Upper Eaglecrest loop also Groomed.

Last day of grooming lower loop of eaglecrest.
Should be fast skating in the morning. Will try to have it
groomed by 9:30 am.

Eaglecrest Lower loop groomed this morning for skate and classic skiing. Snow is ablating fast and conditions
are soft and slower today.

Lower Eaglecrest Loop set for both Classic and Skate. Conditions are fast and smooth.

Lower Eaglecrest xc loop set this morning for both skate and classic. Was very fast and smooth this morning.
Found a omron-aerobic monitor at trail head. Call 789-0784
to claim. Will try to set again tommore morning while ski conditions remain good.

Excellent xc skiing at Eaglecrest both upper and lower trails set by Eaglecrest. Come on up and enjoy the sun and snow!

Eaglecrest Lower loop should be set by 10:00 am for both
skate and classic. Todays grooming by Tim Hall.
Eaglecrest is grooming both Upper and Lower trails this
weekend.
We may groom next week if good ski conditions continue.

I went up this afternoon and had a great skate-ski on the lower loop, thanks to our JNSC groomers! The classic track looked good as well. It snowed another inch this afternoon and the coverage is quite good. Get up there, the skiing is great!

Eaglecrest Lower loop was set this morning by Juneau Nordic ski club. Will most likely do it again tomorrow moring.

Lower Eaglecrest x-c trail set for both skate and classic.
Universal klister worked well.

Eaglecrest lower trail should be set by 10:00Am.
Will report on conditions later in the day.

The Juneau Nordic Ski Club groomers have taken their grooming equipment up to Eaglecrest and will be working on the lower loop daily (during the week days when Eaglecrest is closed).
They will set a skate lane and classic track where they can. This may not include the Fish Creek Extension. Today the track was set on four inches of wet snow so the few bare patches have been covered. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Upper loop alert! Jeff will groom the upper loop next Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11. Lower loop will also be groomed as best he can given the conditions. Last chance to swoop up and down the Hilda meadows and Troy loop. Sunday picnic for the last day of groomed skiing?

Amy and I skied both classic and skate yesterday, very nice in the late afternoon sunshine.

In addition to the dirt patches showing on the fish creek loop, there are rocks showing in the classic track right next to the meadow parking area. It is just a small patch, if I had a shovel, I would have covered it.
So if you go up to ski today and don’t mind doing a few minutes of shoveling, take a shovel with you.

Lower loop looked freshly groomed upon arrival around 6pm (Air temp 40F).
Skate track a bit soft, lower part of fish creek loop has two areas (holes) that are starting to cave in to the muskeg.
Classic track is in great shape, although a bit slow and warm. No standing water. Klister - Swix KR60 (red), KR70 (yellow), or KF4 (red).

P.S. Re: thank you notes. Good to copy Kirk Duncan, Eaglecrest general manager on thank you notes to Jeff: Kirk_Duncan@ci.juneau.ak.us

Susan, I forwarded your thank you to Jeff Brown at Eaglecrest — He is the EC operations manager and has done about 95 percent of the grooming on the lower and upper loops this season.

To all, I’m sure Jeff would appreciate other thank you notes as the season draws to a close. The nordic grooming is probably barely a break-even operation for Eaglecrest, so it’s good to express our appreciation. Jeff’s email address is:

Jeff_Brown@ci.juneau.ak.us

Thank you groomers for the work on the lower loop at Eaglecrest. The past two days were the highlight of my nordic season!

The lower loop is fully covered once again and EC is grooming every day. It’s been hard for them to stay ahead of all the the fresh snow falling - Jeff groomed Friday morning and within 15 minutes the track was covered with new snow. By lunch it was almost completely obliterated. But he says he will keep grooming every day. Didn’t get up today but I think mornings will offer the best skiing as we continue to get buried in all this new snow. Welcome back, winter!

Upper Loop was newly groomed and very good on Monday. Tuesday afternoon Sam Skaggs reported soft skate skiing and better classic. It will be groomed again starting Thursday.

Chris, I get 1k from the lodge to the trail start. and 4k covering most of the loops.

hey I was wondering..does anyone know the distance for the upper loop? Anyone go up there today, Monday March 1st?

Uppa’ Loop, Sunday 4pm. 4H and the nordic clinic could not harm the Protective Grooming. Still plenty of fresh corduroy on the back end (Hilda Loop). Skiing was good if a bit slow due to high moisture content. A bit slow in the flats, but perfect for the downhills which were skied with minimal wedging. Would love to see twitter for track conditions. Groomers could update via cell-phone. But maybe not enough characters? heh, heh.

Spaulding Meadows Report:
Left from snowmobile trail around 730a. Trail up was 50:50, dirt and ice, although hike in was pretty fast. Was able to skate freely once up to the meadows. Conditions ranged from a firm surface at the start to firm base with an inch or two of softer snow on top. Lots of snow once you reach it. Hit it before the rain today and it was just beautiful skating. Enjoy!

Sedgesprite - you need a Twitter account

Uppa’ Loop. A rare sighting of Dave Duntley whose unscraped skis zipped by Sedges meticulously prepared bases like the roadrunner and coyote. Wow! Go Dave. The uppa’ had been hammered by clinicians with DomBrad and recreationists following EC’s advice. Still the skiing was good, new, wet snow on top of groomed. Only one complaint, ECs web temp was a bit on the low side for the waxing reality. Sedge saw 29 but skied at 34 or 35. Ski Court finds Eaglecrest skiing “guilty” of providing pleasure in the first degree. Happy Birthday to Dr. Powder, and congratulations to Melleffson and nephew in the Birkies.

Upper Loop is great for skate and classic today. Get up in the sunshine while you can!

Saturday was ditto on Betsy’s post from yesterday: perfect, world class skiing on the Upper Loop, and striaghtforward not to walk or ski up Trickster and enjoy the fabulous sun and best-of-the-year skiing.

Lower Loop was actually very nice for skate skiing after 11 am today; firm but softening on top, and smooth. It will NOT be groomed again until snow comes, but it still provides good skiing (and meadow picnics).

No more grooming on the lower loop until we get more snow. Jeff will keep the upper loop groomed and it is in very good shape for both skate and classic. If you have never been to the upper loop, I encourage you to give it a try. You can just walk up Trickster if you don’t want to ski up, and walk down. Once you are up there the skiing is very, very nice! It is about 1 km from the lodge to the upper loop by way of Trickster. The full upper loop including the Mt. Troy loop is about 4 km.

Dominic Bradford will be conducting advanced skate and classic clinics at Eaglecrest February 26 & 27. Info about the clinics should be posted soon on the Eaglecrest website. This is a great opportunity to get tuned up for the rest of the season.

Dominic Bradford raced and now is a certifed coach at the national level in his native Canada. As a resident of Whitehorse he works with the Yukon Ski Team as assistant coach after his regular day as a Montessori school teacher. He was a former resident of Juneau and enjoyed working with 4H skiers and being a member of the JNSC. Dominic has skied since he was 5 and continues to enjoy skiing with his wife Tiffani and toddler twins, being an instructor for preschool age chilren in a learn to ski program through his school, and being in the sport at a local and national level as a coach.

Upper loop still in great shape despite no grooming since Monday. Classic tracks a little bit snowed in but fine after being skied in just once. Skating looked ok too. Soft fresh snow at EC starting at bottom of Ptarmigan chair. Lower loop needs snow - looking kind of scary down there in the meadow.

Monday- Upper Loop is SUPERB, frshly groomed, firm skate and rocket fast classic. Lower was set today with a short loop around the Meadow and back, decent for skate.

Upper Loop Sunday PM=Slow sugar. Lower loop was faster but water and ice marred the experience. The upper is where it is at. SS saw at least 3 skiers with big grins returning from French Press on the upper loop but he was alone for 5 laps. It is thin down below but it ain’t over yet. Yellow Swix and structure were not enough. Its time for graphite or Molybendum. BTW rain = good skating.

HURRAY for the 12 hardy and hardcore souls who showed up for the Race at Eaglecrest today. It was windy and rainy, but pretty good snow. CONGRATS to Tim Blust for smoking the skate field, and to Odin Brudie for being the lone but also very fast classic skier. Tim’s son was the solo kid to race, and also handed out chocolates at the end!

VALENTINE DAY FUN RACE is ON!! 12 noon, lower loop at Eaglecrest. come rub elbows, skate or classic.
UPPER loop is also set again, and the skate and classic were excellent on Saturday.

Friday Night. Soft loose snow on Trickster, hard fast track upper loop. Everybody is loving the new upper track. But there is a huge argument about what to call it. Sedge wants it called “French Press” but T-Bone wants to name it “McLovin’. You can call it whatever you want, but don’t miss skiing on it. Sedge used the trimmings from his climbing skins on the skating skis and found them a sweet ride up, easily as fast as T-Bones skating. Also worth noting…the off-piste is as good or better than the piste. Conditions allow fabulous exploration.

Lower loop groomed for skate/classic and is in good shape. Classic track very nice! Fish Cr loop & inner meadow loop not groomed due to poor snow cover. Upper loop also in very good shape with much better snow cover. Jeff will groom upper loop for the weekend and should make for great skiing.

VALENTINE DAY FUN RACE! Sunday, at noon, at Eaglecrest.
3k or 9k, classic or skate. Register in lodge beforehand. Skiers of all ages and abilities are welcome. We’ll do a couple of mass starts, and go once or three times out around the Meadow and back. FUN FUN FUN. Come on up. Free chocolate to all finishers! Spread the word to your email lists. thanks- Ken

LOWER LOOP groomed around the Meadow and back, Thursday morning. Skate lane was sweet, classic is so-so. The UPPER LOOP is still in great shape for classic now, and will be re-groomed for the weekend!!!! smile

No grooming at the Camp Ground or the Lake. It will take several inches of snow in the camp ground before it is skiable. The lake may be the first place we can go. A inch or two on the lake would make for great skiing.

