Iowa Winter Games XC Races at Prairie Springs Trail System Cresco

Because of a lack of snow in Dubuque, the site for the Iowa Winter Games Cross Country Ski Races has been changed to the Prairie Springs Trail System and Prairies Edge Nature Center, Cresco.  The races will be held on Saturday, January 28 with an 8K Classical race at 10 AM and a 10K Freestyle race at 2 PM.  For registration information and additional race information, visit the Iowa Winter Games site @ http://www.iowagames.org/Winter/CrossCountrySkiing

Race site, onsite registration and event center is at the Prairie's Edge Nature Center two miles south of Cresco, Iowa.  For updates on trail conditions visit facebook.com/skicresco

See you Saturday!

Pilot Knob State Park, Forest City

The skating deck on the road through Pilot Knob State Park was rejuvenated this morning.  I didn't try to redo the classic tracks because of how hard packed the snow is right now.  The tracks are wiped out in a few spots but overall are in fairly decent shape.

I'll plan on going over the skate deck again early Sunday morning.

We've endured rain and wind storms since receiving about 15" of snow this year.  Thanks to the hours of raking from volunteers and the Ginzu groomer's ability to rejuvenate icy snow, we have ski-able conditions!

Pilot Knob State Park

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!

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco

We groomed last night.  All trails combed and tracked.  Conditions are very good right now with 2-3" of new snow.  This will be short lived according to the forecast.  Thursday through Sunday temps are predicted to be in the upper 30s to as high as 50 F on Saturday.

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

The skating lane was regroomed this morning at Irv Warren.   Conditions are a bit slow this afternoon with temperatures hovering around freezing.  Should be great skiing later today and tomorrow morning.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco

Most trails have been groomed. Did not do River Trail as I thought it was in good shape when I skied today. Posted a few pics. Weather the next three days could be a challenge - low temps next two days and winds tomorrow; a couple of inches of snow for Sunday. If you ski the wooded trails, wind won't be a big problem. See you brave souls on the trails!

Iowa Games

We just haven['t had a good year for snow here in Dubuque.  Unfortunately, there isn't enough snow at Mines of Spain to hold the event tomorrow, which was the rescheduled race date from the original race date of January 30th.  Save your pure fluro powder for next weekend.  We won't be needing any race wax in Dubuque this weekend.

Pilot Knob Ski Race

We ended up with super weather and trails full of snow for our race this weekend.  We had 16 skiers ski through the park starting with a lap on the lake, going up the sledding hill to do four laps on the road, then coming down the sledding hill to finish with another lap on the lake. Total race distance was 27 km.  This was a freestyle race where most used the skate style of skiing but I believe we had four using the classic style.

Thanks to North Iowa Nordic(http://northiowanordic.com/) for donating buffs to the racers.  Thanks to all of the people (local skiers and racers) who brought food to share.  And thanks to all of the racers for giving this race a shot!

For more pictures see our facebook page under "pilot knob ski race".

Jeff

I know that I have extolled the virtues of the ski trails in Cresco many times on this blog but it needs to be said again. Regardless of what you are looking for in a ski experience Prairie Springs has it all. Hills, meadows, rivers and woods, it is all there. So many times these trails have been groomed to perfection with very little to work with. At the present time conditions are perfect and every inch is pristine. It was encouraging today to see many cars in the parking lot. If one of them wasn’t yours, you are missing out. I’m going back again tomorrow!

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco

Skiing was excellent today.  Thought I'd post of couple of pics.  First two are from the Bike Trail (the backbone trail for the system) and the bottom one if from the Campground Trail.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco

Groomed trails for both classical and skate skiing tonight.  All trails in excellent condition with 8+ inches of new snow.

George Wyth State Park, Waterloo

George Wyth State Park was groomed for skating yesterday.  The surface is relatively firm and fast today.  No classical tracks were set but a number of skiers have started to create a shallow classical track.

