GREETINGS FROM
CROSS COUNTRY SKI NORTHWEST WISCONSIN
www.norwiski.com
This report is provided to you by Cross Country Ski Northwest Wisconsin in cooperation with the Northwest ITBEC, Ashland and Bayfield Counties, Bayfield Chamber of Commerce, Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, Price County Tourism,
Rusk County Tourism, Washburn County Tourism,
and CROSS COUNTRY SKIER magazine.
SPONSORS
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Garmisch USA, New Moon Ski Shop, Outdoor Ventures, Riverbrook Bike & Ski, Telemark Resort
ABR Trails, Chequamegon Communications Cooperative, Cresthill Resort, Hayward Bakery & Cheese, Lakewoods Resort, Marvin Schwan Retreat & Conference Center, Mogasheen Resort, Palmquist's Farm, Pilot Fish Inn, Property Management of Hayward, Sugarbush Bed & Breakfast, Trek & Trail
Apostle Islands Outfitters Cable Service Center, Sawyer County Record
Please support these businesses when you visit Northwest Wisconsin.
And when you do, be sure to let them know you are a Cross Country Skier!
For current trail conditions, lodging information, and additional information about cross country skiing in Northwest Wisconsin, visit www.norwiski.com or call (800)234-6635 or see the list at the end of this report.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL REPORT
February 8, 2003
* Sat. High in low teens
* Sun. High in single digits
* Chance of snow flurries on Sunday
ABR TRAILS - Ironwood, MI
02/04/03
New Snow in inches: 4 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03
Conditions: Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 6-13 "
Base/Woods in inches: 19 "
Open Trails: Many
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Comments: About 5 inches of new snow today! It is still snowing. The groomers were out again early this morning and we had the trails in tip top shape at 9 AM, we will be back out in the early morning hours Tuesday. No suprises when you arrive at ABR weekdays or weekends; we will have the trails groomed and ready for you at 9 AM.
AFTERHOURS CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL/BRULE RIVER STATE FOREST - Brule, WI
02/6/03 - 9:35 am
New Snow in inches: 8 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03 - 6:05 pm
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 5 "
Base/Woods in inches: 14 "
Open Trails: 9
KM Open: 21 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 18
Km groomed for Classic: 21
Backcountry: YES
Comments: All but Aspen and Maple are tracked. Aspen and Maple have some dirt spots. Rest of trail is good. Enjoy!!! Special Events/Breaking News: TimberCruise Ski Race - February 15th, Riverview Loppet - March 1st, contact Bob Cragin at (715)392-6988
Events: Brule Timber Cruise 16/32K race planned for 2/15. Riverview Loppet 12/24K race planned for 3/1.
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER TRAIL - Cable, WI
02/4/03 - 9:07 am
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03
Comments: Please see www.birkie.com for full report
BALSAM BRANCH CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS - Amery, WI
02/4/03 - 9:37 pm
New Snow in inches: 8 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03 - 9:00 pm
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 10 "
KM Open: 11 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 10
Km groomed for Classic: 10
Comments: Still a little soft due to all of the new snow, but it should be good by wed. the 5th.
BEAR CROSSING SKI TRAILS - Medford, WI
Date: 02/7/03 - 6:51 pm
New Snow in inches: 8 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03 - 10:15 pm
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 5 "
Open Trails: 6
KM Open: 7 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 7
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Comments: Conditions are good and the possibility of some additional 1-2 inches over the weekend should help improve conditions
BEAVER BROOK SKI TRAIL - Spooner, WI
02/4/03 - 10:46 am
New Snow in inches: 8 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03 - 8:00 pm
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 8 "
KM Open: 10 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 10
Comments: Beaver Brook is a classic only trail. There is also forrest trails available for snowshoeing.