Tuesday - upper loop is in great shape for both skate and classic. Classic track is fast! Firm snowpack on the way up. Guy Thibodeau and Jeff Brown did a wonderful job of setting the upper loop with a few extra loops and turns that are fun to ski.

Lower Loop was also groomed today, BUT only to the Meadow and back around, and the classic lane was obliterated by 50 Gastineary Elementary students at noon today, Monday. But the skate lane to the meadow and around and back is in great shape, at least until it freezes again. Upper will stay in good shape this week unless it snows.

jeff Brown was doing heroic work on the upper loop today (Monday). the skiing was GREAT at noon and I’m sure only got better as the day progressed. Leave work now and get up there!

Whole ‘Lotta Love.

Upper Loop 4pm. Jeff said he and Guy were adding a new twist to the pretzel today and it was very nice up there. I think it should be called the “French Press” It’s a new loop that wanders over toward “Slowboat” and connects back in to the run out toward Hilda. Many tracks covered the loops, and it looks like at least one snowboarder hiked along the side so I’m guessing he got a schooled about where to walk. Thanks good samaritan. Classic was thinner than Saturday, so it must have gotten some use, but was perfectly serviceable. A few gnarlies in the corners where snow had stuck to the groomer but overall, upper track, rules.

Lonely at the Top.

Sedge made the rounds at 4pm and found conditions to be good, very good. But it was just him and 1 other skier. Where is the love for the upper track? Speaking of love, Valentine’s Day is coming and it is time to get your geek on. You need ’structure’ tiny grooves pressed through the wax into the bottom of your ski. Nothing is hotter than buying a riller for your valentine, well, maybe climbing up a ladder against the house in the buff and calling on a cell phone saying ‘this is cupid, open the window’, but a riller will keep you of the SO list. Check your local ski shop, they keep them locked up with the other ‘adult toys’.

Still reading? Bonus Diagonal Track set up Trickster. Now that beats all.

Mendenhall Campground skate and classic trails were groomed this morning. Skate skiing is pretty good with some icier places; classic trail is reported to be fine with waxless skis.

Attention All Ladies:

Women’s Skate Away - $69

* Designed to improve skate skiing skills
* Feb. 7, 14, 21, 2010 (10-12p)
* Includes Trail Fee
Meet at the Snow Sports Window at Eaglecrest. Remember Eagelcrest does NOT rent nordic gear. Foggy Mountain Shop DOES!

Upper and lower loops at Eaglecrest are groomed. Tell everyone you know because the skiing on the upper loop is the best and the grooming up there has been very nice. Thanks again to Jeff Brown, groomer extraordinaire.

Lower loop groomed for skate and classic on Friday. Classic skiing was good with waxable skis using violet klister until noon, then waxless skis seemed to work better on the wet snow. Skate lane was unavoidably soft with a center ridge, but still fun. Upper loop MAY be groomed for the weekend but Jeff will not know until tomorrow morning when he can assess conditions. He will not groom it tonight. Check at front desk in the morning for latest grooming update.

2-05-10 Camp Ground was groomed but report was that is icy. Mendenhall Lake: Skateing and Classic on the lake is very good. Safety of ice is unknow. Ski at your own risk. People are sking all over it however.

Scott Fischer will offer two free wax and xc ski prep. clinics.Tuesday Feb. 16th and Tuesday Feb 23rd at Foggy Mountain Shop. Time: 5:30pm. You can bring your own skis.

Mendenhall Camp Ground was groomed this morning. The snow is very soft. The plan is to groom tonight hoping it will firm up over night.

Tuesday afternoon - upper loop in great shape for classic skiing! Snow is definitely colder up there so watch your waxing - used violet klister on the lower loop, but had too uneven of a layer for upper loop and had to scrape. Could probably have used just purple kick wax or maybe even blue extra. Good snow coverage and nice tracks from steady grooming over the past few weeks.

Mendenhall Camp Ground groomed this morning by Mary Ann. Skate is still good and little icy in places. It froze last night and the snow groomed up a little icy. I skated around without any problem! Classic is still about the same. As hard as we try we can not grow snow in the track. Ski the Mendenhall!

Upper loop was groomed out nicely by the time most skiers were up there on Sunday, despite cryptic message below from Ray Imel (Sedgesprite). Conditions should remain good through the week - I was up there last Wednesday 2-3 days after last grooming and it was quite fun. Lower loop fully groomed for skate and classic, also. Thank you, Jeff Brown!

Mendenhall Camp Grounds Skate and Classic set this morning. I know it is hard to believe but the skiing is still good at the camp ground.

Sunday Dawn Patrol. Lower Loop = Scooby Doo, Upper Loop Scrappy Doo w/ Zombies, Jinkies!

Lower loop had a righteous mani-pedi, but upper loop was locked up with ruts and chunks. Warming temps or a touch-up will restore the upper loop to yesterdays glory, but for the AM you are a hard man or woman if you like the upper.

Upper Loop Grooming Confirmed. J. Brown is no clown. The upper loop will make you love skiing.

Jeff Brown reports that the upper loop will be groomed tomorrow for the weekend. Should be nice skiing! Conditions were good all day today on the lower loop for skate and classic. Not too many people up there - hope to see more this weekend.

EC lower loop groomed for skate/classic. Conditions are good. Upper loop MAY be set this weekend. Will know more later and try to post.

Campground was set this afternoon. Skate lanes are in good condition. After a pass to rectify the classic track (grind up some of the hard pack) then setting it, the classic track is granulated and isn’t too bad. Snow is getting pretty thin in places.

Eaglecrest upper loop still in very good shape, with just a light layer of soft new snow on top of the well maintained skate and classic tracks. Classic skiing was very good Wednesday evening - VR45/Blue Extra gave more than enough kick to ski up Trickster and around the loop. A surprisingly quick trip up and worth the effort.

Mendenhall campground was surprisingly good given the snow conditions. I’d have to give it a 7 out of 10- it’s pretty hard underneath the top layer, but definitely worth getting out there!

Mendenhall Camp Ground: Skateing is a 10 on the 1 t0 10 scale. Two skiers said it was fabulous. Classic is a 5. Much better than several days ago. Nowax work good. Some icy spots. We need more snow dancers!

Mendenhall Camp Ground: Skateing is a 10 on a 1 to 10 scale.

Monday morning PS. Classic was set at upper loop, also very nice.

EC Upper Loop is still in good shape for classic and skate from Saturday’s grooming. Lower trails were completely groomed Monday morning and are still good (although the 50 kids from Gastineau Elementary on Monday afternoon wrecked a wee bit of havoc on the classic track!!!). EC is closed with no grooming until Thursday, but the nordic trails are always Open.

Mendenhall Campground skate and classic trails were groomed this morning. Skate skiing is excellent. Classic trail is OK, waxless skis will work well!

Ray (aka Sedge) - was the classic track set also? Or just skate lane? Thanks for the report.

Monday Dawn Patrol. Upper Track is sweetness and light. The entire ring is groomed. Hit it early while there is still fresh corduroy on Trickster, Sneaky and Sourdough. There ought to be a law against going that fast on skinny skis but there isn’t one yet.

Snap, Crackle, Pop. It’s cool and crispy 24F at 8 am. Try music on the iPod- the crunch sounds worse than it is, skating right after the grooming and or against the ‘grain’- there is still good edge hold. For the price, you can’t beat it.

Mendenhall Camp Ground being Skate set this morning. Enjoy the sun today.

Eaglecrest’s UPPER LOOP is groomed for Sunday skate and classic! Don’t miss this chance; you can ride the Hooter Chair with your Nordic Trail pass, but it is actually easier to just go up Trickster, the downhill run on the far left. It only takes 15-20 minutes to herring bone or walk to the Upper Loop, and the snowpack there is deep packed powder. The LOWER TRAILS are also in quite good shape considering there is only 6-8 inches of hard packed snow. It was groomed on Friday and the classic track is still firm, and the skate lane mostly good with some rough frozen spots. It will NOT be groomed Sunday morning, as that would only chop up the frozen chunks and make it worse. We need more snow on the Lower trails; hence the Upper Loop being groomed for a sunny Sunday. Bring a picnic!!

Mendenhall Camp Ground being groomed this morning. Skateing should still be good with a couple of icy areas. Classic is poor. One skiers said if you are using nowax skis you need ear protection for the noise!

The EC lower trails are in very good shape for classic skiing, and the skate lane is mostly excellent with some frozen rough patches that are easily avoided. The snow is hard and fast but not icy. And it’s SO beautiful in the sun.

Mendenhall Camp Ground was Skate and Classic set yesterday.
I have not skied it but Paul said the Classic came out good. It is being groomed today. We are still holding our own with the base.

The Eaglecrest Lower nordic trails will be groomed for skate and classic skiing by 9am today.

Mendenhall Campground Skate set this morning. Fine ground up snow and ice on firm bace. The Classic is not good. Tryed to grind up the frozen tracks so when it does snow there will be a smoother base. Forest Service is working on the sewer system. There are open man holes but there are cone around them.

Mendenhall Campground Skate set this morning. Fine ground up snow and ice on a hard base. Chris Thomas said it was fast. Classic track is frozen hard and we could not make it any better! We have a new groomer, Steve Gilbertson started helping today. Thanks Steve.

Mary Ann groomed the campground for skating this morning. At noon the classic track was still ice, but the skate track good.

Mendenhall Campground skate and classic set by Kerry Lear this morning. Snow was damp in classic track but the skiing was good with my Fisher no wax skies. Wet snow was falling. The forecast for the week ahead looks good for cooler temps. 4H will be at campgrounds at 1 PM Sunday.

