[XC] Still fabulous conditions

[Don Fariss]

To the non-burned out,   Incredible! As crazy as it seems, as of Tuesday morning, the skiing is still marvelous at Blue Mound State Park!   I skated today at 11:00 am in 45 degree temps from the parking lot, around the mound, thru the campground and back to the pool. Not a bare spot in sight and the bridges (& ground) all appeared to have 6 to 8 inches of white, albeit somewhat dirty, snow. Entering & leaving the campground there were a few gray areas that were glare ice, but only tiny patches.   The snow had an inch or so of loose, wet on top, but under that it was very firm. The shady woods seems to be holding off the melt. It would be fine for some classical no-wax skiing too. Off trail is firm & do-able too.   Another skier told me the loop dropping down to the bike trail and back through the edge of the eastern fields had some bare spots but was skiable. Neither of us did the eastern open field, but it appeared to be covered.   Asst. Ranger Heidi told me that Karl may even groom again on Friday for the weekend if he feels there is enough left to work with. I can't see how there won't be unless we get a huge downpour.   Yeah, you could dust off the bike, but there's plenty of time for that. Spring skiing is a blast!   Ski ya, Don Fariss