Pilot Knob State Park

The road through Pilot Knob State Park has been groomed for both classic and skate style skiing.  The lake within the park has been groomed for just skating.  Both look to be in great condition!  It should make for some great skiing this morning before it gets too soft this afternoon.

Wickiup Hill Update

A skier came in today and advised that in the woods is pretty good, but the prairie areas are soggy. If you want to go tomorrow, morning would be a good time to go out.

Thanks!

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco

3" of fresh snow, conditions are very good!  All trails were groomed tonight for both skating and classical.

Waterloo Golf Course Skate Skiing

Mother Nature provided some of the best skate skiing possible, i.e. no grooming necessary.   Skied for 3 ½ hours on Gate Golf Course this afternoon and it was excellent skiing.  Should be good skiing all week, just catch temperatures in the 26F to 32F range to get edging but before the snow gets too soft.

Try to stay off the putting greens as ski tracks can be hard on the special grass in those spots on the golf course.

Prairie Springs Ski Trails

Ski trails groomed today. We rejuvenated the skating lanes and combed. They appear to be in good shape. Classic track is not as good. We are just tearing up base, so we can't go down too far into it. Some of the classic track was left alone where I thought it looked okay as is.

Great Conditions and all Trails Groomed at Webster City

About an inch of new snow, and not having lost our base during the brief thaw has led to the best skiing conditions in a long time. We added a skate lane to the 5K race course on the Briggs Woods golf course and regroomed all the trails. Try the new 1/2 mile up and back trail on the levy at the north end of the lake. I hope you like to share the trails with deer because they are everywhere!

Remember, ski rental for the family is available if you call Hamilton County Conservation before the weekend at 515-832-9570.

Pilot Knob Ski Race

Feb. 6, 2016, challenge yourself to ski the hills in beautiful Pilot Knob State Park on February 6th.  This is a freestyle race distance of 27 km or 9 km starting at 8:30 am and is a great way to prepare for the Birkie.  Lunch will be provided following the race in the warming shed.  Awards to the top three overall men and women in both distances.

For more information see http://forestcityski.blogspot.com/p/pilot-knob-ski-race.html,
or on facebook type in "Pilot Knob Ski Race".

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails

All trails groomed for skating and classical last night.  Snow cover is good to very good and trail conditions as of this morning are the same.  Extreme cold expected for the weekend.

All Trails Groomed and Tracked in Webster City.

We lost very little snow depth with last week's thaw, and with the refreeze and another 1/2 inch of snow, the trails and 5k course groomed nicely. Note the new up and back trail on the north levy of Briggs woods lake.

Later in the week we hope to add a skate lane to the 5k, but for now it is just classic tracked.

For beginners we have tracked several loops in the field by the red barn at Briggs woods.
Everyone is welcome to attend our ski and snowshoe clinic Saturday the 16th from 2-4:30 at the conservation headquarters at Briggs Woods. Please call for reservations by Friday afternoon. 515-832-9570. Skis and snowshoes are available for free for the clinic.

Pilot Knob State Park

We were very fortunate this week that we did not receive any rain but rather gained a few more inches of snow!  The road through Pilot Knob state park was groomed last night and retouched this morning.  The skating deck is in excellent shape while the tracks are in good shape with some areas that are drifted in.

Pilot Knob state park

Wickiup Hill - Toddville

Just had several skiers come in and say that the trail conditions are excellent.

South Hills Golf Course - Waterloo

South Hills Golf Course was groomed this afternoon for both skating and classical.   The track and skate lane are quite soft as this is the first time this track has been groomed.  By morning it should be in good shape.

Webster City Trails and 5k Groomed and Tracked Today

In addition to grooming the Woodland Loop, Waterfall Loop and golf course 5k, we added a new trail we're calling the Wetland Trail. From the North end of Briggs Woods Lake, cross the bridge over the waterfall stream and turn right. The Wetland trail is a half mile up and back along the top of the levy along the lake water source bay. Go up to the railroad track boundary and then back. It is a pretty place and it is flat all the way.

The Ten Hills 5k is groomed and tracked, but no skating lane yet.