EC groomed Friday morning; snowing now.
Learn to Skate classes start Saturday, 1-3 pm! three Saturdays in a row for $69. Good for novice or intermediate. 790-2000 ext. 211

Eagle Crest’s lower loop was hard-pack ice last night (Thursday) and had a trench line down the middle. Hopefully, they groom it today.

Campground was groomed this morning for both skate and classic; both are excellent skiing.

The rain wasn’t so bad on the groomed track but the dog tracks were a minefield (with a few brown presents to complete the pleasure). Tonight I had three different dogs run at me barking and jumping over the backs of my skis and getting tangled in my poles. C’mon dog owners, at least try to keep your pets under control.

Del and I groomed the campground today both skate and classic.
It is in great shape so get some skiing in soon in case the rain does a # on it.

Mendenhall Campground Skate and Classic set. Skiing report is that it is great.

EC is closed for grooming on Tuesday and Wednesday, and of course the lower trails are now OBLITERATED with a foot of new snow!! Yes, this is mighty fine news– so go hiking with your tele skis and eat powder, or go to the Mendenhall Campground which is now groomed!
(and send in your Nordic Club dues- $25 please)

Del — Good going on the campground — it was a long dry (and wet) spell, eh?

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

And there was rejoicing across the land…except for a few disgruntled shovelers who don’t ski….

Mendenhall Campground is back in business. Skate skiing looks very good. If it keeps snowing we may beable to set a Classic Track tomorrow. Chris and Don are skating there right now! Lake is still wet so will be a while.

EC lower trails groomed Monday morning by 9; all loops in good shape again for skate and classic with the 4 inches of new snow that was groomed over this morning!
Not enough at the campground…. yet.

Sunday EC will groom about 2/3 of the lower Nordic trails for skate and classic. We are losing some spots to water and dirt, but mostly the skiing is quite nice where groomed. Come early; about 60 4-h kids will devour the remaining snow during the afternoon! Yeah 4-h, we love to see all those kids out there.

Saturday Lower Loop. Some stretches are nice and soft, some are treacherous. Something for everybody. SS, T-Bone, Odin and Jerry made their way up to the UP (UpperlooP, you’ve seen our bumper stickers?), and found flat, hard crust with little trace of diagonal track. They skied 1/2 a loop and retreated. That’s 4 visits today, Were there others?

Eaglecrest Snowsports School nordic instructors skied all day on the lower loop, working with Deb Willits, PSIA clinician/examiner from Colorado. Conditions were surprisingly good for both skate and classic. Don’t let the rain and warm temps fool you - there is still plenty of skiing available at Eaglecrest!

Thursday noon. Thanks to fresh grooming by the EC trail crew this morning, the lower loop is awesome - soft frozen granular with a hard base, sort of a “snow cone” texture for the top inch or two. Nice and fast for skating. Toko orange klister conditions if you’re striding. It should hold up a while as long as the temp stays out of the 20s. Enjoy it while it’s there.

Wednesday- EC lower trails still in excellent shape; at noon there were 8 cars at the Meadow parking; starting to snow but so far is not accumulating much. Skate lane is firm and fast but not icy; classic is mostly good.

Monday, the lower trails are freshly groomed and in truly awesome shape for skate - as good as it gets. Classic is also quite good; a little thin in spots.
No more grooming until Thursday at the earliest, since EC is closed Tuesday and Weds., but unless it snows this grooming should last fine for the next 2 days. Try a little evening skiing by headlight– it’s easy and beautiful!

Upper loop was stunning. Soft, firm, fast all of them in a good way. Sedge had the place to himself at 8pm but track analysis indicates it’s the skaters who are showing the UT love…striders your lane misses you. It is still very, very good up there, and the climb and descent not as bad as you’d think.

Mmm, tasty humble pie. SS has to eat his words as the E-Team comes through with brilliant grooming on the upper-loop. Since it is only Sedge and one other skier who use it, who ever you are…it is smacktastic right now. I’d meet you for a moonlight ski if Mrs. Sedge wouldn’t be upset. Thanks Jeff, Ken, Kirk, Travis and the rest of the unsung Sultans of Snow, Kings of Ginzu , and Colosus of Corduroy. Can I have a little salsa on that crow dish?

My Bad. Thanks for the update.

Saturday morning up-date: groomers spent 6 (SIX) hours tilling and grooming the lower Nordic trails last night, and there is a very nice skate and classic track. The skate lane now has about 2 inches of soft corduroy on top of the old frozen platform; as the weekend wears on it may become icy again in spots. The UPPER LOOP is also freshly groomed, and is very good. It is very cold but calm now, even in the Meadow. It will be a beautiful day here.
Try Nordic class at 11:00 - $10– come learn new skills!

The tireless Jeff Brown at EC is out grooming all night, including the UPPER and all LOWER NORDIC trails. Spread the word; this will be a hugely fun weekend at Eaglecrest. These colder temps are actually excellent for Nordic skiers.
11:00 on Sat. is the Try Nordic class for novice skate/classic. Bring your friends and family members; only $10 for class and trail fee!

Hiked Lake Creek trail New Year’s day to Spaulding Meadows. Trail is very icy, Yaktrax advised. Snowpack throughout meadows is hard and irregular. If we get any new snow the ski touring up there will be quite nice.

Sedge — This is a trail conditions forum and not the place for a lengthy discussion of Eaglecrest upper loop grooming. I just wanted to mention that if the State Parks grant application to purchase a grooming snowmobile and attachments for JNSC to locate at Eaglecrest is successful, this equipment will allow for much more frequent grooming of the upper loop by JNSC volunteers. We will get word on the grant by late January or early February.
In the meantime, Eaglecrest just doesn’t have the resources — staff time and money — for daily or even weekly grooming of the upper loop. We need to remember that although the upper loop is great skiing, that most days even with fresh grooming, only a handful or two of skiers use it. I would guess it gets about 10-20 percent of the skiers the lower loop does.
So keep your fingers crossed on the club getting this grant.
Happy New Year — Jack

Eaglecrest trails were groomed 4 days ago, and are still hard and fast. Skate lane is super hard, not great for novice skaters. Classic lane is well-formed, icy and fast; blue klister is fantastic if you like the speed! It is sunny and pretty calm, and no crowds, and very worth the trip for a little New Year’s crisp outing.

Afternoon delight. At 3 pm SS worked his way to the upper track with visions of corduroy dancing in his head. And silky swales there were all the way to the BlackBear chair, (except Trickster). Sadly, the upper loop proper was denied Sedge with bullet hard crust formed around skate prints from a softer era. Sedge rarely falls down and he must have hit his head hard because once he got up he wondered: Would JNSC consider contracting with Eaglecrest to groom upper loop? Idiot, why would the Club pay Eaglecrest to groom it’s own slopes? Why indeed?

Ken’s not making his ski reports up. The lower loop really is in amazingly good shape. Nice to see people out there using it for all types of skiing. Thank you Jeff Brown and Eaglecrest for keeping it maintained through the warm stretch and now the cold stretch.

EC trails still in good shape from yesterday’s grooming; especially the skate lane!! Two more days for $5 passes. It’s a good time for a SKATE LESSON, too! 10:00 am or 1:00 pm any day this week for walk-ins, or call 790-2000, ext. 211 if you plan ahead.

Leapin’ and hoppin’ on a moonshadow. SS left the headlamp in the car last pm and skating under the moonlight was very good. One or two patches of ice in the margins between loops, but the rest of the track had a sugary finish. really nice.

EC Groomed for skate and classic today- excellent! sunny!!

EC lower trails groomed TODAY, Monday, and both skate and classic are really, really good!

The Lower Loop was groomed this morning and skiing is good. It is soft, yet pretty fast skating conditions. The classic track looked very good as well- lots of classic skiers out this AM. No wind and warm at 11:45AM. Get up there!

All day Saturday the EC trails were in very good shape; only a few wet or dirt patches. Sunday should also be excellent for classic no-was skis, and skate skis, although the trails will unlikely be groomed sunday morning due to low snow cover. Note the mid-parking lot access point is now plowed open, in addition to the Meadow parking.

EC Trails Groomed and GREAT.
Believe it or not, as of 9 am the lower trails are being groomed for both skate and classic, and are mostly in excellent shape. It is not presently raining, and the skate lane is fast but not at all icy, and the classic is newly set and very good. $5 — come on up!

Mendenhall Lake and Campground: PRAY FOR SNOW. Lake ice is covered with water. Campground is slush, though the base is still there and walking, with rubber boots, is good. DO YOUR SNOW DANCES!

Lake and Campground: Scott groomed late this morning. At this time I do not know how it turned out. Chris T. was there before grooming and said it was a workout on the lake.

Hey, the UPPER LOOP at EC is still fantastic, especially for classic. The lower trails are also very nice for skate skiing, and the classic is getting a bit skied out but is still mighty fine, and fast. Swix extra blue was all I needed this afternoon. Low 20’s on the lower trails today.

Mendenhall Lake on Monday afternoon — a perfect place to be in the winter solstice sun. I was on classic race skis and also did some skating. Del’s packed loop was pretty good for skating considering that the 2 inches of snow packed down to less than half an inch of snow. Skiing off the groomed was also fine for either classic or skate.
There were people skate skiing, classic skiing, and ice skating, and it was all good.
Get out there Tuesday in the sun if you can. Good news–snow in the forecast Wed — Sat.

Bondage and Hot Nasty Speed at Mendenhall Lake. The snow and hoarfrost have bonded well to the ice surface. Wax cold and sharpen those pole tips. Skate the biggest loop under the sun! (7+ miles). 14F at noon.

