Prairie Springs Ski Trails - Cresco

Trails are groomed and conditions are great. We have over two feet on the ground. All trails are open (except Hill Trail) and in great condition. I know it's about the end of the season now that the Birkie is over, but if you have one last ski in you, excellent scenery and great trails await. Let the photos do the talking.

Prairie Springs Ski Trails Cresco 2-22

Ski trails are in excellent shape and have been groomed for classic and skate skiers. It is absolutely beautiful on the trails so get out and enjoy them before the next mess hits with rain, freezing rain, etc. Several people out enjoying the trails while I was grooming today. Skiers from Polk, Poweshiek, Fayette and Howard counties on the trails yesterday.

Prarie Springs

Skied the entire trail system at Prarie Springs in Cresco today. I've said it before and will repeat - Cresco has the "go to" cross country trail system in Iowa. If the trails can be groomed they will be groomed and it will be done well thanks to the efforts of Mark. The terrain varies providing something for every skier and the scenery along the Turkey River is beautiful. If you snowshoe bring them along because they have a groomed system of trails for snowshoers as well.

Linn County Conservation Ski Trails

Cross-Country ski trail update as of 02/21 at 0927 am

-Wickiup Hill and Morgan Creek are being rolled and groomed right now.

-Matsell Bridge Natural Area was completed on 02/21. Pinicon Ridge will be done later this afternoon and equipment will be transferred to Squaw Creek.

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

Just came off Irv Warren Golf Course.   Excellent grooming for both skate and classical.   Get out and enjoy before the next round of snow.

Linn County Conservation Cross-Country ski trail update as of 02/19

Wickiup Hill is rolled and groomed - Ranger and other skiers reported conditions are beautiful!

Morgan Creek Park is rolled and groomed. Ranger gave that trail a C+, not ideal.

Trails were groomed at Crow Creek Park this morning.  We have about 5K of trails with skate lane and classic tracks.  There are a few areas that have ice under the snow from last week's melt off.  This is mostly in lower lying areas and at the bases of hills.  Skiing should be good for the next couple days until the next snow.

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

Skied Irv Warren this AM before warm up.   Skate deck was soft but still relatively good skiing.    They had packed for skating yesterday and were out again today grooming for both skating and classical.   Classical tracked looked relatively good, although there were a few places where the tracks went down to the grass.

George Wyth - Cedar Falls

Skied the classical track from George Wyth to downtown Cedar Falls on 2/14. It's a long way from the glory days of a 10ft. wide skate lane bordered on each side with perfect classic tracks, but the groomed classic track that is there was firm and provided some great skiing. Kudos to the volunteers who did the grooming!

South Side River Trail / George Wyth State Park - Cedar Falls/Waterloo

Skied the South Side River Trail from Pfeiffer Park to 218 bridge this afternoon.   Classical track only, no skating.   Track is in very good condition and relatively solid even with the 7" snow in the last two days.   

Briefly crossed over into George Wyth State Park - appears to be the same conditions there (classical only).

Linn County Conservation Ski Trail Update

Cross Country Ski Grooming Update  2/13/2019 

Matsell Bridge and Morgan Creek are done. 

Pinicon Ridge and Wickiup Hill Learning Center will be completed 02/14/2019. 

Squaw Creek Park will be done once equipment from Pinicon Ridge can be transferred to them. 

Thanks! 

Winter Carnival Today in Bettendorf

Trails were groomed last night for the Carnival event at Palmer Hills Golf Course.  The clubhouse will be open from 9-3 with ski rentals and food from The Grill.  We have some volunteers doing lessons and also providing waxing tip's from 10-1.

Skiing conditions are excellent with  5" of snow on Thursday.

Crow Creek Park has also been groomed.  Both locations have a skate lane and classic tracks.

Southside River Trail

My wife skied from Pfeiffer Park to 218 Bridge on the Southside River Trail.   That trail has been groomed for classical skiing.   The conditions were a little soft but overall good skiing.  Kudos to CVAST for grooming the trails!   CVAST plans to groom on the trail through George Wyth State Park as well so that trail is likely to be in the same condition.

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

Irv Warren was groomed for skating and classical earlier today.   Conditions are good for both skating and classical.   The skate desk is a little soft.   Classical tracks looked good other then a couple of locations where grass was sticking through.    Overall trail length is approximately 2.5 mi. 

Linn County Parks Grooming Schedule

Cross-Country Ski trail updates:

Latest grooming schedule (weather and snow conditions permitting)   

Matsell Bridge Park               Feb 1

Morgan Creek Park                Feb 1

Pinicon Ridge Park                Feb 1

Squaw Creek Park                  completed by 1pm Jan 29

Wickiup Hill Learning Center  completed by 1pm   Jan 29

With the dangerous conditions, we remind everyone that they ski at their own risk. Make sure if you go out, you tell someone where you are going and what time you will be done.