 From the lake parking lot, if the dam top is bare, we have groomed behind the dam too.

Snow conditions are terrific, and remember ski rental packages for all ages are available at the Briggs Woods Conservation office.

Freshly groomed at Irv Warren, Monday

Irv Warren groomed this morning. Skate skiing was great! I love the sign too. :) Enjoy!

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails Cresco

Repacked and combed skating lanes tonight.  Left classic tracks alone.  Opened one new trail.  Classic tracks are good in many areas.  Bad spots can be bypassed by using skating lane.  About 8K of trails groomed.

Irv Warren Golf Course

Skied Irv Warren Golf Course yesterday (Thursday).   A 2.5 mile loop has been groomed for both skating and classical.  Both tracks are excellent.   The skating lane had been soft but by yesterday afternoon it was setting up nicely.   With 10" of snow the coverage is very good with only a few places showing a little grass in the bottom of the classical track.

Mines of Spain

The trail is rolled and pretty good for skating.  There isn't enough depth for setting a track.

The free moisture on the ground ran across the trail at two or three areas and made some ground visible for 6" widths as the water ran from left to right on the trail.

Not Groomed, but skiable Trails in Webster City

Due to the holidays and inconsistent snow depths (from 1" to 8" due to wind) trails at Briggs Woods are not yet groomed. We plan to check again on Monday. However both the golf course marked 5k and the woodland loops appear to have enough snow for enjoyable skiing.

Wyth rolled for skating

Looks soft hope it'll set!

Cedar Falls-George Wyth decent for classic; no skating

Nothing in George Wyth State Park has been groomed, but a lot of people (and dogs, and snow-shoers) have been out! We got a lot of snow and some fresh powder this morning. The classic tracks are good, but there are places where one might have to a ford some water...

I haven't checked out Irv Warren in Waterloo yet.

Linn County Conservation Ski Trails Update:
Morgan Creek is rolling today. Depending on how that goes we will determine the other parks.
Snow is gritty and not forming well.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails Cresco

We received 7 inches of snow. Heavy wind has created some thin spots, but most trails are sheltered and conditions are good. Skating lanes are very good on most trails. Classical track has some thin spots in open areas. We also don't have any base so that is a problem for the classic track.

We rolled both snowshoe trails on the south side of the river. The first time we have ever rolled the Hill Loop. It's beautiful up there in the winter, check it out.

Most ski trails have been combed and tracked on the north side of the river. We didn't groom the Minear Field Loop and we didn't groom the River Trail (there's some water that hasn't totally frozen yet in one section). We will try to get these trails all open by the end of the week. Enjoy!

(We groomed the ski trails last night so the picture taking was limited. :-)

Forest City golf course & Pilot Knob State Park

The golf course in Forest City and the road through Pilot Knob State Park have been groomed after about 7" or more of snow fell.  It sure is nice to have some snow!!

Bear Creek golf course

Pilot Knob State Park

Another season shows it's self...

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, and then it finally snowed...

Break out the rock skis folks and enjoy.

Since the ground around Iowa is mostly not frozen it's very doubtful that any golf courses or turf sensitive areas will be groomed. Actually this snow fall may delay ground freeze as it insulates the turf from the cold but then again I doubt this snow fall will hang around that long.

In the meantime be patient as once the ground freeze happens your local area groomer is chomping at the bit to work the snow as I can guarantee they usually want to ski as much as you!

Have a great season everyone!  Brett

Ashton Field Groomed

The rain and freezing temps have made Ashton Field into an ice rink. I was able to break up the crust and get the surface skiable. There is a skate lane and one set of new classic tracks. The classic tracks are very shallow. Its not ideal by any stretch but may provide us a few more days to ski.

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

Irv Warren was re-groomed today for both skating and classical.  There are a few thin/bare spots that can easily be avoided.  The skiing was great today, hopefully the rain will bypass us so we have a few more good days of skiing.

Car Keys found at Ashton

A set of car keys were found at Ashton CC today 3-2-15. The keys in question have been dropped off at the Hawkeye Tennis & Rec building front desk.