TWIN LAKES is decent for skate skiing, though the snow is a little thin. It is perfect for ice skating, either through the untracked thin snow layer, or on the “rinks” that were cleared today by the fish dock. Sun is on the lake from 10ish until almost 1, so it makes for a great lunch break.

I have been reading copious amounts on how to customize this site but so far am overwhelmed by technogibberish. Do any of you know a little php code? It can’t be very hard to rewrite the code to move the comments box to the top, but so far I’m stumped. Give me a shout at info@jnski.org or call at 723-2222 if you have some advice. That is, if you can’t be skiing instead.

I really appreciate the timely updates on trail conditions at Mendenhall Campground and Lake and further out the road, as it helps me decide whether to trek out from town. I will pay my dues to for the year right now to JNS Club. Suggestion for webmaster: move comment form to top of page so you don’t have to scroll through 100s of comments before you can enter an update. Good to know about this website, thanks!

Skiing at the lower loop was very good this afternoon. I put on a mix of blue and purple wax just prior to skiing and flew around a very well packed trail. I started about 3pm and it was already about 18 degrees. There are some spots where it is a little hacked up, but overall I thought it was very good for this early in the season. Dress warm for tomorrow and maybe a blue would be about perfect if it stays cold.

Mendenhall Campgrounds and Lake: Bright and sunny with a couple of inches of snow on the ice. Lots of people there. Spoke to one people who said the skate skiing was good. The Lake was rolled two loops wide. I hope it will set up a little the snow is soft. Camp ground was groomed. Not a lot of snow but groomed better than the other day. Some small rocks in places. At least we are starting again. We need everyone to do snow dances not just a few.

Swoop Lower loop for corduroy coup. Yeah, it’s good. By 8:30 there were already 7 skiers there. Wax cold, Dress Warm. Start Green Beat HC Swix Green. Swix LF Purple and Start Green, a draw.

Any info Mendenhall Lake?? Hopefully more people can start regularly posting ski conditions from all around Juneau; just scroll to the bottom of this long page and submit your comment. Let’s SPREAD THE WORD on where the good skiing is!
I know for sure the Eaglecrest lower trails as well as Upper Loop are in superb condition today.

UPPER LOOP at Eaglecrest was also set at 9 am Saturday, and is in superb shape, along with the lower trials.

Eaglecrest set the lower trails for skate and classic at 9 am, and they are in great condition- nice packed powder corduroy and firm classic tracks. These trails are now open and will be kept groomed DAILY through January 3!!

Remembet- day passes only $5 in December, or get the season Nordic pass for $79, at the EC lodge window.

Scott reports that the Mendenhall campground and Mendenhall Lake are completely unskiable as of this morning Friday). Maybe the new snow and some colder temps will improve things. Meanwhile, Eaglecrest plans to set the lower loop for skate and classic by 9 a.m. tomorrow morning (Saturday).

Eaglecrest lower loop still good skiiing. No machine set tracks but good classic skiing in old tracks. If any skiers have gone around before you the skiing is very good. Wet snow - recommend waxless skis. Maybe they will groom Friday since the ski area will be open.

Mendenhall Campgrounds groomed this afternoon with roller. Trying to save what we have. There are some bare spots under some of the trees. The snowmachine skies kicked up some rocks on turns. Skiable but marginal. There were 47 thousand dog tracks and I could not cover them all. Think freezing and snow. Also drilled two places in front of Skaters Cabin. 7 inches of ice

Mendenhall Campgrounds set this morning for skate. The snow is soft but did groom. I believe it will set up some over time. People were skiing on it and not going to the pavement. The roller kicked up a few rocks in some places. Skateing on the lake should be good. Did not groom any on the lake. Will drill it to see if it is safe for the machine.It is snowing some more as I type this.

The snowmobile club needed their Skandic grooming snowmobile back yesterday, so I won’t be able to do any midweek grooming this week. Eaglecrest will groom again early Saturday morning.
However, classic skiing should be good today — with only 3-4 inches of light snow the track should reset nicely after a couple of skier passes. I’m sure by noon there will be a skier-set track.

I will note that the Nordic Seasons pass is only $10 if you already have an alpine pass.

Ski the Upper Loop today, its great!!!

EvilGenius at work. The upper track is currently fanfreakingtastic and you can quote me on that. Wax cold…very cold and you will ski like an Estonian. Now if we can just get a loop near Cropley set…

Eaglecrest’s UPPER AND LOWER NORDIC TRAILS SET FOR CLASSIC AND SKATE!
The Upper Loop is being set on occasional weekends only, so come on up and try it this weekend. All the lower trails were set last weekend and are still in good shape; expect firm and fast conditions for both skate and classic. It is cold and calm and sunny- a perfect Nordic day. Note that DAY PASSES ARE ONLY $5 through December!! Or come to the Lodge and get your full season pass for $79, good for all Nordic trails at Eaglecrest through April.

Jeff Brown with Eaglecrest groomed the upper loop today for skating. No classic track (he didn’t have time) — I may add one later this week. The conditions on the lower loop should still be good for both classic and skating.

SUNDAY AT EACLECREST: SKATE AND CLASSIC!!
The Nordic trails at Eaglecrest were all groomed for both skate and classic skiing at 9 am today. Hard-packed, cold snow; good for blue classic wax; firm skate late. Sun will hit the meadows from about 11-1. It is gorgeous, and great skiing.
Note: Eaglecrest is starting a $5 day pass special, today through December. Tell everyone to come check out the trails! Then buy the season pass for $79, which is still a very good deal for the effort that goes into really excellent, consistent grooming. Suport Nordic- please buy your day or season pass at Eaglecrest, and also join the Nordic Club and support their volunteer grooming!!

11 am Eaglecrest up-date

The nordic trails have two sets of classic tracks all the way around, which are in pretty decent shape. The snow is very hard and cold; could be just right for green or blue hard wax. In between the classic tracks the snow is chopped up and rough, so we do NOT recommend even trying to skate ski, and be careful on classic skis going down hill if you step out of the track.

Eaglecrest is going to try to groom for skate and classic on Sunday morning, but the snow pack is quite thin, so stay tuned!

EC packed the lower loop this morning with the snowcat, but they need to let the track set up overnight before they can till and groom it tomorrow. Ken Leghorn is heading out now (10 AM) to reset the classic track, so there should be a good classic track by 11 AM.
The loop should be set for classic and skate sometime Sunday morning.

Groomed the lower loop midday Friday. The classic tracks are a little icy because of the wet snow that fell Thursday. Skiers reported blue wax wasn’t gripping too well. Waxless skis might be a better bet, or at least toss them in the car in case your wax isn’t working.
Eaglecrest is planning to groom the lower loop with the snowcat sometime Saturday. So there will be a skate track too, although with the limited snowcover and lots of open spots that need to be filled in, it could be a little rough. Check the Eaglecrest website for updates. Eaglecrest will be taking over the grooming from here on.
I’ve enjoyed grooming and skiing the lower loop the lower loop the last three weeks; hope you enjoyed the skiing too. I might do some grooming on the upper loop after we get more snow and if Eaglecrest can fill in the gullies and creeks with the snowcat. I like skiing the Hilda loop.

I skied the lower loop this morning and although it was not groomed yet it was still very nice following the old track through a light layer of new snow. One skier had just finished when I started out so was able to ski in her tracks for a good portion of the loop. If Jack grooms it should continue to be good classic skiing. Eaglecrest will be open Saturday-Sunday and has posted a reminder on it’s website that no dogs are allowed at the ski area. Please honor that rule, especially on the nordic track where Jack has put in so many volunteer hours to give us good early season skiing.

I didn’t groom last night because it was still raining at sea level and snowing at Eaglecrest, so I didn’t want to groom only to have the classic tracks buried by morning.
I hope to groom today by 11:30 if I don’t get tied up at work. Check back then for an update.
The Eaglecrest webcam at the lodge shows a fair bit of snow on the trees, so the track should groom out very nicely.

Rain up to 1800 feet today, but the forecast is promising for the Eaglecrest lower loop with clear weather Friday — Tuesday. More snow would be good, but clear and cold is the next best to freeze the ground and snowpack solid.
Next planned grooming for the lower loop is Thursday evening.

The skiing on the lower loop is very good considering the low snowpack. 2-3 inches of fresh snow over a firm frozen base. I shoveled in the worst of the dips (except the open creek near the road) but ran out of time to shovel more, so watch for dips.

I was at the campground around 4pm on monday and there was only about 1/2″ over a semi frozen base of 1″ slush/ice. One skate skier skied to the RV Loop and took off his skis due to damage to his skis.
Submitted tues 10:30am. by Marc Scholten

Is all the snow at the campground gone?

Am heading up to groom shortly. With the colder temps and 2-3 inches of fresh snow, it could be pretty decent classic skiing, just watch for a few open spots and dips in the trail.
On Saturday, the worst stretch was from the lodge down to the meadow on the trail closest to the road, so you can avoid that by sticking to the new graveled lower route on the east (away from the road) side.
Forecast is for high of 36 today, so with any luck any precip today will be snow instead of rain. Supposed to hit 40 tomorrow, so skiing will probably be better today than tomorrow.
No additional grooming planned until Saturday morning due to my busy work schedule.

Scott took the track setter around the lower loop this morning and reports that the track is very rotten and at least one open spot with running water. The track is filling in fast with wet snow. Meanwhile, Ptarmigan is on wind hold. Might be a good day for a run instead of skiing.

Even though Eaglecrest is open for downhill skiing, the Eaglecrest groomers will not be grooming the lower loop until we get a good freeze and another one to two feet of snow. With the current soft snow conditions and unfrozen ground, the snowcat would just tear up what snow is on the trails and make things worse instead of better.
In the meantime, the grooming snowmobile and classic tracksetter are the best tool for the job.

