wdmnc Sunday

the trail fairy made it out and we have soft, stable snow for the tt. open sections have some degradation. sunny and 50................. Send snow.

Decorah Trail System

Decorah Trail system.
There are several places where the increasing heat from the sun has melted the snow, but we still have plenty of base. So conditions are icy in the mornings and sticky in the afternoons.

Ashton - Iowa City 2/28, 12:30AM

Ashton - Iowa City 2/28, 12:30AM, temp 18, wind NW 10mph

Grooming prep work is done for the Iowa City Herkabeiner kicking off at (9AM - Sunday 2/28) on the Ashton CC course.
The skate lane cleaned up well and should be rocket fast.
The classic tracks were plowed up and reset. There are a few shallow track areas but no sun burns yet. The overnight set up time should lead to excellent conditions on both tracks, go fast ya'all.   Brett

MNRA - North Liberty/Iowa City 2/27 12:30PM

MNRA - North Liberty/Iowa City 2/27 12:30PM
Skating lane was firm and fast and holding up well to the traffic. The classic track was gliding really well on the declines and downhills. Good number of skiers so the classic tracks were getting skied out on the corners. Good ski temp with fast skis and low winds, a good time over all.  Brett

Twin Pines Golf Course (NE Cedar Rapids)

The temperature was 22 deg F, the wind was 10 mph out of the NW, and the sun was shinning. It was a beautiful day to be outside.

The grooming was basically nonexistent. There was some classic tracks that were in very poor shape so I cut some new ones. They were pretty good by the time I made my third pass.

This is a nice place for me to ski since I can ski out my back door to get there.

New loops added to Webster City 5k trail

All three Webster City Trails are freshly groomed and tracked to go into the weekend. On the Briggs Woods Golf Course 5k trail (actually 4.3k) we have added length to the course to bring it to a full 5k next year. Even though not marked with flags, there are several places where a new track branches out and then re-joins the original trail after a loop. The largest loop goes to the right in the valley at the bottom of the longest hill at about 1.5k. Another after 2k, and another after the long downhill traverse. Try them out and let us know what you think. You may respond to this post or call me at 515-297-1638. The snow is fast but corning up a bit after sunny days.

Ashton - Iowa City, 10:30AM 2/26

Ashton - Iowa City, 2/26 10:30AM, temp 15, wind NW 5mph
Ripped out the classic track and reset it. There are some shallow places as the snow was very hard packed. The skating lane was still untouched when I left around 10AM, it was very firm and looked fast.  Brett

Briggs Woods/Boone River Trail

The Boone River Trail has been groomed and tracked from Briggs Woods Park to 7B Ranch. A skate lane has been set between Highway 20 and 7B. The Briggs Woods Golf Course has been groomed and tracked with a skate lane set. The Woodland Trail in Briggs Woods Park will be groomed over the weekend.

Big Creek - Des Moines/Ankeny

WOW, the classic track was blistering fast last night. Beware that corners are washed out, the track is very shallow in some spots and there is a little glaze here and there. Put that all together and it makes for some edgy fun.

I didn't take the skate skis last night and only saw 2 other skaters. They seemed to be enjoying themselves and from what I could tell, the skate lane looks to be in great shape. I had been out Monday night and it was firm, fast and clean. Should be a great weekend at BC for those of us not doing the Birkie.

Anyone else get a kick out of watching Demong & Spillane kick a little Nordic Combined tush yesterday??

MNRA

Macbride was reworked tonight. New striding tracks are still shallow and will be unless we get more snow. I am guessing the skate lane will be the fastest it's been all year on Saturday based on the forecast and the packed snow. Have fun.

Ashton - Iowa City 1AM, 2/25

Ashton - Iowa City 1AM 2/26, temp 7, wind W 5 mph
The skate lane has been churned and smoothed, the cold hard packed snow was reluctant to break up but should set up for some rocket snow. Sorry classic folks I'll get out there early and finish up, I was falling asleep at the wheel and thought it best to get some rest and then finish the job little later in the AM.   Brett

Prairie Springs XC Trails, Cresco, IA -- Feb. 25

Prairie Springs XC Trails, Cresco, IA - February 25
Packed all trails, combed skating lane, and set diagonal tracks - trails are excellent with 12-30' packed depth. Trails are firm with both skating and classic tracks excellent. No trouble spots!
Temp forecast for Feb 26 - March 1 is mid to upper 20s - no snow or high wind in current forecast.

Matsell Bridge Natural Area 2/25

Trails were groomed today at the Matsell Bridge Natural Area near Stone City. The lower end of the trails by the "pack-in" campsites groomed the best and that is where you will find the best trails. Some areas only have the classic tracks but I tried laying down the skate tracks where possible.

The trails should set up nicely overnight with the cold temperatures but looks like our cold days may be limited! There are a few bare spots starting to show through but most areas have a good base.

Some of you have asked to see what we are using for grooming equipment so I have enclosed a pic of what we are using. We will be monitoring the trails to see if we will be able to groom again before Spring finally gets here. Hope you are able to get out this weekend!

Aaron Batchelder

Wapsipinicon District Park Ranger

Linn County Conservation Department

Pinicon Ridge County Park Trails 2/25

I was able to get the trails at Pinicon Ridge County Park near Central City groomed yesterday. The trail set up firm overnight but with the Cardinals singing their spring courtship songs and the sun getting higher and higher each day this may be one of the last times we will be grooming. Spring appears to be on the way. If we continue to get adequate snowfall and temperatures remain cold overnight we will try and do some more grooming.

Hope you are able to get out and enjoy the trails.

