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Door County Cross Country Ski Report: February 4, 2011

After more recent snow, all ski areas are open and groomed in Door County. This weekend should bring some of the best ski conditions of the season. The daytime temperatures will be mild and our ski trail groomers are reporting excellent conditions across the county.

Potawatomi State Park

Conditions: Very good for skating and striding. Last groomed Feb. 2. The grooming of the new snowfall has smoothed out the rolling condition from the last thaw and tracks are well set. The visitors to the park and DNR should appreciate the hard work and dedication of the volunteer groomers (Steve Spaude and Pete Sigmann this week) and financial help from the Friends of Potawatomi who make this ski trail possible.

Crossroads at Big Creek

Conditions: Excellent. Six inches of snow this week has made for excellent skiing at the Crossroads. Trails were rolled on February 1 and 2 and a track was set on the afternoon of Feb. 2. Conditions should be great through the weekend.

Snowkraft (formerly Cherry Hills Nordic)

Conditions: Very good. Finished grooming all trails on February 3, and classic track has been added. Trails are really good; the orchard will be a little soft in places, but overall should be very good, especially with second grooming on Thursday night. Friday and the weekend should be excellent for skiing at Snowkraft.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Conditions: Fair to Good. Last groomed February 3. All trails were rolled and new track set. Tracks are full depth and look very good, but because of the low moisture content of the recent new snow the tracks aren’t firming up and therefore are very soft. The recent winds have deposited considerable forest debris, especially near the hemlocks and cedars, so the tracks are quite “dirty.” Finally, the open areas have had considerable drifting so the tracks are gone in some of these areas. Despite these undesirable conditions, the trails are still very enjoyable to experience.

Peninsula State Park

Conditions: Good. Skate deck is as good as it has ever been. Most classic trails were groomed on February 3, and skate deck was last groomed on February 1. We recently received 8″ of new snow. The Yellow, Orange, Red, and Green loops are in excellent shape for striding with a few other classic loops in need of re-touching. All in all, this is the best skiing Peninsula has seen all year. Join us for our candlelight ski this Sat., Feb. 5 from lot 5.

Newport State Park

Conditions: Very good. Groomed single track. Newport Loop recommended from Lot 3. Europe Bay trail groomed to Europe Bay Road. Hotz section not groomed this week due to downed trees. Tracks still in good condition. Candlelight Ski is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 12.

For more detailed information about trails and conditions: http://www.doorcountysilentsports.org/skiing.php