I have family in town. Might make it up in the afternoon to groom, but it is iffy. Skiing could be OK without grooming, it depends how much it snows overnight, check the Eaglecrest website.
On Saturday the skiing was pretty good considering the big thaw we’ve had this week. Some open spots here and there and a bit of tree debris, but fairly fast snow. Better for waxless than waxable skis.

Jack K groomed the lower loop for classic this morning. Thanks, Jack! Snow is settling in spots so be aware of some sudden dips in areas that were previously easy rolls. Tracks are a bit wet, but nicely ski-able.

Classic only.

The forecast is calling for temps to drop to 33 tonight and snow at sea level, so it should be decent snow and skiing up on the Eaglecrest lower loop in the morning, but probably changing to rain in the afternoon. So plan to arrive before noon if you go up.
I plan to start grooming by 8:30 or 9, should have the loop set for classic by 9:30 — 10:00.
Forecast is for snow level of 1400 feet Saturday night and higher Sunday, so Sunday sounds like a bust, ski Saturday morning if you can.

Mendenhall Campground groomed this morning. A soft granular survice on top of the hard base. Chris Smith said it was good skating. The grooming made it better. This may be the last grooming for a while. So get out there and wear off some of the Turkey you had. Or go out before so you can eat more!

Bad news and good news — the bad news is the forecast is calling for the snow level to rise to 1200 feet this afternoon and 1400 feet tonight, with rain and continued warmer temps through Thanksgiving.
So I am not planning on grooming at Eaglecrest until Friday.
The good news is that we have an excellent early base at Eaglecrest to weather this warm spell, and temps are supposed to cool down by the weekend, with forecast snow level dropping below 1200 feet (which is the elevation of the lower loop).
Eaglecrest plans to groom the lower loop for skate and classsic with their snowcat for Saturday’s opening of the area. Not sure if they will do that on Friday during the day or late Friday night, but I will groom Friday morning (classic only) if conditions are decent and Eaglecrest isn’t going to groom until Friday night.
Ken Leghorn and I are going up at noon today to cut and clear the two trees that are down on the lower loop.

Mendenhall Campground groomed this morning. The skate track looks great and there is sunshine! The Classic is not set, waiting for some more snow. After the next snow there may be enough.

Mendenhall Campground groomed Friday at 6:00pm, good base, manhole covers are getting covered over and the speed bumps are starting to smooth over. Still not enough snow for a diagonal track but skating is excellent.
Skied the lower loop at Eaglecrest today and the trails are track-set only but classic skiing is very good and Jack was out there at noon resetting the regular trail and making improvements on the new lower extension trail.
Del will set the campground early tomorrow so skiing should be good at both locations on Sunday.

So, like I said in previous posts, the new trail extension with the current limited snowcover and preliminary grooming is recommend for advanced skiers only.
I THOUGHT I was an advanced skier! So, today I did a couple of laps with the grooming snowmobile on the new trail to widen the steep sections for snowplowing on the way down and herringboning on the way up, and then set classic tracks on the whole new trail, allowing for snowplowing on the steep downhills. Naturally, I couldn’t resist skiing the track I just set.
A few minutes down the trail (on the left hand switchback side), I skied into a dip on a turn, got off balance, and put all my weight on one ski just as I hit the dip. CRACK! One broken ski. Classic racing skis aren’t really designed for that kind of thing. Oh well, I bought them used at the ski swap at least 10 years ago. f I don’t mind having an excuse to buy new skis. But you might not feel the same way.
So, a word to the wise. Use the new trail at your own risk. When we get another couple feet of snow, Eaglecrest will be able to groom the new trail with the snowcat and smooth out all the dips and bumps. Then the trail will become more of an intermediate trail.
In the meantime, enjoy the great skiing on the main loop and the new twisty trails in the meadow. If you have wider, stronger, touring XC skis, that would be the safer choice for your first trip down the new trail, until we get enough snow to groom it with the snowcat.
I will post a sign at the start of the new trail segment to caution the unwary who might not read this post.

Only an inch or less of snow overnight, and I am headed up at 10:15 to polish up the track.
Reminder: no dogs, please. You can walk your dogs on the Eaglecrest road up the mountain until they open next weekend.
For you advanced skiers comfortable with steep downhills, this morning I will be extending and widening the track on the new trail extension at the northwest end of the loop. It will be easier to snowplow down the steep sections if I widen the track. That 150 foot vertical climb on the way back will get your heart pumping!
Enjoy the skiing. It is supposed to be raining and 40 degrees Monday — Wednesday. Don’t miss it!
Jack

Campground groomed this morning. Skate skiing is very good. No rocks or bare spots. The speed bumps are a non issue. Not enough snow for Classic track yet.

I’ve been getting questions about conditions at the campground. Last I heard it was groomed for skating only. Are rock skis still recommended or is snow coverage pretty good?

Thanks,
Jack

The Eaglecrest lower loop should be really good skiing today and this weekend. It was snowing lightly in late afternoon after I finished grooming but I don’t think it snowed more than a trace, so the skiing should still be fast. There were a couple of wet spots in some dips yesterday, so keep an eye out for those.
For those of you who helped with clearing the new trail extension this fall, I wanted to let you know that I did a recon run down part of the new route with just the grooming snowmobile (no tracksetter to avoid getting stuck in the deep powder). You will see the snowmobile track heading off toward the lower large parking area from the northwest end of the meadow near the road.
Ken Leghorn showed up and skied my track. Currently this route is bumpy and steep, and not wide enough for a full snowplow. But Ken managed to stay on his feet. Until we get more snow this route is for expert skiers only. Double black diamond route.
I will continue to pack this route as time permits, which will allow Eaglecrest to groom and smooth out the route sooner with the snowcat — still need another couple feet of snow for that.
I plan to groom the usual lower loop route Saturday morning (classic only), probably starting about 9 AM. The weather forecast is for rain and temps in the 40s starting Wednesday, so don’t miss skiing this weekend if you can.
There are now two downed trees on the lower loop that need to be cleared. If someone with a chainsaw could help me remove them either Saturday or Sunday morning, that would be appreciated; give me a call at 209-8088. 16 inch bar should do it, the trees aren’t real big.
Jack

Leaving now for Eaglecrest to groom — track should be set by about 12:15-12:30. (Thursday)

I am planning to have the Eaglecrest lower loop groomed for classic skiing by shortly after noon today if I don’t get tied up at work. You can check back here for confirmation at 11 AM, will be heading up then to groom.

Jack

Nov 18 Campground groomed this morning. It is skiable. Don and Chris checked it out with their skate skis. We need more snow but it is snowing in the valley now. The glacier area received less snow than other places. But it all adds up. The speed bumps do not seem to be a major problem. I think they will go away when we get 5 or 6 inchs more snow.
Not enough for a Class track yet.

No Eaglecrest grooming today — there will probably be about 6 inches of light snow on the track I set yesterday. Oh well, we can’t complain about more snow this early in the season. I probably won’t have time to groom again until Friday night or Saturday morning.

If any of the experienced campground groomer crew would be willing to help out a time or two with Eaglecrest grooming, give me a call at 209-8088. The Skandic and classic tracksetter are all ready to go at the start of the lower loop, just need to get the key from me.

Jack

I groomed the lower loop for classic skiing this afternoon. Please spread the word. Early reports are that the skiing is great. Great coverage — hardly a twig showing. No need for rock skis.

The whole loop is groomed, but there is a tree down on part of the far north end loop (down the valley) so that part is one way. Stay to the left where the trail forks into the last north loop.

The track is a different experience than the usual skate/classic combo track — feels a little more backcountry.

Much of the loop is double and even triple tracked to make it easier to chat with your skiing companions. I also set winding single tracks through the center of the meadow just for kicks — it is fun to set tracks where the snowcat won’t fit.

Please no dogs. I am taking four hours off from work to set the track and would like it to stay in good shape until Saturday when I can groom again. Take your dogs up the road to the top of Eaglecrest if they need a good workout — the road is well packed all the way up.

Night skiing after work with a headlamp should be nice.

Current temp for waxing is 24 degrees, nice dry snow.

Enjoy the skiing — you never know if it might rain the next two weeks, don’t miss it.

Grooming equipment provided by the Juneau Snowmobile Club and Eaglecrest. No trail fee required until Eaglecrest opens for downhill skiing.

Jack

I am heading up to set a classic track on the lower loop — should be done by noon. Coverage is good, 18 inches of snow.

Thanks to the Juneau Snowmobile Club for use of their grooming snowmobile.

Cheers,
Jack

Campground: Nov 16 4pm. Not enough snow! The valley has very little snow compared to Town and Douglas. One machine and the grooming equipment are there. If we get a little more snow we will pack it with the roller to get a base started. Some people have skied there but you better have rock and asphalt skies.

Sunday, November 15. Sixteen inches of snow on the Eaglecrest lower loop trails. Amy and I broke trail from the Lodge end to the meadow. Deep snow for skinny skis, better for fatter touring skis. I hope to groom the lower loop tomorrow (Monday) mid-day, check back for updates. Weather forecast is promising.
Jack

Happy Winter! Eaglecrest reported a 12 inch base at the lodge on Saturday around 1 PM, so should be at least 15-18 inch base by now (Sunday morning). Should be plenty of snow for ski touring on the lower loop new rock trail and in the meadow. However, the ground and ponds may still be unfrozen or barely frozen, so watch your route and stay off the ponds.

I hope to be able to set classic tracks on at least part of the lower loop on Monday or Tuesday. Check back here for updates.

Jack

SATURDAY TRAIL HELP NEEDED- meet 9 am Sat. May 16 at the red school bus in the big parking lot just before the Lower Loop meadows parking. Bring chain saws if you have one, big or small, and brush clippers, and gloves. You’ll be glad you came– Thanks!!