Trails at Crow Creek Park were refreshed tonight.  We have 5K groomed with skate lane and tracks.  We have an amazing amount of snow that is ready to ski.

Iowa Winter Games - Trails Ready for Saturday - January 26

Trails were groomed this afternoon.  I did set a classic track; it is very good in some spots and marginal in others.  The skate deck is good to excellent.  Things are ready to go! https://www.facebook.com/skicresco/

Iowa Winter Games Are On! - Prairie Springs Trails - Cresco, IA

We will have the races this year.  We received over a foot of snow last Friday and another inch since.  Skate lanes should be excellent.  Classic track may be hit-and-miss depending on the depth of snow after today's blizzard event.  Will groom for the races tomorrow afternoon so trail will be closed after 2 pm.

Here's the schedule:

9 AM -   Registration Prairie's Edge Nature Center, Howard County Conservation
10 AM - 8K Classical Race
2 PM    - 10K Freestyle Race

To get directions on Google Maps use the following address:

Howard County Conservation Valley Ave. Cresco, IA 

Check our Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/skicresco/

Linn County Conservation Trails

Trails at Wickiup Hill and Matsell Bridge have been groomed. Hoping to get Squaw Creek done once transfer of equipment between parks is complete.
Thanks!

Trails were groomed again today at Crow Creek Park in Bettendorf.  Two recent snow storms have created ideal ski conditions.  We currently have approximately 5K of trails with both skate lane and classic tracks.  We expect to be skiing for at least another week.

Update on Wickiup Hill back trails

Due to a large wetland enhancement project starting soon, the Yellow Lines will not be groomed at Wickiup Hill this year. Here is a map of the back area that will be groomed when possible.

Pilot Knob

We've really been enjoying the skiing at Pilot Knob for two weeks now.  The skate deck has been in great shape!

Pilot Knob

The road through Pilot Knob State Park has been groomed for both skate and classic style skiing.  The classic track is a little rough due to low snow conditions.  But with the exception of a few sticks and leaves here and there, the skate deck should be pretty good.  B-skis only.

Pilot Knob road 12 07 18

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

Could the ski season come early this year...

Cedar Falls/Waterloo Area

Crust skiing is quite good with latest snowfall with underlying ice.   No grooming necessary, look for any grass area and go skiing.

Skied at Gates Golf this morning and the skate skiing was quite good until it started getting too soft.

Pilot Knob

Both the skate deck and classic tracks were groomed this morning on the lake at Pilot Knob.  We received over 1" of snow Saturday morning.  It was great to get out and ski!  

Waterloo - Irv Warren Golf Course

The Irv Warren ski trail was regroomed this morning by scratching up the icy surface from our latest warmup.   Skating was fairly decent considering how warm it got.   Classical ski track not reset due to lack of snow depth and now is mostly non-existent.

Prairie Springs Nature Center - Cresco - Iowa Winter Games XC Races Cancelled!

Due to two days of melting on trails that didn't have a lot of snow and no base, we are forced to cancel the rescheduled Winter Games Races for 2018 that were to be held this weekend - Feb. 17, 2018.  For additional information and photos of current conditions, check our Facebook.

Pinicon Ridge

Skating and classic were perfect early this morning at Pinicon Ridge. The trail development there is noteworthy and the grooming was immaculate. Can't do anything about the thawing but the folks who did the work on those trails deserve a big thanks!

Pilot Knob

Pilot Knob lake is in great shape for both classic and skate skiing.  Our local boy scout troop had their annual winter campout last weekend.   All had fun trying out cross country skiing.  We also set up a little Nerf gun competition in honor of the winter Olympics.

Waterloo Irv Warren

Many thanks to those responsible for the grooming at Irv Warren. Skied both classic and skate this morning and conditions were soft but good. Had basically crossed off the Cedar Falls, Waterloo area from my skiing map with the abandonment of the trails at the local "state park" but Irv Warren is a refreshing option. Thanks again!

Linn County Conservation Trails

Morgan Creek has been rolled and groomed.
Wickiup Hill has been rolled and groomed.
Matsell Bridge has been rolled and groomed.
Pinicon Ridge has been rolled and groomed.
Squaw Creek has been rolled and groomed.

Lots of people out on the trails, enjoy!

Kent Park, Oxford, 2-12-18

Kent Park, Oxford 2-12-18

Skate lane groomed.
No classic track set. 

Thanks to grooming folk for freezing this morning!

Ashton CCC, Iowa City 2-12-18

Ashton CCC, Iowa City, 2-12-18
Ashton skate deck has been groomed.
Classic groove left alone for now as in good shape.
Thanks Greg for suffering through the cold.

Ashton, Kent Park, & MacBride 2-11-18

All three are groomed; Ashton CCC, Kent Park, & MacBride MNRA!
Skate deck groomed
Classic track at Ashton is good, no classic at Kent Park.
Thank you grooming folk. 

