Recent Trail Report

Hidden Valley, January 30th, 2012

The welcomed return of winter has brought a bit more snow. Hidden Valley received a few snowfalls of at least two inches apiece. An inch of fluff fell today. Hidden Valley is well groomed and the skiing is excellent. Snow now covers even the stubborn spots!. Classic tracks are set everywhere they are normally skied. The swamp is now passable. No need to take the Deer Trail detour. The only trail not groomed is Hannah's.

Hidden Valley, January 24th, 2012

Hidden Valley ski trails stood up well to the Marshall sprint races held this weekend, and now after receiving three inches of snow the trail conditions are the best we’ve had all season.  Bambas, Sommers, Pine Valley, Voyageur Highway and Mike Manlove all received fresh classic tracks.  Bambas, Sommers, J-Bar and Stadium Loop have freshly smoothed skating lanes.  For the first time this season Birch Highlands has been tracked for classic skiing, those seeking adventure should give it a try. All in all, the base is very firm, the cover soft and the skiing lovely.

Trezona Trail, January 22nd, 2012

The Trezona is really, really nice today!  There's an inch of fluffy new snow covering everything, and the trail was groomed just yesterday.  It's very slidy with nice classic tracks all the way around.  I tested out the skating on my classic skis, for you skaters, and I think you'd love it!  Very nice and slick out there.  There are no bare spots to speak of, no wind, and the grooming has erased all foot and dog prints, for now.  Get out there!
Now we start getting excited about the Boathouse Triathlon happening on February 4th! It'll be a grand event. See the Events tab for more information.

Trezona Trail, January 19th, 2012

The Trezona is in great shape today. The flat section along the south side of the trail has great snow cover, and classic tracks that are pretty deep.  I smoothed them over for you and took lots of the friction out (you're welcome).  The hilly section at mile 1 is all snow covered now, with no pine needles to trip you up.  Skating would be sweet in here but it's too cold at the moment. All of the driveways on the north side have good snowcover; thanks homeowners for leaving us some snow!  On the flat north section the classic tracks have lots of drifted snow in them. There is a bare patch or two near the Miner's building, but if you pretend you're on a grand adventure, you won't even notice them!

Trezona Trail, January 16, 2012

The Trezona is in fine shape today, with good snow cover except for a couple of small dry spots here and there.  It's really great for skating right now, fast and fun.  There are informal classic tracks on one side.

Trezona Trail, January 12th, 2012

The Trezona trail is in good shape, with decent snow cover all the way around it.  There are informal classic tracks most of the way, and the pine needles are all but covered up!  There's just enough snow out there for skating or classic skiing, and you won't feel like you have to sharpen your poles when you get home as they no longer hit the asphalt.  It's really a great place to ski, with a mile and a half of pretty flat terrain on the south side, and then a combination of flat and mostly mild hills all the way around.

Hidden Valley, January 12th, 2012

Amazing what a little snow can do.  For the second time this season Hidden Valley was graced with fresh snow after a two-day warm spell.  The trails are still in amazing shape.  Classic tracks have been removed from the Bambas loop in preparation for the ski race but, snow conditions permitting, will be replaced after the race.  Sommers trail is looking good and Deer trail offers a great detour around “the swamp”.  Voyageur Highway, Pine Valley, Birch Highlands and Mike Manlove all are in good shape.

Hidden Valley, Janurary 8th, 2012

Hidden Valley trails remain in good shape despite the warm weather we received last week.  All skating lanes have a medium dense base, no bare spots, and only an occasional rock.  Classic tracks are also is good shape with only a few bare spots.  Open trails: Bambas, Sommers, Deer Trail, Voyageur Highway, Pine Valley, Manlove, J-Bar and Stadium Loop.  Birch Highlands remains an undiscovered gem this season, rarely used, wide, and boasting good snow coverage, this trail is perfect for skiers looking for something different.

Hidden Valley, December 20th, 2011

Hidden Valley Trails, Ely MN:  Trail conditions are surprisingly good for the meager snow which we received.  Most trails have been groomed.  The main outer loop trails (Sommers and Bambas) along with Pine Valley have the best coverage.  Some snow is predicted for the holiday weekend.

Recommend rock skis or even good skis that you care less about. Surprising how smooth the skiing is!

Last Updated (Wednesday, 21 December 2011 14:31)

 

11-14-11 Trail Report

Waiting for snow!

 

 

Last Updated (Monday, 14 November 2011 19:15)

 

Trezona Trail Conditions

The Trezona was in great shape this morning.  Saw a skier removing his jacket after lunch today.  Can't wait to get out there for a jacketless ski in sunglasses!

 

North Arm Trails

March 7, 2011

Wow!—the skiing conditions are great! And the weather forecast seems to indicate cool temps to keep them in great shape through the coming weekend and perhaps longer. Lake surfaces currently in great shape, another 1-2 inches of snow last night, blue sky, warm sun, and I’m back to…Wow!...What am I doing typing up a trail report when I could be out enjoying all that?

Submitted by Scott Olson, Caretaker, YMCA Camp du Nord

Last Updated (Tuesday, 08 March 2011 13:23)

 

Trezona Trail Conditions

The Trezona was very icy most of the week, but this morning the trail was very nice again.  A couple of the driveways look a bit steep, but were not bad.

 

North Arm Trails

February 25, 2011

After a significant meltdown Feb.16 -17 that still left lots of snow but an icy surface behind for President’s Day Weekend, the six inches of snow this week were just what the ski trails needed to return them back to the great condition they have been most of the winter. The lakes are also nice now as the slush has pretty much disappeared over the last couple of weeks. So what I’m really saying is now is the time to get out there for some enjoyable exercise, fresh air, and beauty.

Last Updated (Friday, 25 February 2011 18:08)

 

Hidden Valley, 1-19-2011

All trails - skate and classic - are in superb condition. I skied the Hannah Jo loop (from the Sommer's loop) tonight and even that was in fine shape, which means we have LOTS of snow. Remember, the chalet is available for members (and there are snacks and water available too - a Nordic Wolves fundraiser). Stay warm!

 

Trezona Trail Conditions

The Trezona Continues to get regular grooming from our new groomer Wayne.  The new snow is keeping it fresh and fun.

 

North Arm Trails

The North Arm Trails have a great base of snow as we came out of New Years weekend with yet another significant snowfall. It doesn’t get much better than this ever on the North Arm Trails System. Though there are some trees to remove on the outer trails, the trails are really nice now.  But recent snows have caused some slush to form in some places on the lake ice so remember to carry a scraper when you go in case your skis ice up. Also, when the wind chill gets dangerously cold, pick your route direction on the lake crossings to keep the wind at your back.

Also a reminder to return well before dark—enjoy the sunset glow close to the trailhead or on Burntside Lake instead of way out there.

Submitted by Scott Olson, Caretaker, YMCA Camp du Nord

Last Updated (Wednesday, 05 January 2011 15:46)

 

Trezona Trail Conditions

The Trezona continues to be groomed regularly and is getting lots of use.  The driveways do have a base of snow across them.

Last Updated (Tuesday, 21 December 2010 15:08)

 

North Arm Trails

It’s snowing again today and mild out, but thanks to the cold weather the past week (several -20 F nights), the lakes and wetlands have finally gained a nice covering of ice. Bring your scraper just in case, but you should be able to stay dry as you cross these areas. We may get some slush on the lakes after this snowfall, but they are good now.  Meanwhile, all the snow has given us a great base to get above the rocks and roots. Come out and play.

Submitted by Scott Olson, Caretaker, YMCA Camp du Nord

Last Updated (Tuesday, 21 December 2010 15:05)

 
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