Monday morning from 10-11 the Lower Loop was in pretty darn good shape for skate skiing, around almost the entire loop; also good ski touring.

Tremendous amount of snow in Spaulding Meadows and skiers can enjoy it in peace this time of year. Firm surface with some sun cupping but still good skiing. Will probably stay good for some time and at least another week.

Running late on Sunday morning May 10. Track grooming won’t be finished until 11 or 11:15. Gorgeous day out there, come on up!

The sun will officially be over the yardarm at noon (or maybe 11:30) and it will be
socially acceptable to drink a beer or two in celebration of another great Juneau winter of skiing (BYOBeer). I have a bottle of well-aged champagne I might bring. Chips and salsa will be provided. Feel free to bring more substantial picnic items (BYOPicnic)but there won’t be a grill unless you bring it.

A big thanks to Marc Scholten for loaning the USFS Ginzu groomer to Eaglecrest, and to the ski club for late season grooming.

P.S. I plan to start grooming about 9 AM and finish around 10 AM.
Also, I could use a hand loading the Ginzu groomer on the trailer sometime between 10:30 and noon or so, at the A frame at the start of the loop. I will be skiing or hanging out in my camp chair at the meadow parking turnout from 10 - noon.
Thanks,
Jack

OK, members of the JNSC late season skiing diehard wing, Sunday, May 10 will be the last day of skate ski grooming on the lower loop. I just checked the weather forecast and unfortunately it has changed from sunny to mostly cloudy on Sunday.
But the snow will stay firmer and the skiing will be faster if it is cloudy. Also, the forecast high temp. is 57 at sea level, so if it isn’t windy it should still be shorts and T shirt ski conditions (but bring warmer clothes too).
Since the snow is cleaner farther from the road, I will be grooming the inner loop in the meadow, not the outer loop next to the road. Will groom the whole loop.
Come up if you can, skiing in May in shorts is a lot of fun.
Cheers,
Jack

Eaglecrest lower loop update: Forecast for Saturday is rain showers, so no grooming tomorrow unless it is a dry day. Sunday is supposed to be partly cloudy, so I will try to groom Sunday morning for the last time. Check back Sat. eve. for an update, or just go up anyway and ski “au natural”.

Eaglecrest lower loop update for you diehard XC skiers — On Sunday there was still about 2 1/2 feet of snow on most of the lower loop. The first small stump emerged on the track right by the meadow parking area, but the rest of the track still had good coverage. The snow should last fine through next weekend. The snow near the road is fairly dirty, it is cleaner away from the road.
I don’t have time to groom today; forecast is calling for rain Wednesday and Thursday, then cloudy Friday to Sunday. I plan to groom Saturday morning around 9 AM; that will probably be it for the season.
Ski touring up to Cropley Lake, the upper loop and Hilda Creek, and Spaulding Meadows should be good through the end of May.

Ray Howard groomed the Eaglecrest lower loop for skate skiing late Friday afternoon. It should be in good shape this morning (Saturday morning).
We have had major temperature inversions all this week — it is 57 degrees at the top of Eaglecrest as of 8 AM Saturday. So best to get up there early for skate skiing. If you don’t ski until after 11 AM, it would be best to bring classic skis for backup in case the track gets too mushy for decent skate skiing.
Last day of sun for now — enjoy it! Forecast is for rain Sunday, but dry the rest of the week, so I will try to groom the lower loop Monday sometime. Hopefully the snow will last for one more weekend of May skiing.

The next Eaglecrest lower loop grooming probably won’t be until Saturday morning at about 9:30-10 AM. But it is probably still decent skate and classic skiing in the meantime.

Grooming the Eaglecrest lower loop didn’t go too well last night. I started grooming about 8 PM, but even though the temperature was 39 degrees, the snow had already refrozen — the clear sky radiates the heat right out of the thawed snow as soon as the sun drops behind the ridge.
Corn snow can be tricky to groom, have to hit it at the right time. Even with the knives all the way up on the Ginzu, the groomer was still breaking the crust of frozen snow, piling up snow and spilling it out the sides, leaving a small berm down much of the track.
If I don’t get tied up at work, I will regroom the track starting at about 11 AM, and it should be in good shape by noon.
Forecast is sun through Friday, what a week! Enjoy it,
Jack

Monday Afternoon- Lower Loop is GREAT for Skate Skiing, as well as classic. The Loop is smooth and fast from about 11 am through 4 pm or even later- at 4 it had one inch of smooth corn snow and all the ruts from Sunday had melted in. You could also ski anywhere across the meadows, skate or classic, and not sink in. Shorts and t-shirt weather; no wind but not too hot. Go get burned.

Eaglecrest Lower Loop — I groomed the lower loop for skating again yesterday (Sunday) about 2 PM. There had been a lot of foot traffic on the trail leaving deep footprints in the soft afternoon snow — grouse hunters, I think. I asked one hunter walking down the middle of the groomed trail to walk on the edge.
The skate skiing was still firm and fast at 11:30 Sunday, but got softer and slower by about 1 PM. Odin Brudie reported rock hard conditions skinning up Mt. Troy at 8:30 AM. Best skiing window is probably from about 9:30 or 10 until 12:30 as long as these clear nights continue.
For after work skiing, the track will be too soft for skate skiing, but waxless classic skiing in shorts in the sun could still be fun.
I will grooom again tonight — the track should be nice and smooth Tuesday morning. Snow coverage is great, a bit of tree dust in spots, but no need for rock skis. We should have plenty of snow to get through at least next weekend even with these warm sunny days.

Saturday evening April 25th Don Thomas is grooming tonight. Should be good in the morning. This will be the last time we groom this season. The Classic track should hold up for a few more days. It was good skiing this morning after last nights grooming. See you next winter and have a great summer rain or shine!

P.S. Please, no dogs on the lower loop to preserve the track for skiing since I don’t have time to groom it every day. If you want to ski with your dog you could hike up to the upper loop (ungroomed).
Thanks, Jack

Eaglecrest lower loop set Saturday 4/25
I set the lower loop for skating. Was a little short on time, the skate track is 8-9 feet wide most of the way (2 laps with the 5 foot USFS Ginzu groomer), 12 feet wide in the meadow.
Track is not perfect, has some ridges and dips, but should be decent skate skiing from 8 -10:30 or so in the morning.
Didn’t have time to reset the classic track, but the old classic track is still there and skiable most of the way around.
Jack

Friday 24th 10:45am Just came off the Mendenhall Campground. The skiig is still pretty good. We have a 15 foot bare spot on the long bridge. You can carefully walk across the spot or take the sidewalk outside the bridge. There are a few icy spots under some of the trees but over all it is good. Tim Hall was skate sking and said it was good. It does get soft by 11 AM. Best if there by 8:30 or 9. It will be groomed tonight and tomorrow night which will most likely be the end of grooming at the campground.

Eaglecrest Lower Loop groming Update

The forecast is calling for dry weather for the next week (after this morning’s showers taper off today), so I am planning to groom the lower loop at Eaglecrest this weekend for you diehards who aren’t ready to hang up the XC boards yet.
I’m hoping to start grooming around 10 AM and be done by 11:30, but I have to rig up a power plug to connect the snowmobile club Skandic to the Ginzu groomer, so it will depend how long that takes.
I will set both classic and skate track, however, the snow may be too soft for good skate skiing by the time I finish grooming. Would be best if I could groom tonight, but I have other plans. Best to take up both skate and classic gear if you have it to have both options.
As Ken mentioned last week, skate skiing from Sunday on will be best in the mornings, probably from 9-11 or so before it gets too soft.
I’m not planning to set the upper loop. Eaglecrest has plowed the lower road for the summer zipline operation, and the rest of the road to the upper loop is chewed up with snowcat tracks; it is basically unskiable on XC skis.
Will try to groom the lower loop again Sunday night if I have time; not sure if I will make it up during the week.
Jack

Tuesday 10:45 am. Classic track at Campground was pretty good. Skate looked a little soft. Scott is grooming sometime tomorrow. We will groom Fri and Sat night for the weekend. That may be the end of grooming. The snow on the long bridge is getting pretty thin. There is lots of snow on the rest of the track.

Saturday Night 18th: Paul is grooming tonight. Should be good skating and classic sking in the morning. The report was that it was great this morning. When we groom at night it has all night to set up and that makes it last longer. We are getting near the end however.

Thanks to Jack (and others from snowmachine club?) for setting track out at Eagle Beach this winter too!

A huge THANK YOU to the volunteer groomers who kept us skiing all winter long. You guys (and girl) did an amazing job. Thanks to Del, Paul, Don, Mary Ann, Scott, Kerry, Tim, and Riley (I don’t think I forgot anyone). You not only kept the ski trails in excellent shape, but you also made sure the machinery was maintained and in good repair all through the winter. We are a lucky community of skiers to have such great people willing to spend hours of their free time working so that we can play in the snow. Thank you!!!

10PM Friday night. Camp Grounds Classic and Skate set. Was starting to set up in places while I was grooming. Classic should be Great all day. Skate should be good until about noon. Some places will soften sooner than others. Remember you have to ski to keep us grooming!

Lower Loop still has a good classic track; hard and icy in the mornings and soft in the afternoons; very skiable. Skate skiing is also good for about 2 hours a day, when it softens up but before it is too soft… If anyone wants to help cut brush and trees off the Lower Loop on Sunday at 9, call Ken at 957-2488.

Monday evening 4-13: Paul is going to groom later this evening, Skate and Classic. If it freezes to night it could be good skiing in the morning.

Lower Loop is already groomed for skate and classic, 7:30 am Saturday! It is snowing pretty hard.

