomed Tuesday night. After kicking a couple of holes in the snow with my heel I then  took the grooming sled out for a lap. I was able to dig the teeth in and break up the surface but it took three passes. I'm not promising anything but it might shape up to be fast. Classic skiers, especially whoever is first, try to set a track just inside the old classic track. The groomer was sometimes going where it wanted as the snow was very frozen and hard, sorry but I got into the old classic track a couple of times - Brett

Carr Woods is Fully Operational

All the trails at Carr Woods in Ames were groomed this evening for classic and skate skiing. A few sections of trail that hadn't been rolled yet were attended to as well. We'll continue to add trail width and open new sections as the season progresses.

The snow seems very nice except in a two short sections where the blizzard winds blew everything away. Funny how 12" of snow can add up to zero...

It sounds like we may get a few additional inches over the next week though. That should help a lot, and we'll groom as it falls.

Lime Creek - Mason City area

DATE: WEEK OF DECEMBER 14, 2009 TOPIC: LCCA CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

The Lime Creek Conservation Area cross country ski trails have been groomed. Trails are closed to bikes and horses effective until Spring 2010. All trails were inspected and an initial packing round was made with the snowmobile. Skate ski trails are 50-60% snow covered with the woodland diagonal stride trails 80-90% snow covered. The skate ski trails were rolled/packed and tracks set on the woodland-diagonal stride trails. In addition the trail around Quarry Lake was packed for hikers, dog walkers and snowshoe enthusiasts. Skiers are reminded that with the nature of the past snowfall, the high winds and lack of an existing base, ski conditions will improve with additional snowfall events. Additional grooming will occur after next significant snowfall. For more information contact the Conservation Board Office at 641-423-5309 and ask for Fred Heinz/Director.

Adams Nature Preseve - Sioux City Area

We received over ten inches of snow last week. Unfortunately, the snow did not contain much moisture and was followed by high winds. The Lake Loop, Cottonwood Crossing, Mary's Lane and a portion of the River Loop have been groomed. All trails have been groomed for both skate and classical with the exception of the north portion of Mary's which will be classical only this year. While there are a few thin spots, the trails are in good shape for early season skiing.

Cody McCullough

ames carr woods/east river valley (& big creek)

nice classic skiing sunday afternoon late on good snow in mostly user-set tracks. it's been rolled but not packed, so a lot of chop and depth for skate skiers, looks like a couple of folks tried it, and it looks like work. Saturday I skated at Big Creek and thought it was just wonderful (thanks TW) as per other comments that hasty little warmup on late saturday was likely less than helpful. snowing here now : ) and cold! YIPPEEE!!!!

Jester Park, Des Moines

Made it out to Jester on Saturday mid-day. Great snow cover, maybe 98% with just a bare spot or 2 on the golf course section.

There is no skating at Jester. Their classic track is set with no rolling first so it was bound to be extremely soft, which it was, but it was in really good condition with a very nice glide even on waxless skis. Thanks to the folks at Polk County & Jester Park!

On the down side there was quite a bit of snowmobile damage to the track but not enough to ruin the skiing.

I'll try to get back out Tuesday or Wednesday to see what this freezing rain has done.

Big Creek State Park, Des Moines/Ankeny

Tom had the trails rolled and groomed by Friday night for sure, perhaps earlier. Come Saturday morning they had firmed up pretty well. Trails were 100% covered but a few thin spots from the high winds of days previous.

Skate lane was in good condition Friday night although still a little soft in areas and it was sure to get softer as the temps climbed thoughout the day. I only made one pass on the skate lane around the disc golf part of the trails. Not sure how the lakeside and prairie areas were doing.

The classic track was in great shape, firm and fast. The track took pretty well too. Now if we could just keep the snowmobiles and dogs off the trails.

By Sunday morning there were noticeably more bare spots in some areas due to Saturday's warmup but the skate lane held up pretty well. Did not ski the classic track on Sunday but from appearances it also was also in great shape, albeit a few bare spots.

Thanks to Tom, and Kevin who was out Sunday morning filling in a few of the bare spots with his trusty pack shovel.

Decorah Conditions

Conditions are marginal. With the temperature hanging right at 32 degrees, the snow is soft, then sticky, then icy--all in about 10 feet! Hope that new snow tonight or tomorrow will solve the problem!

MNRA

MacBride was not groomed this morning due to warm temps. It's not looking too promising for later today either. Let's hope for a freeze-up and another two inches of snow.

Hooray for George Wyth!

Congrats for the nice job the folks at George Wyth have done with the first grooming of the season. The skate lanes are still a little soft as of Saturday morning but nothing a few more skiers can't cure. Plenty of classical track too. Great to have snow this early.