Aaron Batchelder

Wapsipinicon District Park Ranger

Linn County Conservation Department

Ashton - Iowa City, 2-3:30PM 2/24/10

Ashton - Iowa City 2/24 - 2-3:30PM, temp 13, wind WNW 15-20 gusts over 25mph
The skate lane at Ashton was very firm and rocket fast. The typical places have drifted a bit but even the drifted snow was somewhat firm. Headwind sections were lots of work and the tailwind sections ripped by at warp speed.
The classic track was drifted heavily.
Not much I can do grooming wise until the wind drops off folks but I'll get to it tomorrow night at the latest.  Brett

MNRA

MNRA was groomed and new tracks set tonight. Tracks are shallow and the skate lane didn't clean up as well as I would have liked. I'll be out there again Thursday night to clean it up better.

West Des Moines Nordic Center, Tuesday, February 23

Groomed earlier today and hard and fast. Night skiing conditions are 10 degrees, NW 18mph wind. Come on out!

Wickiup Hill (NW of CR)

The temperature was around 20 deg. f., the wind was around 20 mph out of the NW, and the sky was overcast.

The classic track was hard and fast. There was only one section about 20 foot long that had grass coming through the bottom. Some of the edges had been flattened out, especially on the curves.

The skate lane also was hard and fast. In some places it was difficult to get a good push with the skis. The skate lane had been groomed since Saturday and has seen lots of traffic.

New Groomed XC Ski Trail, West Des Moines Nordic Center in Raccoon River Park

Some hard effort over the past few years has resulted in another groomed ski trail in Iowa, West Des Moines Nordic Center (WDMNC) located in the Raccoon River Park, West Des Moines. The trail head is right next to the parking lot by the softball complex. For the DSM metro folks this will be a great after work ski site. Polk and Story county now have 5 ski sites to choose from, could we ask for more???? Let's hear some feedback on the new trail system and a BIG congratulations to all the folks that made this happen.  Brett

Ashton - Iowa City 2/23 - 12PM

Ashton - Iowa City 2/23 - 12PM, temp 17, wind W-10

Both the skate lane and classic tracks at Ashton have been groomed and reset. The bike trail to iHOP was groomed and the classic track left as is/was.  The snow felt firm under foot and should solidify more as the day progresses. I'm hoping no drifting occcurs before tonights Nordic TT enjoy.

I've set out lots of little guide flags to help with the course change at Ashton, you can't miss it.  Brett

Big Creek trail

Monday, 2/22 - The skating lane was regroomed tonight and is currently in fine shape. With a cold temperature overnight, it should solidify nicely for tomorrow. It is very level and has just a light covering of fresh snow crumbs on top. Yummy! I expect skating conditions to be very good for the next several days unless we get another dose of snow.

I left the classic tracks as is. They are still in good shape on the straights, but skied out on some of the corners. All in all skiing conditions are good to very good. It can't be said too many times what an amazing winter it has been!

I observed a couple sets of boot tracks running on the skating lane and occasionally on the classic tracks over on the Lakeside loop. They were not from disc golfers, they appeared just to be people out for a stroll. If you happen to see someone doing this, you might politely ask them to refrain from walking on the trail or walk on the very edge opposite of the classic tracks. Thanks!

Ashton - Iowa City, 1PM 2/22

Ashton - Iowa City, 1PM 2/22
Ashton has been groomed and the classic tracks have been reset. Also the bike trail was groomed the existing classic track looked good and just needs to be skied and packed down.

The skate lane will be a touch soft until I groom it again, probably tomorrow AM in prep for another Iowa City Nordic TT installment. The classic track should be rocket fast after getting a little traffic.

I have moved the Skate Lane again. On the East side of Ashton when skiing in a counter-clockwise direction a person would normally go around the tree line in what amounts to almost a 180 degree right turn. The turn leads to an off camber climb that turns left on the top to a downhill and left turn. I've straighten the trail at the apex of the 180 degree turn and gone straight North to the top of the hill eliminating the off camber climb. The trail turns right on top of the hill and runs along the the hill top.. The trail then turns left down the original downhill going into the left turn.

I've left the classic lane alone as it's in a good postion.  Brett

Prarie Springs - Cresco

CRESCO IS BACK! This is a seriously nice trail system with some seriously nice grooming. Just a hint of crust on the half inch of new snow which created some fast easy skiing. I used to ski here often years ago but had not recently. The trail has something for everyone. If you are looking for hills you can find them here. If you are looking to avoid the hills and just want a beautiful setting in which to ski, that is available as well. The descent through the woods on the north side of the trail that leads back to the parking lot is about as much fun as you can have on cross country skis. Unfortunately, a hiker with an especially aggressive tread on their boot had done more damage than I would have thought humanly possible to a good deal of the trail. Some things seem to be the same all over.

Pinicon Ridge - Central City

The temperature was in the high 20's, the wind was out of the NE at around 10mph, and sky was hazy.

The trail had not been groomed since the snow yesterday, but someone had established a classic track.

This was my first time skiing at Pinicon Ridge. It has quite a few hills and the skate lane looked like it was smooth under the fresh snow.

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

Excellent both for skating and classic. Temperatures in the upper twenties, no wind.

MNRA - North Liberty

More new snow on the skate lane than I was expecting. Fortunately there were plenty of skiers out and the base was rock hard. Great skiing!