Thursday evening, campground was firm and fast for classic, too soft for skate. 2 wolves howling across the lake, which was too wet to ski on.

Note: Eaglecrest is closed mid-week, so Lower Loop will next be set on Saturday, April 11, and again Sunday, and that’s it for the season! Today there is lots of new snow on it, so you can ski tour around, but not skate ski.

Thanks for grooming the track on the Lake, it was great this morning, but you could also skate ski the entire lake. The surface was frozen hard enough to support the poles if you didn’t push too hard and the sun softened it up just enough to get an edge about noon today. It may soften too much this afternoon, but if it cools down again tonight it should be good tomorrow morning

Tim Hall will be grooming Thursday. Grooming on the lake depends on the conditions

What a great day! The Lake and Campground are skate and classic set. There are two wet places on the lake. Just before the small raise on the right hand side going out and near the big rock on the left side. The snow will get soft on the lake this afternoon so get out there! It is cooler in the campground so it should hold up a little longer.

Nooners. Soft but sweet Tuesday. The fresh 1/2″ slowed me down a bit but warm wax kept things from getting sticky. Plenty of snow on the track. As long as you keep grooming, I’ll keep skiing.

Mendenhall Campground Skate and Classic set this morning. Both look good. The skate track was frozen when I arrived with dog and skate tracks. I do not think it was skiable.
A Classic track was set on the lake but there are wet places. Was close to getting stuck so did not set a skate track.

Mendenhall Camp Ground and Lake Skate and Classic set this morning. The campground came out good. There are wet spots on the lake in both tracks. We may be getting near the end of lake grooming. The river trail from Skaters cabin to Camp Ground was also set. Keep skiing and we will keep grooming.

Mendenhall Camp Ground Classis and Skate set this morning.
Lake was not set.

Mendenhall Lake & Campground; noon, Wed 3/25

The sun and warm temps brought the snow to spring-like consistency by noon: fairly wet and corn-like, somewhat soft, but still packed enough to be fast. All-round great conditions.

Yes, there is indeed a 2nd wolf out there now.

Mendenhall Camp Grounds and Lake groomed this morning by Paul. Keep skiing the Lake. When it starts raining that will be the end of it on the lake. The campgrounds may have snow until May!

Mendenhall Lake and Camp Ground Skate and Classic set this morning. Classic in Camp Ground came out good. Lake Classic OK in most places.

Remember, EC is open all week, so Lower Loop will be groomed daily!

Notice to Skiers with dogs. Romeo has a new friend. A brown wolf. They have been seen together several times in the last few days. The brown wolf was growling at a dog that Romeo had been friendly with.

Paul with be grooming again on Monday.

Mendenhall Lake and Campground groomed this morning by Paul Swanson. Enjoy!

Mendenhall Lake and Campground trails set this morning. Skate trails are excellent. Classic trail in the campground is fair condition after resetting. Lake classic trail was not reset, it’s in good condition with soft snow over the hard track. Classic trail also set along the south lake shore and down the river; this trail extends from the Skater’s Cabin to the smaller loop in the Campground. Spectacular Day!!

UPPER AND LOWER LOOPS are set Saturday morning; mid-20’s cold snow; no wind; lots of sun. Don’t delay.

Mendenhall Campground skate set this morning. Snow to hard to reset Classic track but it is still very good with a little fresh snow in it. Lake was Skate set. Put in a second Classic track but not as good as the one that is there.

Scott groomed the trails at the campground and lake today. He reset the skate lane but left the classic track alone since it is set up hard from the past few days. He reports that skating is good and skiing in the classic track is also very good even though it has not be reset for several days now. The light new snow should only make things better. He saw the wolf out on the lake.

Mendenhall Lake * Campground; noon, 2/17.

If you have skate skis, bring them. Fast hardpack everywhere.

Classic skiing is tough, with a hard frozen glaze in the tracks. But if you insist, be prepared for lots of double-poling.

No wind at noon; very comfortable. Romeo was there.

Mendenhall Campground and Lake skate trails set this morning. Skaters are reporting excellent conditions. Classic trails are good, but too hard to reset this morning. Also set a classic track along the south beach trail and down the river; this trail extends from the Skater’s Cabin to the middle loop in the Campground.

Lower loop at Eaglecrest has never been better. Groomed early this morning for skate and classic. Smooth skiing all the way around, blue extra kick wax for classic. Snow set up beautifully as soon as Jeff took the groomer around. Not very windy, either!

Paul is grooming this morning. Lake and Campground. Skiing was great on the lake yesterday. Should be good today.

Mendenhall Campgrounds and Lake Skate set this morning. The snow was frozen to hard to set the Classic track. I was making it worse so stopped.

Sunday: UPPER AND LOWER Loops are already set for the day! Also, 4k and 12 fun race at 11:30. Sunscreen required.

EAGLECREST TODAY, SATURDAY MARCH 14
UPPER LOOP AND LOWER LOOP ARE GROOMED AND TRACK SET. CONDITIONS ARE PERFECT!

Nordic Race on Sunday, 11:30 am, skate or classic, on Lower Loop at Eaglecrest. 4k or 12k. No fee, just fun! Come for the work out, stay for the french fries.

Mendenhall Campground Classic and Skate set this morning. It looked really good! Will set the lake this afternoon.

Mendenhall Campground Groomed for Skate and Classic.
After the Snow changed to Rain around 2:00 pm. Winds are
light. Lake was not set today.

Scott set the tracks in the campground and on the lake for skate and classic today. The snow remains cold and the tracks set up well. He saw the wolf lying down in the snow next to the track.

Mendenhall Campground and Lake were set this morning for both skate and classic. Snow fall is covering the trails with light fluffy snow.

Lower LOop is groomed and great for skate and classic on Monday; should be excellent until it snows again. Next grooming will be Thursday.
Get ready for a 4k and 12k race next Sunday; details to follow!

Lower Loop nicely groomed for skate and classic as of 8:30 am Saturday. Sunny and cold - low teens. Classic track is especially nice.
Two more spots still available for Amy Lowell’s Advanced Skate Clinic at EC, tomorrow, Sunday, 10-12. 790-2000 ext. 211.

Eagle Beach — P.S. I would still like to set classic tracks on the Herbert River trail at least once before the season ends. However, since the State Parks folks have asked for grooming help at Eagle Beach, I am going to focus on Eagle Beach instead for the next couple of weeks.

Amy and I skied the Herbert trail to the end last Sunday, and it is in good shape for skiing until the last half mile or so, where we sidestepped down to the flats to bypass the steeper and rougher section. There were only a few small dog tracks on the trail.

Unless we get a really big snowfall, the Herbert River trail will require renovation before setting tracks in order to remove the skier-packed trench, plus shoveling in 3 or 4 treewells and removing one tree across the trail, so that will be a time-intensive grooming project.

Jack

EAGLE BEACH — I plan to set the Eagle Beach ski trails for classic skiing this afternoon, using the snowmobile club Skandic and the Forest Service tracksetter, which Marc Scholten has generously loaned us for Eagle Beach grooming for the rest of the season. I will groom both of the main loops, plus a track along the river toward the beach if I have time.

The forecast calls for snow tapering off tonight but with snow showers and 1-2 inches more snow, so there may be a bit of fresh snow on the classic tracks Saturday morning, but it should still be good skiing out there in the forecast sunshine this weekend.

Jack Kreinheder

Mendenhall Campground and Lake, Skate and Classic set today.
Double Classic track on the lake. Skater say it is very good.

Lower Loop is groomed and track set for skate and classic as of 8:30 am Monday. World class trail conditions today; temps in upper teens; try blue kick wax. Try anything!

LOWER LOOP is groomed and set for classic and skate at 9:30 am Monday.
Thanks to the 100+ x-c skiers who enjoyed the Lower Loop on Sunday!! (Hopefully everyone older than fifth grade had their trail pass or season pass

Mendenhall Lake. There we two Mt. Goats low on the cliffs above the lake. The new classic track takes you by the spots.

Mendenhall Lake. There we two Mt. Goats low on the cliffs above the lake. The new classic track takes you by the spots.

Mendenhall Lake and Campgrounds skate and classic set. There is a new classic track that goes closer to the cliffs and the left hand side of the lake. It connects with the normal classic track. River trail reset today. The trails between the normal camp ground trails were also classic set.

Nordic Race- 11:000 Saturday at Eaglecrest. 2k and 6k, skate, classic and showshoe. All ages. Prizes! French Fries! Fun!!!
The Lower Loop is in top condition.

Mendenhall Lake and Campground Groomed by Kerry Lear.

LOWER LOOP is groomed as of 8:30 am Friday morning — go for it!

The Lower and Upper Loops are NOT being groomed today, Thursday. There are a few inches of light snow on the tracks, and the classic track is still in pretty good shape once you ski around it and clear out the powder, and the skate lane is quite nice in the trees and mixed wind-blown snow and hard-pack in the Meadow. I found some really good conditions at noon, but this is NOT your freshly-groomed experience.
Eaglecrest is trying to keep the website current: look for “Groomed” when they know the Lower Loop trails (Forest, Meadow and Fish Creek Loops) have been set, or simply “Open” when they are skiable but not newly groomed. I also will post here Friday morning by 9 with un up-date.

Mendenhall Lake and campground groomed for skate and classic.

Lower and Upper loops are NOT groomed as of Thursday noon, but Lower is still good for skate and fair for classic, as it has only snowed a quarter inch. I will post when it gets groomed.

Scott set track on the campground and the lake today for skate and classic. He reports that conditions are “primo”. Cold, dry corduroy in bright sunshine.

Tuesday at noon campground conditions were extremely good. Fast and soft but not to soft. The lake was harder but still very pleasant.