Decorah Silvercrest

The golf course now has a very nice track that we broke this morning. There are good long downhills and some "not so down." The sun is shining and there isn't much wind, so it is wonderful out there.
Be careful at the top of the hill. The parking is not well cleared. There is only room for about four cars at the top.
Enjoy!

Ashton - Iowa City, 11AM

Ashton was skating pretty well around 10 - 11AM. Those skiing the classic track said it was OK but a bit uneven here and there. I'll put down another classic track further in which should be better snow. The trail is firming up nicely and could possibly be very fast in a couple of days with regular weather. Cross your fingers and wish the freezing stuff somewhere else. Get out now before it's too late - Brett

Mines of Spain Recreation Trails , December 12

The trails at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area were groomed on Thursday afternoon. We had 10.5 inches of snow. But winds caused the snow to move around creating areas that have 2-3 inches and some areas over a foot of snow. The Prairie Ridge Trail is groomed for Skate Skiing and also Classical Skiing. The Cedar Ridge Trail is groomed for Classical Skiing only.

The Prairie Ridge Trail has some changes this year. The skate and classical trails are seperated on 95% of the system . The classical runs inside the skate trail and has about a 5 foot buffer of prairie grass in betweeen them . The only place they run together is thru a short piece of forest.

The skate trail is a bit rough. The snow was deep in places and difficult to flatten completely out. If this snow stays, we will have a good base.

The Iowa Shotgun Deer Season is on until December 20 and hunting is allowed for deer in the Mines of Spain and include the two ski trails.

Enjoy the skiing and pray for more snow. Only 2-3 inches and not 9-12.

Wayne

Decorah

All of the trails in Decorah are well-groomed. My husband Ted skied Palisades yesterday and it was perfect.
The driveway to Silvercrest Golf Course is plowed, but the parking area has only room for a couple of cars plowed out. When we checked it out yesterday afternoon, there was a car stuck about half way up the driveway. They were waiting for a tow.
We are heading out to Silvercrest later this morning to break a trail or two. There will be the advance/intermediate trail and the beginner trail, as our group will include both skill levels. I'll post an update later this afternoon.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail (Sugarbottom)

The Cedar Valley Nature Trail (Sugarbottom, not CR) and the Sugarbottom rec area road are good for now. Snow is great except near the cave, where you have to dismount to avoid bottoming out on rocks. A little side-stepping is required for one staircase. Otherwise, nice rolling trail, which should have a single track on it that anyone can fit skis into (I used extra-wide skis) which will greatly aid route-finding as well as gliding. Same is true for the Sugarbottom rec area road.

Woodpecker and Squire

Woodpecker and Squire Point systems should be good today. The Woodpecker side had seen light foot traffic, but the snow is thick enough to ski the entire thing easily. The Squire side hadn't been touched for a few days (looks like somebody skied it maybe Wednesday) except by a pair of coyotes. Again, snow thick enough the entire thing is an easy go. However, it's probably a Saturday-or-nothing deal for less-advanced woodland skiers as 1) more people will probably come out on the weekend to walk the thing and 2) if there's freezing rain over the weekend, the whole trail will go from beginner-intermediate to advanced. This would be a good chance for people interested in "backcountry" skiing to give it a try with little risk and great reward. The snow is soft and pillowy. The steep staircase at the bottom of the Woodpecker can even be easily carved. One track set by big skis Friday.

MNRA (MacBride)

Good Morning. MNRA was rolled, groomed and tracked tonight. Watch out for two bad spots on the main trail out (road to raptor center). There is some gravel due to plowing problems and tree removal. I tried to cover as much as I could by moving snow but it may grab you. Also watch out for my screw-ups in a couple of the tight corners. I'm not used to the sled with which I am grooming and I left some messes. Most of the trail should be in good shape. Feel free to carry a small pair of pruners with you to cut small branches out of the way, It allows me more time to get the trail right. I will be back out Saturday night or Sunday morning to freshen things up, then again Sunday night but will not be back until the Bombadier returns.

Ashton - Iowa City, 10AM

Ashton has been groomed and a classic track has been set on the outside of the course. Well mostly outside except for the loop around the trees on the NW corner of the course, then the classic track is on the inside.
Skaters stay out of the classical track, you all know where it is and has been in the past. Don't make me count to 3.
Also grooming was finished about 9AM, the longer the snow bakes the better the skating. Try to wait a bit please. Classical folks have at it and start packing the track.
Thanks All - Brett

Carr Woods, Ames - In Progress

Ames received around 12" of snow Tuesday-Wednesday, but due to the winds and nature of the snow, not all of it stayed on all the trails. Todd rolled most of the Carr Woods on Wednesday. We'll continue to work the snow over the weekend and eventually try to set some classic tracks. The 10 day forecast looks favorable to keeping the snow we have, at least.