BLUE HILLS TRAIL - Bruce, WI
01/06/03
Comments: 7 inches of snow Sunday/Monday, we're finally skiing the hills! We now have good to excellent snow cover on most of the West & EastSide Trails. The classic track is particularly good. Conditions this afternoon (Thursday, Feb. 6) were good with temperatures near 10 degrees F, skating packed powder with 1" of fresh powder Wednesday evening. Although many stretches of the skating lane are still somewhat soft following their first grooming, it should improve as it gets more traffic, plus more grooming is planned before the weekend. Both the track and skating lane are better on the WestSide given the more level nature of the underlying surface. Be aware that there are still a number of rough spots and stretches, especially on the EastSide. Some downhill stretches on the EastSide should be avoided altogether until otherwise advised. These include 28-to-29, 33-to-34, and ungroomed areas (9-8-30-7-6-5). While rock skis are not necessary on much of the trail, some ruts, frost heaves, and stones remain poorly covered.
DOUGLAS COUNTY SKI TRAILS - Solon Springs, WI
02/05/03
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03
Base/Trails in inches: 5 "
Comments: Cross County Ski Trails in the Brule River State Forest (SE) are groomed, tracked and in good-very good condition with a 5 inch base. Trails in Pattison State Park (SW) are packed but in poor condition. Solon Springs trails (SE) will be packed but are in poor condition. Superior Municipal Forest (NW) trails remain closed due to lack of snow.
DRUMMOND SKI TRAILS - Drummond, WI
02/07/03
Most Recent Grooming: 04/07/03
Comments: For the first time this season the trails have been groomed. There is a single classic track down the middle of the Boulevard and the other trails have also been tracked. Due to the uneven nature of the rocky North Country Trail and the lighter snow cover those trails have not been tracked.
FLAMBEAU HILLS SKI TRAILS - Winter, WI
02/7/03 - 10:51 am
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03
Conditions: Fair
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: This trail was packed on February 3 & 4. It has not been groomed due to minimal snow. No track has been set.
Events: High temps are predicted to be near 15 with lows near 5 below thru Wednesday. No significant snow is in the forecast.
HATCHERY PARK - Hayward, WI
02/4/03
New Snow in inches: 5 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 6 "
Open Trails: 2
KM Open: 3 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Classic: 3
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Backcountry: YES
Comments: New snow packed down to 2-3 inch base. Lights on 2/4 until 10pm. Snow Thin under the big pines. Otherwise, good skis.
HIGHPOINT SKI TRAILS - Ogema, WI
02/7/03 - 10:51 am
New Snow in inches: 9 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 4 "
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: High Point near Timm's Hill in Ogema offers classical and skating. Lighted night skiing is available for groups upon request. Timm's Hill Trail is skating only & joins High Point at the south.
HOSPITAL SKI TRAILS - Hayward, WI
02/4/03
New Snow in inches: 5 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 6 "
Open Trails: 2
KM Open: 5 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Classic: 5
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Backcountry: YES
Comments: Good skating. Too thin for classic tracks yet.
LADYSMITH HIGH SCHOOL LIGHTED XC TRAIL - Ladysmith, WI
02/04/03
New Snow in inches: 6 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03
KM Open: 2 Comments: Six inches of heavy snow fell through the morning of February 3. The Ladysmith High School Lighted Trail was rolled around noon and a track was set for classic skiing, 2 K total. The snow cover is good but the surface is uneven in places. The lights are on from dusk until 10:00 p.m
LOG JAM TRAIL - Phillips, WI
02/7/03 - 10:51 am
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03
Conditions: Fair to Good
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: This trail is groomed for skating only.
Events: High temps are predicted to be near 15 with lows near 5 below thru Wednesday. No significant snow is in the forecast.
