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 28, 2003
Skiing should still be good at many areas around the region this weekend. Saturday should be in the mid 20s and a great day with possibly an inch of new snow. Sunday will be on the cold side with cold temps returning through much of the coming week. Next weekend is looking warmer.
ABR TRAILS - Ironwood, MI
2/27/03 8:45 PM
Excellent skiing today. Today was one of the best days we had all season, mild temps, fast snow, no ice and the sun was out. For those of you who put your skis away after the Birkie...shame on you! You are missing out on the best skiing of the season. <br>We have our discount season passes on sale now for next season.
SKIING & SNOW CONDITIONS: Excellent
GENERAL SNOW & WEATHER CONDITIONS: Clear
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS, UNPACKED: 21
SNOW DEPTH PACKED ON SKI TRAILS: 6-10 honest inches
AFTERHOURS CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL/BRULE RIVER STATE FOREST - Brule, WI
02/24/03 - 11:30 am
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/24/03 - 9:15 am
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 6 "
Open Trails: 9
KM Open: 22
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 19
Km groomed for Classic: 22
Backcountry: YES
Comments: Conditions are surprisingly good, come out and ski. Riverview Loppet is an important fundraiser!
Events: Riverview Loppet will be held on March 1st, trail will be closed to non-racers from 10 AM to 2 PM
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER TRAIL - Cable, WI
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/25/03
Conditions: Good to Very Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 9 "
Open Trails: 1
KM Open: 40+
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 48
Km groomed for Classic: 48
BALSAM BRANCH CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS - Amery, WI
02/11/03 - 11:43 pm
New Snow in inches: 2 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/11/03 - 10:00 pm
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 12 "
KM Open: 10
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 10
Km groomed for Classic: 12
Comments: Two inches of new snow today, and we set a new track tonight, it should be great the rest of the week.
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
02/22/03
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/22/03
Conditions: Fair
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 6 "
KM Open: 32
Percent of Trails Open: 80 %
Km groomed for Skating: 32
Km groomed for Classic: 32
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Comments: Old snow, hardpack surface. New snow would be welcome.
COPPER FALLS STATE PARK - Mellen, WI
02/18/03 - 10:47 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/15/03 8:00 am
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 10 "
Base/Woods in inches: 10 "
Open Trails: 3
KM Open: 8
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Dog Trails: YES
DOUGLAS COUNTY SKI TRAILS
02/26/03
Conditions: Poor
Comments: Cross County Ski Trails in the Brule River State Forest (SE) are groomed, tracked and in good condition. Trails in Pattison State Park (SW) are packed but in poor condition. Solon Springs trails (SE) will be packed but are in poor condition.
DRUMMOND SKI TRAILS - Drummond, WI
02/07/03
Most Recent Grooming: 02/07/03
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
02/18/03 - 11:37 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/13/03 4:00 pm
Conditions: Poor
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
KM Open: 23
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 23
Km groomed for Classic: 23
Comments: There was not enough snow to set track. Today is partly cloudy with freezing drizzle. Thru Friday high temps will be in the 30s with lows near 20.
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
02/18/03 - 11:52 am
Most Recent Grooming: 02/13/03
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 4 "
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: Located near Timm's Hill in Ogema this trail 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.
INTERSTATE PARK TRAILS - St. Croix Falls, WI
02/18/03 - 1:43 pm
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/03/03
Conditions: Fair
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 4 "
Open Trails: 5
KM Open: 9
Percent of Trails Open: 70 %
Km groomed for Skating: 9
LADYSMITH HIGH SCHOOL LIGHTED XC TRAIL - Ladysmith, WI
02/12/0
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/12/03
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 7 "
Open Trails: 1
KM Open: 2
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 2
Km groomed for Classic: 2
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Comments: The lights are on from dusk until 10:00 p.m.
LOG JAM TRAIL SKI TRAIL - Phillips, WI
02/26/03 - 9:58 am
Most Recent Grooming: 02/13/03
Conditions: Fair
KM Open: 10
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 10
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Comments: This two-loop trail varies in difficulty from beginner to expert. There is a three-sided shelter with a fire ring and firewood provide at the middle of north loop.
Events: Today the high will be near 20 with a low near zero. Thurs.-Sat. the highs will be 30 with lows near 15. Sun. -Tues. the highs will be near 25 with lows near 15. There is a chance for light snow Sat
MECCA SKI TRAILS - Mercer, WI
02/24/03 - 9:02 pm
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/24/03 - 5:00 pm
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 10 "
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: Trails are hard and fast! Still good snow cover in woods...Hemlock trail head is the best.
Events: Night ski starting at Hemlock trail head "B"6pm tueday...bring head light & enjoy warm cabin..
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
02/27/03 - 1:35 pm
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/26/03 - 12:00 pm
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 8 "
Base/Woods in inches: 11 "
Open Trails: 9
KM Open: 32
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 32
Km groomed for Classic: 15
MUKWONAGO SKI TRAIL - Hayward, WI
02/21/03 - 9:50 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/14/03 - 12:00 pm
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
KM Open: 28
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 28
Km groomed for Classic: 28
Comments: No additional grooming this week due to warm temperatures and lack of new snow.
NAMEKAGON SKI TRAIL - Cable, WI
02/17/03 - 9:02 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/17/03 - 9:00 am
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 5 "
Base/Woods in inches: 10 "
Open Trails: 3
KM Open: 8
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 8
NEWMAN SPRINGS SKI TRAIL - Park Falls, WI
02/19/03 - 10:09 am
New Snow in inches: 7 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/13/03
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: 9.6 km of beginner and intermediate diagonal skiing with skating in some areas. Parts of the trail in the large pine area have less than a 1/2 inch base. This is a very scenic trail.