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

Skied Irv Warren Golf Course today.  A 4k loop has been rolled but not groomed for classical.   The skating deck is a little soft but otherwise good skiing.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco

Groomed most of the ski trails this afternoon, and these are the best conditions of the season!  Should really set up well tonight with cold temps.  Supposed to be 17F tomorrow and nice and sunny!  Fresh snow, great tracks, go ski.  I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Morgan Creek Park and Wickiup Hill Learning Center

Both areas have been rolled and groomed! Enjoy! At Wickiup - gates close at 4:30 on weekdays and 4 on the weekends. If you want to use the trails after that time, please park across the road in the DNR lot and walk in. 

Thank you!

Ashton Field Groomed and Tracks Set

Ashton was rolled, multiple tracks set and skate lane groomed. I rolled the entire course in order to keep as much snow as possible from blowing and drifting. Some of the tracks are a bit thin in spots but there are rows of two, three and four so pick one that works. Also, utilized the snowmobile to make a trail around the entire area to accommodate walkers, runners and snowshoers. Please let those folks know that is their very own trail. Also, as a reminder, all dogs are to be on a leash no less than six feet long on University of Iowa property. Any issues with dogs causing a dangerous situation should be dealt with by notifying campus police.

Iowa City area grooming report

The gods of snow have given us just enough to play with!!! It's a little thin out there in places so be carful. Jason groomed Brown Deer Duthman did Ashton and I did mcbride!!! So get out there and enjoy!!! With more snow in the ten day things are looking good. Thank you again for all of the Nordic momentum and congrats to all the Birkie finishers last weekend!!!

Geoff Perrill

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

A new loop was groomed today at 3:30 PM avoiding the old icy trail in preparation for the CVC Bike Club X-Country outing planned for tomorrow (Saturday) at 10:30 AM.  The loop is 1 km but will be in excellent shape for both skating and classical.  The grooming broke up the crust and brought good snow to the surface.

Note:  The new loop does not come up to the parking lot.  It is west of the parking lot and south of the maintenance shed.

Iowa Games Preview

There's a good base of snow for Saturday's Iowa Games at Mines of Spain.  Parish is going out Friday morning to groom again.  It will be full coverage snow with a firm deck and fast conditions.  Classic race is in the morning and skate race in the afternoon.  More info at iowagames.org

Mines of Spain

Parrish is out grooming the snow and scarrifying the crust back to some decent, soft top layer.  I took him out some extra weights so that he can dig down a little deeper. It should be set up good for the Iowa Games this weekend, which are rescheduled from January 24th.

Brown Deer GC CLOSED till further notice

Brown Deer GC is CLOSED until further notice. Do NOT ski at Brown Deer GC until the groomers give the OK.

Decorah Parks Trail System

Skied Van Peenan Park Thursday evening and this morning (Saturday). Single and double classic tracks set and are in fair-good condition. Was re-groomed yesterday. Some wind blown areas are thin, so use "B" or rock skis, but track is solid and firm. I also skated on Trout Run Friday morning, which I would not recommend at this point, as it is groomed over pavement and although the snow is firm, it is not stable and you will push off onto the pavement easily. I also skied and then kicked off the Decorah Barnelopet this morning with 50 youngsters at the Decorah Prairie. Very good classic track set this morning and fun was had by all participants. Palisades Park is also groomed and tracked with skate lane, but I have not skied that one yet and have only done a drive by view.

Irv Warren Golf Course Waterloo

A 4 km loop has been groomed for both skating and classical.   The skating lane is in good shape with sufficient snow the entire course.   The classical tracks are also good other than a few spots where the groomer cut through to grass.   Those spots can easily be bypassed by hopping out of the tracks for a short distance.

MNRA (MacBride) North Liberty Groomed

MNRA - North Liberty has been groomed, still need help with snow laden trees so pick up a branch or shake some snow off a tree to lighten the load. Thanks Geoff for grooming and Jay Herman for tree therapy.

