Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco - 12/30/16

Groomed last night.  Skiing today was very good and most trails are in very good conditions, especially considering the Christmas weekend rains, warm temps and winds. Some trails like Campground, Meadow, Minears would rate as excellent, Some like the Bike Trail, Hill Trail, River Trail have very good sections and sections with small twigs and leaves. Anything big has been removed and what's on some trails in a few spots shouldn't damage ski bases. In my opinion, I think anyone coming here to ski this weekend will be pleasantly surprised. The Gulley and one other cut off haven't been groomed because of poor conditions. Here's a few pics.

The Best'

Cresco is and remains THE BEST! Thanks Mark! If I can ever be of any help with anything, let me know

Pilot Knob road, Forest City

The road through Pilot Knob has been groomed for both skating and classic skiing.  We had about 11" of snow from the last couple of weeks.  The classic tracks get a little shallow in a few spots.  The skate deck looks good.  Looks like we might get some more snow Friday and it should be good for skiing until the Christmas day rain!

Pilot Knob State Park road

Thanks, Mark and Cresco Crew!

Hey friends, Mike and I want to give a big huge shout out to the Cresco crew and Mark for his awesome grooming skills. We also want to say we yelled after the 2 snowmobilers who totally tore up the beautiful outer trails around 10 a.m. this morning. We had already had a nice 40 minutes out, but they really did a number, especially on some curves. Grr! I don't know if they couldn't hear me shouting "stay off the ski trails!" or if they chose not to hear. In any case, thank you for awesome grooming every year!! It'll be all melted I bet by tomorrow anyway!

Irv Warren Golf Course / South Hills Golf Course - Waterloo

Irv Warren was groomed for skating yesterday.   The skating was excellent this morning.

Waterloo Leisure Services web pages states that South Hills Golf Course was groomed as well.   I would expect the same conditions there.

Wickiup Hill - Cedar Rapids

Wickiup Hill trails have been groomed for skate skiing. Conditions not suitable for traditional.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails Cresco

Just finished grooming. We have about 12" of snow.  Packed and combed for skating and set a classical track. Ski trails look very good! Everything has now been groomed, some trails for the first time so they might be a bit soft. Will ski tomorrow to give you a first hand report. Looks like a fairly mild week this week so hope to see you on the trails!

Ski Trails at Wickiup and Morgan Creek Park

There has been a trail broken at Wickiup. It has drifted in a little in the open spaces on the prairie.
At Morgan Creek Park the Skate Lane Trails have been groomed and they are in fair condition. They are not grooming the Classic Trail because that is not in good condition.

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

A 2.4 km loop was groomed on Irv Warren Golf Course this morning.   Too thin to set a classical track but the skating lane is excellent.   There are thin spots in places.

Pretty Darn Good

If you are lucky enough to be in a part of the state where we got sufficient coverage there is some pretty darn good skiing to be had. The snow has crusted and seems to work equally well for skating or classic. Hope it is a sign of things to come!