Events: We received freezing drizzle on Tuesday. The high will be near 30 today and 40 tomorrow with lows near 20. Saturday thru Tuesday the high will be near 17 with lows ranging from 5 above to 5 below.
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
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/25/03
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 9 "
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 renovated only. Tracks: fair condition. Parts of the trail remain bumpy.
PALMQUISTS FARM - Brantwood, WI
02/27/03 - 9:18 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/23/03 - 10:00 am
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 6 "
Open Trails: 5
KM Open: 31
Percent of Trails Open: 80 %
Km groomed for Skating: 31
Km groomed for Classic: 20
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Dog Trails: YES
Comments: Predictions are for a little new snow this weekend Feb. 28th.
PATTISON STATE FOREST - Superior, WI
02/12/03
Comments: Pattison State Park (SW) are packed but in poor condition.
PENOKEE MOUNTAIN - Mellen, WI
02/21/03 - 9:54 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/12/03 - 12:00 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 Skating: 17
Comments: No grooming done this week due to warm temperatures and lack of new snow.
PERKINSTOWN SKI & SNOWSHOE TRAILS - Perkinstown, WI
02/20/03 - 3:14 pm
Most Recent Grooming: 02/10/03 - 7:09 am
Conditions: Poor to Fair
ROCK LAKE TRAIL - Cable, WI
02/21/03 - 9:45 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/04/03 - 12:00 pm
Conditions: Fair
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
KM Open: 40+
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 40
Comments: No recent grooming due to warm conditions and lack of new snow.
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
02/16/03 - 6:16 pm
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/13/03
Conditions: Fair to Good
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 6 "
Open Trails: 1
KM Open: 12
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 12
Km groomed for Classic: 6
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Backcountry: YES
Comments: Generally good conditions but some dirt and vegetation, mostly in the classical track.
SOLBERG LAKE SKI TRAIL - Phillips, WI
02/26/03 - 9:58 am
Most Recent Grooming: 02/13/03
Conditions: Good
KM Open: 5
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 5
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Comments: This 5.4 km trail is very good for the beginning skier. Older skiers might also find the relatively flat trails just right for a daily exercise routine. The trail is a very scenic.
Events: Today the high will be near 20 with a low near zero. Thurs.-Sat. the highs will be 30 with lows near 15. Sun. -Tues. the highs will be near 25 with lows near 15. There is a chance for light snow Sat
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.
SUPERIOR MUNICIPAL TRAILS - Superior, WI
02/26/03
Comments: Superior Municipal Forest (NW) trails remain closed due to lack of snow.
TELEMARK SKI TRAILS - Cable, WI
02/27/03 - 1:17 pm
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/23/03 - 6:00 am
Conditions: Poor to Fair
Base/Trails in inches: 3 "
Base/Woods in inches: 8 "
Open Trails: 10
KM Open: 29
Percent of Trails Open: 40 %
Km groomed for Skating: 27
Km groomed for Classic: 29
Snowshoe Trails: YES
TIMBERLAND HILLS SKI TRAILS - Cumberland, WI
02/14/03 - 12:40 pm
New Snow in inches: 2 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/12/03
Conditions: Good
KM Open: 26
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 26
Km groomed for Classic: 26
Comments: Good skiing, a few thin spots but for the most part the trail has a thick and solid base.
TIMMS HILL - Ogema, WI
02/24/03 - 4:06 pm
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/23/03 - 9:00 am
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 6 "
Base/Woods in inches: 10 "
Open Trails: 1
KM Open: 12
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Classic: 12
Snowshoe Trails: YES
Dog Trails: YES
TOMAHAWK LAKE SKI TRAIL - Barnes, WI
02/6/03 - 10:00 pm
New Snow in inches: 1 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/06/03
Conditions: Fair to Good
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 10
Comments: Most of trail has suffucient base for a good track set. Dense conifer areas are a little light.
TOTOGATIC TRAIL - Minong, WI
02/16/03 - 9:50 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/14/03 - 2:00 pm
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 1 "
Open Trails: 4
Percent of Trails Open: 90 %
Comments: All loops open except "D" loop. Thin base. Very ski-able. Classic only.
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
02/21/03 - 9:56 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/12/03 - 12:00 pm
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 3 "
KM Open: 16
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Skating: 16
Comments: No additional grooming done this week due to warm temperatures and lack of new snow.
WINTERGREEN SKI TRAILS - Fifield, WI
02/19/03 - 10:09 am
New Snow in inches: 7 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/02/03
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 2 "
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Comments: 9.2 km of intermediate and expert diagonal skiing with skating in some areas. Parts of the trail in the large pine area have less than a 1/2 inch base. There is a warming house at the trailhead.
Events: We received freezing drizzle on Tuesday. The high will be near 30 today and 40 tomorrow with lows near 20. Saturday thru Tuesday the high will be near 17 with lows ranging from 5 above to 5 below.
WOLVERINE NORDIC TRAILS - Ironwood, MI
02/20/03 - 9:09 am
New Snow in inches: 0 "
Most Recent Grooming: 02/17/03 - 6:00 pm
Conditions: Excellent
Base/Trails in inches: 16 "
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: Fantastic skiing and no crowds
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-RUSK
Washburn County Tourism (800)367-3306