Ashton Field Groomed and Tracks Reset

Groomed Ashton Field this morning and reset the classic tracks. The bike path skate lane was groomed down to 28th Ave. Watch for sticks. Also, if you encounter the person who is snowshoeing down the middle of the skate lane, please ask them to go to the side. They have made some very deep ruts that will not do well with warmer temps coming on Saturday. Enjoy!

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco

We had a couple of inches of new snow yesterday.  We groomed this afternoon and evening. Groomed a skating lane and set a classical track.  Got to use the new Ginzu and the trails look very good.  The conditions on all the wooded portions appear good.  The Minear Field loop and trail and entry area off the bike trail into the Minear Field area are marginal, I suggest using your B skis.  I am posting a picture of the new groomer and a shot from the river trail.  A special thanks to the Chamber, the Trails Committee and local contributors for making the new track setting equipment happen! Also, a special thanks to the HCCB crew for doing all the electrical work and groomer set up!

Linn County Update 2-4-15

Matsell Bridge has been rolled and groomed.
Pinicon will be done by the end of the day today.
Morgan Creek is rolled and groomed.
Wickiup Hill is rolled and groomed.
Squaw Creek should be done on Thursday.

Thanks!
Any questions call 319-892-6450
Mandy

Iowa City area grooming

Iowa City area grooming; Ashton groomed and classic track set, Brown Deer GC is groomed, and MNRA MacBride a mess with tree debris all over the place. If you're skiing MNRA please help out and pick up a limb or two.

Van Peenan Park Trails groomed and tracked

Per Decorah Parks and Recreation, Van Peenan Park Trails were groomed, along with portions of the Trout Run Tail from Dug Road to the Fish Hatchery. http://www.decorahia.org/pdf/Cross-Country%20Ski%20Trail%20Map%20-%20Decorah,%20IA.pdf

Big Creek

The disc golf loop is groomed and tracked. Other than some sagging branches conditions are pretty good. The lake loop is not as good but is skiable.

Pilot Knob road near Forest City is groomed

Pilot Knob road is leveled and groomed for both skating and classic skiing.  We received about 6" of snow Sunday.

Pilot Knob State Park road

Webster City Briggs Woods trail and 5k groomed and tracked Monday

With 8 to 10 inches of snow we were able to groom and track the Woodland loop (enter by shelter #2) and a single classic track on the 5k golf course. The wind caused drifts and shallows, but since the initial inch of snow formed a crust, the whole course is covered. In the woods, watch for buried branches. Come on out and finally enjoy our sport! Off the groomed area, the drifts make for interesting trail cutting and would be fun for snow shoes too.

Linn County Update

Squaw Creek - will probably not get done for a few days. The groomer is up at Matsell's and they will do Pinicon Ridge after that, also ITC is putting in poles this week so about 200-300 yards of trail is tore up.

Matsell's - They are rolling today and will groom tomorrow.

Pinicon Ridge - will be done after Matt's

Morgan Creek/Wickiup - Grooming is taking place at Morgan Creek should be done within the hour. They will then switch over to Wickiup. I have seen some people out here skiing today so there may be a trail busted.

Thank you!
Mandy
Clerical specialist
Linn County Conservation

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco

The snow was good, but the strong winds did create some bare spots. Everything was rolled to try to hold what we received and to trap blowing snow. I have uploaded a map showing what was combed. These are the trails with the best conditions. The Bike Trail is good to the Meadow Cut Off Trail, then there are some bare spots. I would suggest taking the Cut Off and skiing the Meadow, Campground, Campground Road and Campground Trail, all good. Also, the Hill Trail is good, but you will probably want to do and out and back. The Dry Creek Trail is very good, and you can ski it to the Gully Cut Off that goes back up to the Meadow and Campground Trails. The Nature Center Trail and Loop are also combed. It's supposed to snow some more on Tuesday, so hopefully we can get the big equipment out then and set some track. Here's a map of the trails that are combed.  All trails have been rolled (not shown on this map) but there are marginal spots where the wind has blown them off.