Lime Creek - Mason City area

The Lime Creek Nature Center cross country ski trails are being groomed today (12/10/09). All trails were inspected Thursday morning and an initial packing round was made with the snowmobile. Skate ski trails are 50-60% snow covered with the woodland diagonal stride trails 80-90% snow covered. The skate ski trails will be rolled/packed and tracks set on the woodland-diagonal stride trails during the afternoon. In addition the trail around Quarry Lake has been packed for hikers, dog walkers and snowshoe enthusiasts. Skiers are reminded that with the nature of this snowfall, the high winds and lack of an existing base, ski conditions will improve with additional snowfall events. For more information contact the Conservation Board Office at 641-423-5309 and ask for Fred Heinz/Director.

Linn County Conservation Update - December 10

Following is the current situation for Linn County Conservation ski trails as of Thursday evening, December 10:

Morgan Creek Park - The cross-country ski trail has been groomed and is ready for use. Approximately, an additional 1/2 mile of groomed trail has been added to the arboretum trail loop. Our snow plow broke down while clearing roads, so the only parking available today is at the arboretum parking area off Worcester Road. The main park road and associated parking should be cleared on Friday.

Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center - Wickiup Hill Trails will be groomed Friday. Barring any unforeseen breakdowns or problems, the trails should be groomed shortly after noon on Friday.

Squaw Creek Park - Grooming will start Friday morning and trails should be ready for use by Friday evening.

Pinicon Ridge Park - The Polaris is not available to pull the groomer at this time. Efforts are being made to use equipment from another park when their grooming has been completed.

For further updates, feel free to call 892-6450.

Ashton - Iowa City 3PM

Ashton has been rolled and....groomed. The snow was at least 4 inches all the way around with some way deep places here and there. I spent a couple hours rolling the snow to pack it then went back for the grooming sled and took a lap. The snow held up well so I went ahead a groomed it lightly. Due to the University being picky about the grass on Ashton I didn't set a classic track but will do so if the temps stay down. Classic skiers please try to set a track to the outside of the Ashton Course. Skaters it's probably going to be very soft and lots of work. I'm thinking about getting out early tomorrow (Friday) AM and running the groomer over it again and perhaps setting a classic track.

Same rules apply, skaters stay out of the classic track and classic folks stay in your track. All you need is love - Brett

Grooming at MNRA

The sled was scheduled to go in for repair this week, looks like that was a little too late. We are still having some issues with it and are hoping that this will take care of it for good. I wasn't given any indication about how long it will take but I'm hoping to have it back in the next couple weeks. In the mean time we will do our best to shuttle the sled from in town back and forth to try and preserve this early snow as long as possible.

As a reminder there is not a trail pass charge for the use of any of the trails which we groom and a lot of resources are spent to keep these areas in great shape. Please be patient with us and if you are willing to donate to help with maintenance of the trail system please let us know. There is a donation box located at the restroom in the main parking lot at MNRA.

Thanks,

MNRA & Ashton, grooming guidelines

Possibly it is here, we'll have to wait and see around the Iowa City area. At this time the grooming sled for MNRA (McBride) is in the shop and should be turned around pretty quick so be patient with the grooming for McBride (MNRA). Ashton will be worked depending upon the type of snow that falls and the amount that falls, not to mention what the wind does. After that we'll try to get the sled out to MNRA and to some trail work out there.

Grooming guidelines;
Grooming/Tracking Rule of Thumb (ground must be frozen or the sleds dig into the soil):
3” or more – trails are rolled. 4-5” – trails can be groomed unless the snow has very little moisture (i.e. powder – which rarely happens in the Midwest above 0). 6” or more – tracks can be set.

Former Iowan runs Nordic Ultratune

Rick Paulos tiped me off about a former Davenport resident and Iowa bicycle racer Mark Waechter and his company Nordic Ultratune. Mark is in the state of Washington and takes care of tunning skis for folks looking to get the ultimate out of their equipment. Click on the Nordic Ultratune hyperlink prior or go to - ( www.ultratune.net ).

Ashton & MNRA, Iowa City

If you're out walking the ski trails and see any timber of movable size, help us out and clear the trail please. Ashton, MNRA, and other trails have been prepped for snow now we just have to wait for it to happen. While waiting for the ground to freeze pay attention to the ponds in your area as once frozen ponds have a great surface for crust skiing provided the ice is of sufficient thickness to hold a person up. Like I need to tell you all that - Brett