Big Creek trail

Saturday, 2/20 - The trail was groomed this morning following about 3 inches of new snow. Classic tracks were set and the skating lane was groomed. Due to the warm temperature the trail is pretty soft, but down below the fresh snow it is still nice and firm. Not great conditions, but still fun. Lots of skiers out today enjoying the new snow and comfortable temperature. More snow is expected tomorrow. The main park road has been plowed, but the road leading back into the trail parking lot has not. Many cars have been in and out, so just be careful and you should be OK. Not a bad idea to bring a shovel.

Wickiup Hill (NW of CR)

The temperature was in the high 20's, the wind was very light, and it was overcast. It had snowed about 2" overnight and the snow was fluffy, but would pack under the skis.

The classic track was well defined by the first skier of the morning. Skiers with waxless skis were having some trouble with snow sticking to their skis.

The skate lane was skiable though the first pass was quite a bit of work with the snow covering the skis. It just got better as some of the snow got packed down.

I talked with the groomer who said he was planning on grooming in a few hours. It should be great skiing tomorrow.

MNRA

MacBride was groomed and new tracks set tonight. It should be stellar tomorrow depending on temps. I did have some problems with deer leaving tracks on my fresh grooming. Please remind any deer you see that the trails are for cross country skiers only. We'd really prefer they stick to the deer trails. Thanks
I'll be in Cheeseland again this weekend so Darren should be out there to grrom Saturday night. Get out and enjoy it!

Prairie Springs XC Trails, Cresco, IA -- Feb. 18

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails, Cresco, IA (2 miles south at Prairie's Edge Nature Center) Feb. 18

Groomed all trails this evening. Packed, combed freestyle lane, set diagonal track. Conditions are excellent, 12-24 inches on average of firm packed base.

Weather over the weekend predicted to be in upper 20s with light winds. Possible light snow of less than 1" possible. Next three days should be excellent skiing. There is a sizable deer population so trails deteriorate after the weekend.

New/Old trail comes back online, Prairie Springs near Cresco IA

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trail has come back and is being groomed for skating and classic skiing again. Once a hotbed of Nordic skiing for Cresco IA when the XC ski club was going strong. The club disbanded and the grooming dropped to nothing. Now it's back, new equipment, new blood working the trails, sounds like it's time to dust off the skis and partake. Check under the links and hit the map page, we'll have grooming reports shortly.  Brett

Pleasant Creek SRA (Center Point/Palo)

The 8-mile (as best as I can figure) multi-purpose trail is packed down by snowmobile traffic and in good shape for cruiser-type skis. There is no need to break trail here. The length of the trail gives users the opportunity to stretch their legs without having to repeat the same loop over and over. Tons of opportunity for off-trail exploring exist as well. Park right before the entrance sign and find the multi-purpose trail on either side of the entrance road. It's the only trail in the park. Maps are available at the information kiosk. Follow the main snowmobile tracks and you'll be golden. When the tracks split, use your map or best guess to choose correctly. Generally, the heavier-traveled trail is correct.

Some pretty good hills here, but nothing truly wicked.

No humans out and about today. Deer, pheasant, and horned owl were trail users, however, as well as a coyote who came out and tracked up the path after the crust began to soften in the early afternoon.

This is not a groomed trail system.

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty 12/18 - 11:30AM

MNRA (MacBride) - Iowa City/North Liberty, 12/18 - 11:30 AM, temp 20, wind NW 5mph.
Skating at MNRA was very fast and firm this AM. The center of the skate lane was packed and starting to get slick. Classic skiers please try to keep to the edges of the skate lanes or use the classic groove.
The classic groove was gliding super fast today on the downhills, with the right kick wax it should be fabulous traditional skiing today.
Please observe trail etiquette folks, skater stay off the classci track and classic skiers please use the grooves and stay off or to the edges of the skate lane.   Brett

Briggs Woods - Webster City 2/18

Briggs Woods - Webster City 2/18
The 5k course on the Briggs Woods Golf course has been groomed for both classic and skate. There is one climb where sun and wind have created and ice surface with little snow cover. Otherwise, the snow is good. The Boone River Trail and other trails in Briggs Woods Park will be groomed over the weekend.  Gary

Wapsipinicon State Park (Jones Co.)

This is a worthwhile park. The trail system is not terribly long, however, there is plenty of opportunity for off-trail exploring both in the woods and on the golf course. And what snow! Almost untouched powder that was getting a slight crust on it in sun-baked open areas yesterday afternoon.

The brief, steep routes from the top of the bluffs to the river run from advanced to insane, so to access the official trails, it is best to drive down by the river and park at the bottom of the hill near the Rotary Lodge. From here you can access a several miles of trail and the golf course. Follow the river or climb the Rotary Lodge hill and follow the tracks. Many fun hills to be run along the trail, much less steep than the descents from the bluffs. The steepest on-trail measured 16 degrees at entry, and averaged 13 degrees, so we're talking bunny hills here. But still, it's gravity, and it works.

Lots of eagles, deer and turkey out yesterday. No people were seen off the pavement. Also, thanks goes to the kid who built a ramp at the end of the 3rd hole tee box retaining wall. The ramp is frozen and will amazingly support skis; it provides a good 3 feet of air off the retaining wall.

This is not a groomed trail system.

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

Temps around 16 with no wind. At 6:15 PM, as many as nine cars in the parking lot - not bad for a weekday. Classic and skating trails just perfect!

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty 4PM 2/17

MNRA, temp 25, wind NW 10
The skate lane was firm and fast, good skate skiing today. Hopped into the classic groove here and there and it was gliding like a rocket, should be good classic skiing as well.  Brett

MNRA

MNRA was groomed and new tracks set tonight.