MECCA TRAILS - Mercer, WI
02/7/03 - 7:26 pm
New Snow in inches: 2 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/06/03 - 10:00 am
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 6 "
Base/Woods in inches: 17 "
Open Trails: 4
KM Open: 20 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 19
Km groomed for Classic: 20
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Dog Trails: YES
Backcountry: YES
Comments: Trail groomed with 6 foot Tidd Tech & multiple passes...firming up with cold nights... Great to have a trailhead in the Shelter of LARGE Hemlocks
MT.ASHWABAY SKI TRAILS - Bayfield, WI
02/7/03 - 2:47 pm
New Snow in inches: 2 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/07/03 - 2:00
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 9 "
Base/Woods in inches: 9 "
Open Trails: 9
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
MT.VALHALLA-TEUTON AND VALKYRIE SKI TRAILS - Washburn, WI
02/6/03 - 1:05 pm
New Snow in inches: 2 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03 - 3:00 pm
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 7 "
Base/Woods in inches: 12 "
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
MUKWONAGO SKI TRAIL - Hayward, WI
02/7/03 - 10:25 am
New Snow in inches: 6 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03 - 12:00 pm
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
KM Open: 27 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 27
Km groomed for Classic: 27
Comments: About 6 inches of snow here on Monday, are still some rocks showing through. Classical rating is fair, skating is good.
NAMEKAGON SKI TRAIL - Cable, WI
02/6/03 - 9:58 am
New Snow in inches: 6 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03 - 3:00 pm
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 6 "
Base/Woods in inches: 3 "
Open Trails: 3
KM Open: 6 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 6
NEWMAN SPRINGS SKI TRAIL - Park Falls, WI
02/7/03 - 10:51 am
New Snow in inches: 7 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/07/03
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: Diagonal skiing with skating in some areas. Parts of the trail in the large pine area have less than a 1/2 inch base.
NORDIC WOODS SKI TRAIL - Stone Lake, WI
02/4/03 - 12:45 pm
New Snow in inches: 8 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03 - 10:00 am
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Woods in inches: 8 "
Comments: There was some technical problems with the grooming equipment. It will be groomed on Feb. 5.
NORTH END TRAILS - Cable, WI
02/7/03
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 01/04/03
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 8 "
Open Trails: 1
KM Open: 11 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 11
Km groomed for Classic: 11
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Backcountry: YES
Comments: Skate lane is soft due to light, dry snow. Continued grooming will iimprove. Tracks are good - 2-3 inch base underneath.
Events: North End Classic Sunday, Feb. 9. Trail will be double tracked or best line for classic skiing. Race should be off trail by noon.
PALMQUISTS FARM - Brantwood, WI
02/5/03 - 11:42 am
New Snow in inches: 8 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03 - 10:00 am
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 1 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
Open Trails: 5
KM Open: 30 Percent of Trails Open: 80 %
Km groomed for Skating: 30
Km groomed for Classic: 20
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Dog Trails: YES
Comments: 8 inches of new snow on Feb. 2-3rd allowed to finally groom and open up most of our trails!
PENOKEE MOUNTAIN - Mellen, WI
02/7/03 - 10:29 am
New Snow in inches: 8 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03 - 3:00 pm
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 3 "
KM Open: 17 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Classic: 17
Comments: A little more snow here (6-8inches) so base is a little better. Still a few rocky spots.
ROCK LAKE TRAIL - Cable, WI
02/7/03 - 10:19 am
New Snow in inches: 6 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03 - 12:00 pm
Conditions: Fair
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 1 "
KM Open: 40+ Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Classic: 40
Comments: About 6 inches of snow here Monday, but most slopes still showing rocks.
SCHWAN CENTER CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS - Minong, WI
02/4/03 - 8:58 am
New Snow in inches: 5 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03 - 5:00 am
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 3 "
Open Trails: 8
KM Open: 20 Percent of Trails Open: 80 %
Km groomed for Skating: 3
Km groomed for Classic: 5
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Backcountry: YES
Comments: Open to the public after High School Championship Race. Open Sun. Feb 9th at noon.
Events: WI High School Championship Race Feb 7 - 9, 2003. New Snow!
SISTERS FARM TRAILS - Ladysmith, WI
02/4/03
New Snow in inches: 6 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 6 "
KM Open: 12 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 12
Km groomed for Classic: 6
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Backcountry: YES
Comments: The snow cover is good with somewhat soft conditions. Currently, classic skiing may be better than skating.
