Door County Cross Country Ski Report for January 2, 2014
Potawatomi State Park Conditions: Trails were last groomed on December 31st with the skate lane being dragged to help soften the hard packed skate lane surface. Results were variable with some improvement on the black trail, but not much change elsewhere. The classic track was last set on all trails on December 27th. It withstood the thaw and subsequent hard freeze fairly well. It is 2 to 3 inches deep, hard packed, well covered and fast. There are a few short stretches of icy track and track with a few oak leaves. Skating is rated fair to good with the skate lanes being well covered but hard, bumpy and fast and sometimes difficult to get a skate edge. Classic track is rated fair to good. We will experiment with further softening and smoothing the skate lane tonight. (Gene Kastenson)
Crossroads at Big Creek Conditions: All trails were dragged and leveled Thursday. A new track was set as well. We have a good 6” base throughout. Skate lanes are smooth and fast. Conditions are excellent. Skiers we need your help: We have a significant number of people who continue to walk on the ski trails. We all know what boot tracks will do to a nicely groomed ski trail. Therefore, if you come across walkers on the trails please kindly remind them to use the designated walking trails. All ski and walking trails are adequately marked with signs where trails intersect. (Jim Maki)
Whitefish Dunes State Park Conditions: Trails have held up very well all week. Planning to groom again when there is a little more new snow. Conditions are still very good to excellent in many areas. New track was set on all trails on 12-29-13. 4-5″ base firmed up nicely and there are no soft spots. Areas near Beech, Hemlock, Cedar and Red Pines have considerable tree debris following a very windy period on Saturday and Sunday. There is some drifting in open areas. Still, these are some of the best trail conditions we have had this early in the season. Now’s the time to get out and enjoy. (Rich Dirks)
Peninsula State Park Conditions: The classic trails are pretty well worn – especially the yellow and orange loops. We will groom as soon as we receive some additional snow or we will try Saturday evening before the major temperature drop. Skate trails are still very well set with unevenness due to lack of snow. (Greg Sunstrom)
Newport State Park Conditions: New snow is needed as the tracks are icy and have some tree debris. Still skiable but will be improved with new snow. (Dale Krolich)
For more detailed information about the Door County Silent Sports Alliance and trail photos, please go to: www.doorcountysilentsports.org