Ames/Carr woods

Second day in a row of great skating! Yesterday was amazing as the new snow was strangely fast. More people are showing up, getting to know each other, skiing together, and sharing info. At one point today there were no less than 7 people heading south on the east side of the prairie trail. I LOVE a parade!

We may have to organize a Ames area club if this keeps up. Any of you can contact me at: wbyonder (at) aol dot com.

Wickiup Hill (NW of CR)

It was another nice day to ski. The temperature was in the low 20's, the wind was blowing out of the NW at about 16 mph, and sun was shinning.

The classic track was in great shape except for a few icy spots. The skate trail was mostly hard and fast. It had a light dusting of snow over the hard subsurface.

There were quite a few footprints and some snow shoe prints on the skate track, but they had stayed away from the classic track.

Decorah Trails

Decorah trails are backed, tracked and in good condition. Watch out for the big deer tracks. Cold and wind today will make them fast.

Ashton - Iowa City 2/16 - 2AM

Ashton  - Iowa City, 2/16 - 2AM, temp 17, wind NW 10-15, slight drifting.
All of Ashton and the bike trail (to ihop) has been groomed.
The skate lane was tilled and smoothed, while the classic groove was plowed then reset.
The bike trail has suffered heavy hiker damage, it might come back as the week moves on. Not much we can do or say about hiking on the bike path folks as it's Coralville land.
If you've noticed, I set a path inside the skate lane again this year. Please direct the walkers, hikers, runners, and snowshoers to this inside lane at Ashton. Try not to ski on the far inside lane as the non-ski folks might get the impression it's a skiing lane instead of a foot traffic lane.
Looks like a big GO for tonights Iowa City Nordic TT.   Brett

Morgan Creek - Cedar Rapids

This was easily the best skate skiing of the season for me. The base is very firm and had a half inch of new snow with the perfect moisture content to go fast. This is in spite of the extra effort from the walkers to decimate even the most remote sections of this beautiful trail.

Ames Carr Woods 2/15

Trails at Carr Woods in Ames were completely regroomed this morning following weekend snow. Drifting will again be a bit of a problem in a couple of sections and some touchup will likely be required. Nonetheless, it looks quite nice out.

Ski conditions:
Skating: very soft 2-3" surface with a solid base underneath. Best to give it a day or two before reliving Olympic glory.
Classic: New classic tracks were set throughout. These too will probably be a bit soft today but get better with use and time. Feel free to start skiing them now.
Forecast for the week ahead looks great for continued skiing. Enjoy!

GROOMING AT MNRA

The trails at MNRA were fast, fun and full on Sunday. Thanks for the great job on the trails Paul.

George Wyth - Cedar Falls

The snow is in great shape here. Both the classic tracks and skate lane are firm and fast. The dogs and hikers are taking their toll though, so you had better hurry.

MNRA

MNRA was groomed and new tracks set this morning. It was already pretty beat-up by the time I left at noon though. Probably won't get out there again until Monday night.

Wickiup Hill (NW of CR)

It was about 1:00 PM Sunday when I arrived at the park. The temperature was about 20 deg.F, the winds were out of the NW at around 12mph, and the Sun was shinning.

The trails was freshly groomed. In fact there was only one set of tracks on the skate lane when I arrived. The skate lane was solid , but had just enough softness to allow my skis to get a good bite. My skate skis are designed for the softer snow.

The classic track looked like it was in good shape. It was complete except for the southern part of the Eastern loop.

I would like to compliment the groomers on an excelent job. I did not know they could do a better job then the last few times I skated here, but they did. Thank you.

George Wyth-Cedar Falls

9 am this morning skating at GW was *almost* perfect--the trails groomed (looked good for classic too), packed and nice, 19 degrees and sunny--BUT for the heavy heavy pock-marks of multitudes of foot traffic! Please, pass it along--and maybe post signs at all entry points and parking lots?--walking on trails makes for a bumpy ride and wrecks the hard work of the groomers!

Briggs Woods - Webster city

A FINE afternoon exploring the classic tracks at Briggs Woods, they are in really good shape ((but not tightly carved for you high speed track trainers)) It was to have an almost "destination" ski - from the park into town - ok - close to 'into' town. Many fine features and bridges, this would be a good trail for packing a little lunch or snack and just hanging out.

Morgan Creek - Cedar Rapids

The classic tracks are deep and in very good shape. The skate lane is skiable but the hikers and dogs have done a lot of damage as usual.

Pinicon Ridge - Central City

This trail system is one of the best in N.E. Iowa if you are looking for a variety of terrain. I have never been there when the grooming was anything short of impeccable and today was no different. If you have not tried skiing here it is well worth the trip.

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty, 2/13 early

MNRA (MacBride) - Iowa City/North Liberty, 2/13
The trails have been groomed and classic track reset. With the little warm up yesterday all trails should be firm and fast.   Paul Sueppel

Lime Creek Nature Center - Mason City

We received a dusting of snow overnight, approx 1 inch. Skate trails at Limey groomed LATE Friday PM / Saturday AM. Classic track set on skate trail loops. With overnight lows I'd expect a fast, hard track for the weekend. Skate trails in GREAT shape.

Woodland classic trails were groomed following our 9.5 inch snow this past Monday.
Should make for a great weekend of skiing.  Todd

Squire/Woodpecker (IC/N. Liberty)

Trail system is prime. At 10 a.m. Friday, it looked like a genuine social ski trail. Snow is deep but trenched through the drifts so that any skier on any type of classic ski could easily manage the flatter parts of the trail down by the lake. All the descents to the lake are flanked with powder that can be used to slow beginners' downhill experiences. This pow can also be used for turning in the steeper stairs or off-trail for those who like that kind of stuff.

