With the snows we’ve received over the last two weeks, including 2 more inches Sunday, we now have a great trail base. However, due to late January’s 10” snow that started out very wet, there is still quite a bit of brush leaning into the trail which we’re still working on cutting back from the trail. The worst hit areas are near the trailhead where there is more aspen, maple, birch, and spotted alder bent over. Once up on the ridge and into the pines, expect some great skiing. After that same 10” snowfall, some areas on the lakes developed shush as the new snow pushed down on the ice. Some of that slush is now frozen—but not always, so carry a scraper. The weather has been pleasant and sunny lately so get out there and fill your lungs with pine scented fresh air and your mind with wonder.

Submitted by Scott Olson, Caretaker, YMCA Camp du Nord 2/9/10

The Trezona is in great condition.  The recent snows have been great and the trail is getting a lot of use.

Ski Ski Ski! Everything - skate and classic tracks - is in nice shape at HV!

The Trezona continues to be well groomed and every snow makes it a little better.  Currently there is no problem with road salt and sand on the trail.

All the trails of the North Arm Ski Trail System have now been skier tracked and –as always—it sure is beautiful out there.  However, the trails definitely need more snow as there are rocks and roots poking through occasionally. Continue to be especially careful on the down hills. Meanwhile, all the recent cold weather and lack of new snow seems to have frozen any slush that was sitting on the lake ice and has also made the ice good and thick where there isn’t any current, so the lakes for now are very good for skiing. Disclaimer—always carry a scraper and proceed with caution –don’t assume the ice is safe. Also remember that on the lakes you are exposed to wind chill so take care to avoid frostbite—plan your route to go with the wind on the lakes whenever possible. So hope for more snow, and get out and enjoy the upcoming mild weather this weekend.

Submitted by Scott Olson, Caretaker, YMCA Camp du Nord

At Hidden Valley - Bambas, Sommers, skate and fresh tracks for classic.  70% 0f trails open, single track trails have been rolled and groomed-no tracks yet.
Currently there is about a six inch base.

Last groomed Dec. 26th and 27th.

Some bonus trail information for those who like to get off the beaten path:

The North Arm Trails are skier-tracked trails and so are classic in every
sense of the word (though skate skiing can be fabulous in late winter on the
hard crusted lakes).  Because they are not machine groomed, they can be
challenging at times even for intermediate-skilled skiers. They are the most
beautiful in the area as they roll up and down over forested ledge rock and
across lakes through the wilderness.  The trails are easy to follow and each
intersection has a ‘you are here’ map.  Beginner skiers can first test their
proficiency on the Moose Horn Loops.  Warning! - Ice conditions may be
unsafe.  Users should check on current ice conditions and proceed with
caution on the lakes as ice conditions can change rapidly.

Current Conditions and Comments:

December 28, 2009

The North Arm Ski Trails are finally getting skier-tracked with the recent
arrival of 6 inches of new snow and an influx of New Years guests staying
nearby at YMCA Camp du Nord. With the new snow, there is about a foot of
snow on the ground in the open areas, with less on the narrow trails below
the white pines. Continue to be careful on the down hills for the occasional
rocks and roots poking through. The lakes are great skiing but as always
proceed with caution –don’t assume the ice is safe. The North Arm of Lake
Burntside currently has about a foot of good clear ice in front of Camp du
Nord. The lakes so far are almost slush-free but bring your scraper just in
case and take care in the wind to avoid frostbite—plan your route to go with
the wind on the lakes whenever possible. Also note that near the trailhead a
rookie (me) is learning to machine groom and has made the ski track worse
for the short term—but hopefully better for the long term once we get some
more snow.

Submitted by Scott Olson, Caretaker, YMCA Camp du Nord

The Trezona Trail is being groomed regularly and conditions have really improved in the last week.  Conditions are fair to good for both classical and skate skiing.

The outer loops at HV were in fine shape for skating. I was wearing my "rock skis" however. And it's a good idea to by-pass the "swamp" (on the Sommers loop). This picture is from Thur. 12/18/09.

Hidden Valley has a 3" base. 60% of the trails are open. Some tracks are set and all groomed trails are good for skating.

The Trezona has been groomed.  The Classic tracks have been set on the outside of the trail (away from the lake).  They are hard to find on the north side of the lake becuase they are nearly flat with so little snow.  The only area where the snow is not sufficient to cover the trail is the gravel section on the north side where grasses are not fully covered.  The classic track in that area has snow, but the skate area has stiff weeds throughout.  There are also two driveways that have been plowed nearlly to pavement.  Conditions aren't prefect, but It felt so good to ski again.