MNRA MacBride, North Liberty 2-10-18

MNRA MacBride, North Liberty 2-10-18
Trails have been rolled.
Thanks to Nick...

Kent Park, Oxford 2-10-18

Kent Park, Oxford 2-10-18
Trails have been groomed, not sure if classic groove set. 

Ashton CCC, Iowa City 2-10-18

Ashton CCC, Iowa City, 2-10-18

Trail groomed and classic groove set. 

Compliments of Greg!

Pilot Knob State Park

Both the road and the lake have been groomed this morning.  The lake should be excellent today for both skating and classic skiing.  The road should be good for skating but the classic tracks are in poor shape due to shallow snow depth.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails

Finally got a fairly decent snowfall. All trails have been groomed and skating should be decent. Classical track is good in places (like Bike Trail and Campground Road and Campground Trail but ground showing in bottom of track in other areas like the Meadow. Here are some pics so you can judge for yourselves. We have received about 8 inches since last Saturday.

Crow Creek Park and Palmer Hills Golf Course

Bettendorf, IA

Trails at Crow Creek and Palmer were groomed today.  Ski conditions are very good with 2-3" of packed snow.  Crow Creek has both skate lane and classic track.  Palmer clubhouse is open for ski rentals and dining.  More snow expect this weekend.  Skiing should be good for the next week.

Waterloo Irv Warren

Tracked and groomed but a stiff north wind! Pretty firm, but that wind is blowing over tracks and a dog and bootwalker mucked up about 500 yards. Typical north Iowa conditions! 🙃

Kent Park, Oxford 2-9-18

Kent Park, Oxford 2-9-18
Trails have been groomed.
Thanks to Jason for the smoothing services.

Linn County Conservation Trails

Skiing tracks

  As of Wednesday afternoon.

PINICON RIDGE
   Pinicon Ridge, Flying Squirrel…tracks rolled

   Matsell Bridge – tracks are rolled

   Squaw Creek – Tracks are rolled

   Wickiup Hill –tracks are rolled and groomed   (no classic track yet)

   Morgan Creek –tracks are rolled and roomed (no classic track yet)

With more snow anticipated for the weekend, this could be updated

Thanks!

Ashon CCC, Iowa City 2-8-2018

Ashton CCC Iowa City 2-8-2018
Ashton has been groomed, no classic groove has been set due to lack of snow.
There is a skier made Classic track for now.
Please advise any foot traffic to stay off the ski trail.
Thank you Greg Duethman for the AM grooming work.

Irv Warren Golf Course - Waterloo

Skied Irv Warren this afternoon.   Good skating lane although conditions are soft.   No classical track set due to insufficient snow.

Morgan Creek, Linn County 2-7-18

Morgan Creek, Linn County 2-7-18
Trails have been rolled at this time.
Thanks to Jeremy for reporting. 

MNRA McBride, North Liberty 2-6-18

MNRA McBride, Oxford 2–6-18
McBride has been groomed but snow cover is thin.
Not enough snow to set a classic groove.
Our thanks to Geoff for the cold weather work. 

Kent Park, Oxford 2-6-18

Kent Park, Oxford 2-6-18
Trails have been rolled at this time and awaiting more snow!
Thanks to Jason for taking on the cold. 

Irv Warren GC, Waterloo, 2-6-18

Irv Warren GC, Waterloo 2-6-18
Irv Warren trail was compacted and groomed on 2/6/18 at 8:30am.  Please access the trail from the Byrnes Pool parking lot.  Please do not ski over golf greens.  Snow is thin in some spots, additional snow will be needed before it can be groomed again.

Ashton CCC Iowa City 2-6-18

Ashton CCC, Iowa City 2-6-18
Ashton has been rolled, tracks may be set later today depending upon snow depth.
Please coach hikers, runners, etc to stay off the groomed ski path.
Thanks to Greg Duethman for his cold weather work!

Race cancelled

Unfortunately, due to poor trail conditions, this Saturday's Pilot Knob Ski Race is cancelled.  Because of the roller coaster weather pattern with warm ups and rains, plus it being a low snow year there is not enough snow to race on.

I did roll the lake after getting about an inch of snow Saturday night just to keep some desperate skate skiing alive here.  There are no classic tracks remaining.

This is a very tough year for skiing!
Jeff

Pilot Knob Lake thin spot.  

If only it was like this all the way around.

Iowa Winter Games Update - Races Rescheduled to Feb. 17

Iowa Winter Games Cross Country Ski Races have been rescheduled to February 17, 2018 because of current trail conditions. Stay tuned for trail updates. As of now, trails are not skiable. See previous posts on ice and water issues.  Check the Iowa Ski Trail Update or Ski Cresco Facebook for trail and race updates.