Great conditions for this trail. Best of season. Expect it to get hammered by foot traffic this weekend. Try to go early Saturday. The longer you wait, the more stability you'll need underfoot. If it snows a few more inches again Saturday night, it'll be refreshed for Sunday. Thanks go out to the at minimum six skiers who broke, trenched, and packed this trail in the last several days. This is not a groomed trail system.

Pinicon Ridge County Park Trails

Trails were groomed at Pinicon Ridge County Park today and appear to be in excellent shape. You will have to park at the entrance gate of the campground (closed for the season). The campground is located off of Valley Farm Road on the north side of the Wapsipinicon.

Thanks for visiting!
Aaron Batchelder
Wapsipinicon District Ranger
Linn CountyConservation Department

briggs woods/ webster city

Tried to skate the golf course trail this afternoon (fri) but I'm afraid it was just a little too soft. If you are planning to ski here bring the classic stride skis as the classic track is good.

Matsell Bridge Natural Area

The trails at Matsell Bridge Natural Area have been groomed. The best skiing is found if you access the Northeast parking lot (north of the Hazel Knoll Cemetary). The northern part of the area will have the best skiing as trail damage has occurred in other areas due to plowing activities from forestry activities.

In the areas that were plowed about the only thing I could do was lay down the traditional tracks. You will find good skating tracks in the areas by the river close to one of the pack-in sites. (See pics).

We do have MBNA brochures available at the maintenance shop door and at the Assitant Park Ranger's residence. Have fun and thanks for visiting!

Aaron Batchelder

Wapsipinicon District Park Ranger

Linn County Conservation Department

Big Creek - Des Moines/Ankeny/Polk City

Tom and/or Kevin groomed Wednesday night and BC should be ready for the weekend. Got out last night after work and was blown away by how great the snow is right now. The skate lane is firming up very nicely and was reasonably fast. It was still a little soft in spots but it may be perfect by the weekend. Kudos to Tom/Kevin for their work. If you didn't know better you'd swear you were at a nordic center somewhere in the north woods or the mountains.

The classic track is deep and very fast. Again, with a little more use it should set up for an epic weekend.

With the new snow, snow depth over the entire system is very, very good. Without significant damage from rain, high temperatures or what have you, BC should be in good shape for a while.

No reports from me until the 20th or so, I'm out of town till then.

MNRA/Ashton - Iowa City

Phil posted one of the best comments this season regarding skiing on freshly groomed trails. The groomer around the state work hard to maintain the quality tracks and skate lanes that we all have. Of course, the best time to groom is when you are all sleeping for a number of reasons but that does not always work. Sometimes grooming can only take place during the day.

If you see the groomers working, try thinking about everyone else. It may mean that you need to cut your ski short but in the long run, staying off the trail until it "sets up" is good for everyone. The skate lane will be firmer and the tracks will be harder (think blue hard wax and not klister).

The groomers will think you are smart and may even thank you in person. Enjoy this winter. We banana belt folks are really lucky this year.

Ames Carr Woods aka ERV

the after-dark report from Ames is here again ~ the slightest dusting of snow in the air; trails are in good to very good shape for skating, my glide was good, and the classic trails are just excellent. Skaters the 50 yds or so to the dam is pretty chopped up, and there's a soft spot for about 15 yd on the prairie loop -- and WHO CARES?!!! It's just awesome out there!!

Big Creek - Lesson Learned

Here is a tip from someone who didn't know that being too eager to ski can be damaging to the trails.

There is a reason groomers ask us to STAY OFF trails that have been freshly packed and groomed - trails need to "set up." We've all heard (or read) about it before in the blog but last night I experienced it for myself. Wanting badly to get out and ski, I headed for Big Creek around 7:30 knowing full well that Tom and/or Kevin had intended to groom sometime that evening. My first thought was typically self centered, "I'll be the first to skate that sweet, freshly groomed snow." When I got there the guys were still at it.

Here is what I found out about skating on a freshly packed and groomed (not set up) trail. Pole plants would not stick and gouged the trail, and every attempt to push off "sliced" a long divot into the trail. The trail was simply too soft. Bottom line, all I was doing was damaging the trail so I packed up and headed home.

My experience is that xc skiers are akin to mountain bikers, eager to chat, offer a smile, share experiences and trade tips. We can also learn a thing or two from them with regard to managing our trails. They don't ride on wet trails because they know it causes damage and they are thinking about the good of the sport not themselves. Likewise, we shouldn't ski (or run our dogs) on our trails when we know we'll cause damage.

Ashton - Iowa City, 2/11 - 2 PM

Ashton  - Iowa City, 2/11- 2PM, temp 20, wind S 0-5mph.
Ashton has been groomed again, the classic tracks were plowed up and reset.
The skate lane was also plowed and gone over to compress,
it should be very firm by race time.  Brett

Adams Nature Preserve Sioux City IA

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City, Iowa


I do not have much to report, except our trails are in excellent condition. We received some wet snow over the weekend and another inch or so of cold dry snow on Monday. The classic tracks are quite good and all skate lanes are in excellent condition. The balance of the River Loop may be opened up this week if the groomers can smooth out the drifts. This will add another 5K of trails to our system. While I have tried to give regular updates, Adams is groomed 3 to 5 times per week so you will normally find it in excellent condition.  Cody McCullough

Ashton - Iowa City, 2/11 - 7AM

SKATE SKIERS, Ashton is decadently wide, why are you skiing near the Classic Tracks?