SOLBERG LAKE TRAIL - Phillips, WI
02/7/03 - 10:51 am
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03
Conditions: Fair to Good
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: This trail is groomed for classical skiing only.
Events: High temps are predicted to be near 15 with lows near 5 below thru Wednesday. No significant snow is in the forecast.
SPOONER CITY TRAIL - Spooner, WI
02/4/03 - 11:00 am
New Snow in inches: 8 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03 - 2:00 pm
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 8 "
KM Open: 6 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 6
Km groomed for Classic: 6
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Comments: There is a 1.5 km lighted trail.
TELEMARK SKI TRAILS - Cable, WI
02/7/03 - 11:30 am
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/06/03 - 6:00 pm
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 5 "
Base/Woods in inches: 8 "
Open Trails: 13
Percent of Trails Open: 60 %
Km groomed for Skating: 7
Snowshoe Trails: YES
TIMBERLAND HILLS SKI TRAILS - Cumberland, WI
02/5/03 - 2:08 pm
New Snow in inches: 13 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03
Conditions: Good
KM Open: 25 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 25
Km groomed for Classic: 26
Comments: 12 to 14 inches of new snow. The trail is soft at the moment but will be regroomed and should be excellent after the next grooming.
TIMMS HILL - Ogema, WI
02/7/03 - 10:51 am
New Snow in inches: 9 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/05/03
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 4 "
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: High Point near Timm's Hill in Ogema offers classical and skating. Lighted night skiing is available for groups upon request. Timm's Hill Trail is skating only & joins High Point at the south.
ULLER TRAIL - Iron Belt, WI
02/7/03
New Snow in inches: 26 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/07/03
Conditions: Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 18 "
Base/Woods in inches: 30 "
Open Trails: 3
KM Open: 25 Percent of Trails Open: 90 %
Km groomed for Skating: 25
Comments: Just got done grooming the two feet of new snow from this week. Trails are great!
Events: About half-a-mile of the Kangas Cut-Off is plowed. Be careful of truck traffic.
WEST TORCH RIVER SKI TRAIL - Clam Lake, WI
02/7/03 - 10:33 am
New Snow in inches: 10 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/06/03 - 12:00 pm
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
KM Open: 16 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Classic: 16
Comments: About 8-10 inches of snow here Monday. Has very few rocky spots.
WINTERGREEN SKI TRAILS - Fifield, WI
02/7/03 - 10:51 am
New Snow in inches: 7 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/06/03
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: Diagonal skiing with skating in some areas. Parts of the trail in the large pine area have less than a 1/2 inch base.
Events: High temps are predicted to be near 15 with lows near 5 below thru Wednesday. No significant snow is in the forecast.
WOLVERINE NORDIC TRAILS - Ironwood, MI
02/7/03 - 1:24 pm
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/07/03 - 6:00 pm
Conditions: Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 12 "
Base/Woods in inches: 26 "
Open Trails: 4
KM Open: 17 Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 17
Km groomed for Classic: 12
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Dog Trails: YES
Comments: We continue to groom daily. A total of 22 inches of new snow this week has left our classic - only trails soft. As we continue to groom that will improve
Conditions Key
Poor: Very little snow base, bare spots, rocks, ruts and/or ice. Rock skis - a must.
Fair: Modest snow base. Few or no bare spots or rocks. Possibly icey. Trail surface may be uneven or irregular. Rock skis advisable.
Good: Adequete snow base. Releatively smooth trail surface. Use your good skis and get out there and ski!
Excellent: If you have to ask, you should consider snowmobiling.
LODGING AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Ashland and Bayfield Counties (800)284-9484, (472-6338
Bayfield Chamber of Commerce (800)447-4094
Cable Area Chamber of Commerce (800)533-7454
Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce (800)72HAYWARD
Price County Tourism (800)269-4505
Rusk County Tourism (800)535-RUSKWashburn County Tourism (800)367-3306
