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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Yeehaaw!

As of last night (Dec 7) the Trezona is fast and fun thanks to lots of great snow and Fred's great grooming.

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 6, 2010

The North Arm Ski Trails have been getting lots of snow and the local skiers are out enjoying them and laying down tracks.  This is not to say that you won’t find rocks and roots with your skis so use your ‘rock’ skis if you have them, and be careful on the downhills.  The lack of real cold weather has also kept the ground warm and has melted most of the snow on bare ledgerock. For the same reason the creeks and wet areas haven’t frozen over yet either, so bring your scraper in case a ski gets dunked. For now, avoid the Moose Horn Loops because they cross some extended wetlands.  Also, and more importantly, stay off the lakes for now.  Slim Lake is frozen over recently, and Burntside will freeze shut in the next few days, but the ice will be thin for awhile.

December 8, 2010

The colder weather the last few days has finally frozen shut the North Arm of Burntside Lake on Dec.7, 2010. The creeks have finally frozen over so the creek crossing and wet areas should be much easier to ski. Still bring a scraper.  However, stay off the lakes for awhile. Expecting another 3 inches of snow tomorrow—it just keeps coming.

Submitted by Scott Olson, Caretaker, YMCA Camp du Nord