You know the outside is the classic groove at Ashton so stay away from it.

Wickiup Hill (NW of CR)

The temperature was in the middle teens, the wind was light, and the sun was shinning late Wednesday afternoon. The area had received about 6" of new snow the previous day.

The classic track in most areas had been rebuilt since the snow and was in very good condition. There was no classic track on the steeper part of the Eastern hillside loop.

The skate lane was also freshly groomed in all areas and was soft and slow. It made for a good workout. As usual there were quite a few foot and snow shoe prints in some areas.

Add ten Inches to Groomed Webster City Trails

All three trails, the 4.3k Briggs Woods Golf Course, The Woodland Loop Trail and The 7B to Briggs Woods Trail have been groomed today and are 100% packed powder. The Golf Course and 2/3 of the 7B trail have at least 10 ft wide skating lanes too. If you are going to Wisconsin to ski in that Birk thing race in a couple of weeks, and your local trails don't have hills, then come to Webster City and ski our golf course 4.3k. Some of our uphills are so steep that we have to groom downhill. While I am away for a while, others will groom our trails. So even if you don't see a post, come on out.

Lime Creek Nature Center - Mason City

Well…we have finished “getting thru” the new snow (9.5 inches)and DRIFTS on all of the prairie skate trails now. Skate trails are wide, yet edges will be soft as trail edges were moved outward to help with the drifting.

Skate trails have set up pretty well over the underlying base. Firmness of the skate trails is medium. With this snow it will be another groom or two before it is real firm. Classic track is set on all skate trails and is nice. Over the next couple of grooms we should be able to level the trails even better…but the trails are in great shape. A final groom and a new classic track will likely be set before the weekend as well.

That’s all for now. Calling for more snow this weekend. Have a great ski and tell your friends of the venue up here :)

Todd

Ames - ERV Carr

ok Ames ski fiends, where are you? I was out last night on classics and just enjoying the deep wonderful and soft snow, the groomer was heading out as I was leaving, they've made a couple attempts to roll this stuff down a bit. I'm headed out here in a while and will let you know what happens.

Ashton - Iowa City, 2/10 - 12pm

Ashton - Iowa City, 12PM, temp 15, wind NNW 10-15 increasing w/gusts to 25.

Ashton has been groomed and classic tracks reset, this includes the bike lane to IHOP.
Some places were drifting but we will deal with that as it happens, Ashton is coming back into form.
The skate lane felt like it was firming up quickly, low temps really help.
The classic track needs to be skied upon.  Brett

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty

MacBride Field Campus was groomed this evening and new tracks set. Classic should be good and possibly sluggish. The skate lanes will probably be a little slow cuz it's soft. Watch the big 180 turn out by the Osprey nest, I had some trouble navigating the corner. Have fun!

Lime Creek Nature Center - Mason City

Received 9.5 inches of light dry snow over the last 36 hours, and wind. All prairie skate loops have been "packed" with snowmobile and groomed one time in an effort to level the trails. A difficult job as this is tough snow to work with! Nice job so far by the volunteer groomers! Trails are very soft. Tuesday brought winds and more drifting on all trails. Goal is to finish groom and set classic track on all skate loops tomorrow AM and PM. Expect to have medium firmness trails by Thursday. 13 hours of work put in over the last 18 hours by the team. Skiers...please show the volunteers some appreciation by limiting the running of dogs on the trails until the trails set up, give the trail 48 hours. They are working to give you a wonderful venue and the least we can all do is respect their efforts.

Todd Juhlin

Ashton - Iowa City 4PM, 2/9/10

Ashton - Iowa City, 2/9 - 4PM, temp 25, wind NNW-10mph, tapering light snow.

Ashton and the bike trail were rolled, then Ashton was groomed.
Ashton has new classic tracks that are ready to be skied.
The skate lane is soft and a work in progress, a couple more grooming sessions should firm it up.

7-8 inches total this time around and plenty of snow to work with for a while.  Brett

Ashton - Iowa City 2/8 - Midnight

Ashton - Iowa City, temp 10, wind W-7, moderate snow fall
Ashton and the bike path have been rolled, possibly 3-4 inches of new snow. Depending upon snowfall and wind we'll most likely roll again and then groom in the morning (Tuesday).  Brett

Squire/Woodpecker (IC/N. Liberty)

Thin but in. Snow was slow but evenly distributed. Entire trail system is a go. However, now that December's thick pack has melted out, be prepared to huck stairs on some of the aggressive returns toward the lake. Great fun if you like that kind of stuff. Should be more beginner-friendly and perhaps even slower if the snow continues at this pace for another 12+ hours.

Kent Park (Tiffin/Oxford)

Snow was slow but blanketed the whole park. Trail breaking enthusiasts rejoice! The hill at Bob White was just fast enough to provide nice turns. The snow was creamy and carved well to the base. Other hills were tediously slow, though some might like it. Expect the hills to get slower as the snow continues to pile up. Also remember that if the wind picks up as forecast, there might be wind-scoured spots later.

Carr =East RV - Ames

Well- the air is THICK with snow as I type, YIPPPEE -- so here's the thing: yesterday Sunday at Carr was fun, but getting thick for skating. Classic tracks were in good shape, skating was fun if a bit slow, and it was a BEAUTIFUL day to be out. From today on- watch for a post for grooming update at this site, I would say that unless you are a Much more Determined and Talented skater than I, there won't be any skating out there until it's groomed. SNOW HO! : ) Looks to me like All kinds of classic joy is going to be available!

George Wyth - Cedar Falls

The skate lane is a little crusty. Not the kind of control you would hope for but still very skiable. The dusting in the classic tracks provided some nice glide. We'll see what the new snow brings.

