Grooming January 27, 2021
Forestville: Andy Gave the skate lane a light Ginzu on Animoosh and Noque out to virtual noque turnaround. The old PistenBully tracks are firm but may have some light powder to ski out. He did reset track beyond Co Rd 510 to the second gate turnaround. He also Ginzu groomed the mead bypass and set classic track. You will note, there are no classic tracks over the three steep hills at the east end of the by pass. Steep hills and sharp turns should not have classic tracks per FIS grooming rules.
Call for Rental Equipment: The equipment rentals at our Forestville Trailhead have been very popular this season. It has been great to see so many discovering skiing but the high use and required COVID sit period for boots occasionally leaves us in short supply. We could use extra classic and skate NNN boots, NNN classic no-wax skis or poles that you may have sitting around and would be willing to donate. Please drop off at Forestville any time 10-4 weekdays or 9-4 weekends. Thanks for your support!”
Bag pick up for virtual Noque begins Friday: Want to pick up your race packet this weekend (Jan 22nd-24th)?
Send an e-mail to [email protected] by midnight on Wednesday Jan 20th with your first and last name and we will have your packet ready for you to pick up onsite at the NTN Forestville Trailhead this weekend. Pickup times will only be from 8am to Noon this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Pick up will not be inside the trailhead building per COVID restrictions and social distancing requirements.
Please note, the parking at Forestville is limited and the trailhead is open for normal public use. Please park like a sensible human being. If you arrive and the parking area is full you may need to try another time.
Noquemanon Ski Marathon Goes Virtual: Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, the 2021 Noquemanon Ski will be a 100% virtual event this year. See details at the race web site: http://www.noquemanon.com/ . Following this weekend’s snow the race committee will designate a course. Keep an eye on the above link for up to the minute details and the grooming report will include details and the link each day.
Fit Strip: Groomed all trails but low snow in the hemlock covered areas. There was enough snow to set classic track on the upper loop.
Big Bay Pathway: Boe groomed on the 25th and reported Meditation and Hidden Grin are Both are in excellent condition. The Classic Only Big Bay Pathway trails are narrow and rugged. If you are used to the race ready conditions found at Forestville you may notice the difference. Regardless, they are beautiful and skiing on classic only trails is wonderful. When striding, seeing skate technique skiers fly by on the adjacent highway saps my life juices. As such, classic only trails are great for people (read “weirdos”) like me.
Saux Head: All trails rolled and then Ginzu groomed and track set on the 24th. Trails should still be in very good condition.
Snow Bike Trails:
NORTH TRAILS
All of the north trails have been groomed since the snow event on 1/21, with multiple trails groomed twice. Cold temps have helped the base set up firm and users can expect good to very good conditions on Saturday. There is likely to be drifting in some exposed areas.
South Trails Grooming:
Mike reports South is at 90% groomed.
Greywalls may be soft. Everything else should be really good.
WTLGR: You ever look at the grooming report and change your plans? My heart was gladdened the other day when a nice couple from Gladstone (I think, maybe it was Crystal Falls. Anyway, in the U.P. but a good drive away.) said they were headed elsewhere but the grooming picture and report shifted their thinking. My bike is feeling neglected so it was in the on-deck circle until I saw Andy’s picture from grooming last night. Not only does it look spectacular, but it was taken at 1:29 AM. Cold overnight temperatures will have it rock solid and picture perfect.
Speaking of picture perfect, check out Eric’s picture from Sunday. It is his favorite part of Animoosh. I agree. In fact, all of Animoosh is wonderful because of the more varied terrain. The picture was taken at the farthest west section right along side that little mountain. Eric reported to have climbed it a couple of times in the summer and is wondering if it has a name. I told him we would apply for a grant and form a committee to study the issue. Do either of you know if it has a name? We may get naming rights; you know, like the first person to surf a given break. I too have wandered up the hill in summer and winter. It is well worth the effort. In any case, there is extra credit for any local knowledge you can offer.
Sondo