Ashton - Iowa City, 1PM, hope for Ashton

Ashton - Iowa City 2/7, 1PM, temp 26, wind SE 6
Since the early week predicted snowfall didn't materialize I was hoping the surface of Ashton would get baked during the remainder of the past week. The sun did what I wanted and softened up the Ashton base. The grooming sled broke up the surface and the 1/2 to 1 inch snow from the other day mixed well with the base. Ashton might shape up quicker than I thought. The additional snow in the forecast will do wonders for the trail so hope for lots.

The classic track was reset as well, with some creative sled usage I was able to move some snow around at get the groove back. It will be a bit shallow with a few thin spots but it is better than what was not there.  Brett

MNRA - North Liberty

Excellent! The skating lane was effortless late morning into early afternoon. It was the fastest skiing I have had all season. This trail system is consistently one of the best we have in Iowa. Everyone in the classic tracks seemed to be enjoying themselves too.

Big Creek S.P.

Saturday, 2/6. The trail was groomed this morning following approx. an inch and one-half of new, sticky snow on Friday. The skating lane was firm and fast. New classic tracks were set. By the end of the day they were showing wear and tear in heavy traffic areas, but overall they were reasonably good throughout the trail network. With no wind and temperature in the mid-to-high 20's, it was a wonderful day to ski and socialize at the trail. It was great to see so many skiers and several youngters having fun and enjoying the skiing.

Wickiup Hill

The temperature this afternoon was around 27 degrees, wind NE at 9mph, and sunny.
The classic track was fast and for the most part had snow or ice in the bottom.
The skate lane was freshly groomed. It was fast and well covered with a good base.

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty, AM

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty 11AM, temp 28, wind ENE 15, firm and fast trails.

MacBride was skating very fast today. The skating lane had been touched up resulting in a good kick. The glide was running fast and long.
The classic track was reset somewhat but was so/so. I can't really talk about the glide as when I hopped in the classic tracks as I like to do I crashed. So I avoided the classic track today. Folks said it was gliding well and had a good kick early on.  Brett

Decorah Conditions

Crispy! We need some new snow.

Big Creek

very fine skating at Big Creek Saturday morning. good luck to the W-City racers - a great day for it!!

Big Creek

Matt is 100% correct on the classic track at Big Creek. With the warmup and refreeze, the classic track was firm, fast and a blast to ski. However, we desperately need more snow because in a lot of places there is no longer a track. Thanks to a solid base it is still very manageable throughout the system. Trouble areas are the tight corners and off-camber hill sections.

Big Creek Des Moines

Wow, what a fun trail system! The snow was very nice late this afternoon. Perfect control, perfect firmness. I mainly skated but downhilled and double polled some of the classic tracks. They seemed great. I really enjoyed the roller coaster twists and turns of the lakeside section. That is a lot of fun. I envy folks who live close to this trail.

Decorah Conditions

The last three-inch snowfall brought back skiing in Decorah. As far as I know, the trails have been groomed but not tracked. We skied Palisades on Tuesday and it was fantastic, even for classical skiers without a track. And two skaters were skiing Palisades and were very happy.
The past two days we have skied at Silvercrest and the conditions have been perfect. No ice and you can ski down any hill in any direction and have plenty of snow. Today there were a few places that the snow wanted to stick, but not enough to send us home. With more snow in the forecast, it is going to be even better!

Webster City Briggs Woods

I skated the 5K (4.9) golf course loop a couple times Wed. The trail is nice though some of the classic lanes looked a bit shallow. This recent snow is a bit slow but with temps up and new on the way that will probably change. I found a couple of the up-hills to be dang challenging but really fun. There are not too many flat runs on the whole course. The down-hills were easy with decent run-outs and turns that were hairy but not scary. Skiers in the Webster City area really have a great place to ski!

Ames Carr - ERV

Another very fine skating night at Carr Wood/East River Valley in Ames (last night Wed.Feb.3). Conditions are good for both skate and classic and I'm getting really good glide, different than several other skate posts I'm reading. Maybe it's the cheater wax: toko universal low-fluoro. working great.

F.W. Kent Park (Tiffin/Oxford)

Earn your turns at Kent Park. Because there's been little wind to follow up the last batch of snow, what fell earlier this week remains uniformly on the ground. All of the hills surrounding the lake are easily ascended and can be carved up seven ways from Sunday on the descent. Begin at Bob White shelter, ski down to the lake, cross the ice, ascend the hill on the other side, return to the lake, then work your way north to find other nearly untouched slopes. Since the park is shaped like a bowl, you can keep this up for hours.

Snow conditions are near perfect for low-angle skiing: there's not enough to slow you down a ton, but plenty to provide stable turning. Straightlining is also an option taken by one skier yesterday who looked to be having a good time. There's no trail to follow in the bowl around the lake: choose your own adventure.

I can't officially comment on the state of the actual trails in the park; however, I would hazard a guess that they are skiable but probably thin in spots, especially where drainages cross the trail.

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty, 2/3 - 10:00AM

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty, 2/3 - 10AM, temp 15, wind N 5-10, snow firm to med.
The skate lane firmed up overnight and is gliding well, MNRA will get faster as the day warms up.
The classic track was gliding well on the downhills and should be optimal today and tomorrow.
Tomorrow AM could be a great day at MNRA as the trail settles one more night - Brett.

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City, IA
We received another two inches on Monday night and all trails have been groomed. With the last snow, we have over 50 inches for the season. All of the trails are in excellent shape with a very good base. More snow is forecasted on Thursday through Sunday.
Cody McCullough

Big Creek - Des Moines/Polk City

The skate lane is slow right now. BC has not yet been groomed since the fresh snow on Monday and it has been skied through a few times. This has left the skate lane very soft. Keep your tips up and plan on a little extra effort to keep moving at a good speed. Should be very good once the new snow is groomed in.

The classic track on the other hand is awesome. It seems more classic skiers have been out since the fresh snow so the track is firming up just from use and is fast. Still a little shallow in some areas (watch those transition areas) but it is darn fun to ski.

MNRA - Iowa City/North Liberty

MacBride was groomed and new tracks set tonight. Looks to be in excellent condition. Have fun.

Pilot Knob State Park, Forest City, IA

Pilot Knob State Park's main road (which is closed to vehicles in the winter) was groomed this PM by North Iowa Nordic. A classic track was set on each side of the road, with skating down the middle.
The trail is in GREAT shape. No ice. No thin areas. The base is deep. This roadway is quite wide and in nearly all areas can accomodate two skate skiers side-by-side.
Todd Juhlin

Lime Creek Nature Center

Surprise! Limey was groomed late yesterday PM only to have us find more snow had fallen overnight. Thus trails conditions were good today...but not ideal. Classic track had filled in some with the snowfall and was shallow in depth.
All prairie skate trails at Limey were groomed again late this PM by North Iowa Nordic. All prairie skate loops have had a classic track reset. The trails are in great shape. No ice or thinned areas. We have a very good base at present. Simply great skiing right now.
Todd Juhlin

Mines of Spain Recreation Area

Trails at the Mines of Spain have not been groomed. Snowmobile is down with damages. Hopefully will be up and running soon. Hate to see good snow go to waste. Enjoy it while it lasts. Sounds like more on Thursday.

Thanks,Wayne

George Wyth Groomed for Skating

George Wyth State Park was groomed for skating today (Tuesday) but not for classical. The skating is good but a little soft. That will steadily improve over the next few days and I expect excellent skate skiing as early as tomorrow. Hopefully groomed classical tracks will be added soon as the snow is good.

Adams Nature Preserve Sioux City, 2/2

Tuesday 5 PM, Temperatures around 10, no wind, beautifully regroomed trails after the snowfall on Monday. I did classic, smooth and fun. Thank you so much Cody, Kelly, and everyone else involved in grooming.

All Webster City Trails groomed today

2/2/10 all 3 trails are tracked and groomed. All are powder, and about the best snow of the season.

In preparation for our ski races on Saturday Feb. 6th, the 4.3km race course has one tracked lane and a second skate lane. Come out to the Briggs Woods golfcourse clubhouse parking lot and take a practice loop.

Big Creek - Des Moines/Polk City

As with Cocoa's comments on Carr Woods, it was a great evening of skiing at BC. It looked like an inch or 1.5" of new snow throughout the trail system and that coverage did wonders to all the hard packed/icy spots. The only place that is still shaky is the transition area between the Disc Golf Loops and the Lakeside Loop. Between the trail's camber there and the ice that had formed last week it is simply a difficult area so be careful because the fresh snow only hides the ice. The rest of the place was perfect. The skate lane was not super fast but it was just right for a nice consistent glide and very easy to get a good edge.

With the classic track being very shallow everywhere at BC the new snow made finding the track a little difficult but it too was great skiing. With the temp hovering just below freezing I kick waxed violet special and it worked great.

Carr Woods - East River Valley Ames

spent a couple wonderful hours last night skating out here. a nice inch of new snow made for silent, floating easy glide, really quite wonderful. looks like we got just a little more snow sometime in the wee hours this morning, should help keep this trail in decent shape as the temps drop.

Ashton - Iowa City

Ashton - Iowa City, temp - 29, wind - SE5, light snow falling

There is a lot of ice under the thin layer of snow at Ashton. The snow was rolled in an attempt to get some surface bonding between the old and the new. If you do ski be careful as there are some long stretches of rink quality ice fields. Typically temps should be 28 or below for any form of grooming to be beneficial. The idea here is long term rejuvenation for the trails. Ashton needs 3 inches of new snow for skating to be decent again and 4+ inches to reset the classic grooves.

The sled (BearCat) will be moved to MNRA as MNRA's sled (Alpine) is still in the shop.

The bike trail will not be groomed until a significant snow fall occurs. The risk of damaging the grooming equipment on the bike trail concrete is too high - Brett.

Lime Creek Nature Center - Mason City

Received at least 2 inches of new snow today. Light snow is still falling. Limey is currently being groomed as I type. Goal this PM is to pack and rejuvenate the skate trails, and will lay down new classic tracks on the prairie skate loops. Trails should set up nice and be in great shape.
Kudos to all the folks of North Iowa Nordic (NIN) for working hard to get the prairie skate loops/trails back in skiable condition after the rains last weekend. For you North Iowans, or others that have traveled here to ski...check out the January 24, 2010 article in the Mason City Globe Gazette for more info on NIN.
FYI...NIN has been consistently grooming the main road of Pilot Knob State Park just East of Forest City, IA on Friday or Saturday evenings...in hopes of skiing the following AM before the snowmobiles tear it up. This is a beautiful place to ski when everything comes together.
Todd Juhlin

Lime Creek - Mason City 1/31/2010

Lime Creek Nature Center 1/31/10- Lime Creek nicely recovered from ice and rain. Skate trails in good condition to excellent condition. Classic tracks on skate trails good to fair. New snow today should make for near perfect conditions.