I skied classic on the lower loop yesterday afternoon. Tracks are filling in with debris because of wind, making for some jerky skiing. The track needs a re-groom but I suspect it won’t happen until Thurs when EC opens again.

Mendenhall Campground Skate and Classic set this morning by Paul Swanson. The two Classic lanes on the lake we reset. The snow was balling up on the Skate tract so Paul though it was better before grooming than after. The surface is soft so it was not regroomed.

Mendenhall Campground and Lake classic and skate trails set this morning. Classic trails a bit rough and icy in a few places due to hard conditions. Double classic trail remains on the Lake loop. Eighteen degrees and warm sun at noon!

Monday- Lower and Upper Loops in excellent condition for skate and classic; firm, fast but not at all icy = perfect! 15 degrees now, will warm to low 20s, perfect blue wax conditions; skiable light until almost 6 pm!

Thank you JNSC for providing the free clinic at the campground this weekend. It was very informative and the weather was great. Guy Thibodeau did a excellent job on tips and things to practice on to improve technique.

If you are looking for something a little different. There is a Classic trail from Skaters Cabin down the river that ties back into the campground at the far loop. It was reset today.

Mendenhall Lake and Campground Groomed for skate and Classic
by Del Carnes. Conditions are excellent. A classic tack was also set from Dredge lake to Mendenhall lake. Due to hard pack snow the classic trail should be considered fair to poor but ok.

UPPER and Lower loops in mind condition, Sunday. And it is sunny; bring sunglasses and lotion and a picnic! At 3:15 come ski by the camera in the meadow, Lower Loop, and then review on sceen in the lodge at 4. Don’t forget to smile.

LOWER AND UPPER LOOP are in fantastic condition Saturday morning; temp in the low 20s, partially sunny, no wind. It absolutely does not get better. Also, see posts for free Nordic lessons today at the campground, intro lesson for skate and class at Eaglecrest Sunday at 11, followed by a video workshop there at 3 (watch yourself ski). Happy weekend!

I skied the lower loop at Eaglecrest this afternoon, while Odie was on his classics. Both were freshly groomed and absolutely primo. Eaglecrest has been doing a superlative job of maintaining that trail this year (as have our volunteer groomers at the campground). What a great winter!

I skated on the Eaglecrest upper loop and conditions were fabulous. There was a quarter inch of new snow over the finely groomed trail. The skiing was smooth and fast.
The classic track also looked perfect.

Mendenhall Campground and Lake classic and skate trails were set this morning. It’s a spectacular day! Enjoy!

Paul Swanson and I moveed the trail on the lake towards the Vistors Center to get away from some of the ice and damp places. That part should be set up good for tomorrow.
Mary Ann is grooming tomorrow.

Mendenhall Lake and Campgrounds will be groomed this morning. Campgrounds should be completed by 11 am.

Mendenhall Lake and the Campground; noon, 2/17. Excellent classic and skate skiing. Only a few short icy spots on the lake, otherwise beautiful. Swix Violet Special kick wax was the ticket for me.

GROOMING HERBERT RIVER TRAIL? Does anyone have any objection to occasional grooming of the Herbert River trail for classic skiing? Would anyone like to see it groomed on occasion?
I am planning to work with Scott Fischer on classic grooming of the Eagle Beach recreation area trails, and if I have time I would like to groom the Herbert River trail at least a couple of times while I’m out there — so we have a longer trail to ski, and to improve the trail if it gets too tracked up with foot or snowshoe tracks.
Rather than clutter up this trail conditions forum with responses, it is probably best for anyone with comments to email me directly at: jack.kreinheder@gmail.com. Thanks, Jack
(I would need to get permission from the Forest Service to groom the trail. Grooming would be with a four stroke Skandic snowmobile which is clean and quiet. No other snowmobile access would be allowed).

The HERBERT RIVER TRAIL was in excellent shape on Monday 2/16. It was great to ski somewhere new for a change. We got a late start and didn’t have time to go all the way to the end before dark, but we did an hour in and a bit less on the way back. The only footprints were a couple of small dogs, not a problem. The one set of snowshoe tracks was considerately off to the side of the trail.

The skier made track is a “U” track, not like groomed classic tracks, so it is a bit skittery in spots, but I had fun on my classic track skis. The snow was nice and fast and blue wax worked fine for kick yesterday.

Jack

Mendenhall lake groomed for classic and skating, fine conditions for both, a few icy sections

UPPER AND LOWER LOOPS in great shape for Monday, classic and skate. I will “touch up” the skate lane on the lower loop MOnday afternoon with Eaglecrest’s new skate grooming apparatus that I can pull behind a snowmachine. So the Lower Loop, and the Upper as well, will be in good shape until it snows again.

Sunday Mendenhall Campgrounds; Skate and Classic set. The report is thats it is good skiing. I made three loops on the lake. There are some rough places were people and machine were out there when it was not frozen. Some places have very little snow. Tried to miss most places. The closer to the cliffs the better. Did not set a classic track but there are lots of there out there.

The Eaglecrest upper loop is groomed and truly magnificent. Snow conditions are absolutely perfect, with firmly packed powder creating a smooth skating lane and dynamite classic tracks. It must be one of the world’s most picturesque Nordic trails, surrounded by high peaks and fairyland snow-covered trees. The pink alpenglow on the mountain tops at the end of skiing today was sublime. Give this trail the love it deserves!

Campgrounds skate and classic set this morning by Kerry Lear. It is still wet under the snow on the lake. Maybe a another night or two of cold weather will freeze it. I set a new classic trail this afternoon. From the right side of the lake at the skaters cabin, it goes along the shore towards the river and down river. It connects with the campground trail at the second turn around if going counter clockwise. Paul Swanson is grooming Saturday morning.

Yes Betsy, that is really to bad there is no way to eliminate the foot traffic and doggy paws. We just have to deal with it. Actually, skating under those conditions, it makes one a better skier. It keeps you on your toes.

UPPER LOOP IS GROOMED, Friday. It even has a classic track set up Trickster to get there! And Lower Loop is SO awesome you won’t want to miss it — firm classic and smooth and hard skate, just right. Spread the word- go Upper!

Scott groomed the campground for skate and classic this morning. The little trail is receiving heavy use but seems to be holding up well. Classic track looked smooth and clean but skate lane gets pockmarked with every foot or paw that is not on skis. Wish we could at least get the walkers to keep to one side instead of walking down the middle. Oh well, you can’t really complain when the weather is so gorgeous!

Mendenhall Campground Groomed for Skate and Classic.
Winds are calm and sun is shining.

Mendenhall Campground skate and classic trails were set this morning. Both trails nice. Light snow falling.

Mendenhall Campground set for both Classic and Skate skiing.

Mendenhall Campground Skate and Classic set this morning. Both are fast. Enjoy!

Campground Skate and Classic set this morning by Paul Swanson.Should be set on Sunday by 11am. Think snow!

Campground was groomed this morning by Kerry Lear. Skate and Classic was good around noon but is has gotten warmer this afternoon.

The lower loop at Eagle Crest was groomed beautifully today. No trench! And it was mine! All Mine!!!

Campground, noon 2/5/09: Recently groomed, compressible wet new snow but very good skiing. Purple swix kick wax worked well for me in the classic track.

Mendenhall Campground skate and classic trails were groomed this morning. Classic and skate skiing are excellent.

Eagle Beach update:
I spoke with Mike Eberhardt today about grooming on State Park land near Eagle Beach. Apparently the State Park facility isn’t continuously staffed this winter and they haven’t had time to groom trails. Mike said that they would allow JNSC groomers to use the park snow machine to pack down their trails. He said that anyone who is interested in doing that should contact Juneau State Park Ranger, Joel Telford, at 465-2483. The phone number at the Eagle Beach State Park facility is 586-2506. Mike said their track setter doesn’t work well, so he suggested just running the snow machine around the trails to pack them down.

Nordic News from Eaglecrest:

Feb. 7, this saturday 10-noon starts the 3-week Women’s Skate Away for beginning and intermediate skate skiers. Call 790-2000 ext. 211 to register and improve your skate ski skills and conditioning!

Lower Loop: there is good snow coverage now and the loop will be regularly groomed for classic and skate, with access from 3 places: the Meadow parking lot (plowed on weekends); the mid-parking lot access, and at the A-frame.

Upper Loop: will not be regularly groomed, but we will try to get out the word as soon as it does get groomed. It is very expensive to do, and doesn’t make sense if it is about to snow again. Nordic numbers are still below last season for pass sales, so we want to focus on good consistent Lower Loop grooming and build skier visits.

Mendenhall Campground groomed for skate and Classic skiing.
Ski conditions are good.

Mendenhall Campground Skate and Classic set this morning.
Skiing is good! The Wolf was around Skaters Cabin this morning. Checking the cars for food. There is a machine packed trail on right side of lake that go to and down the river a ways.

Oh my goodness, the LOWER LOOP was just groomed Monday morning at 9 and is mighty fine. Gorgeous day on the mountain.

Make money in foreclosure market. Or just go skiing on the lower loop. 3pm Sunday. Skating and Classic = very good. A bit of a trench in the center…too bad…trail layout A+! (and fast to boot). Uphill skating no poles, no problem. Get out that new bright headlamp and live the dream or just go to the gym.

Mendenhall Campground groomed for skate and classic skiing.

Lower Loop was groomed mid-morning for skate at classic on Saturday. Good classic, pretty good for skate with a little softness in the middle.

Mendenhall Campground groomed for skate and classic.

Scott groomed the campground late this afternoon for skate and classic and the skiing is good. The wet spots on the track which were reported earlier in the day have now filled in with the new snow.

The Lower Loop was packed at 9 am but will not be packed or track set again today. As Betsy says below, it is suitable for ski touring, but not skate skiing (too soft, and too much fresh snow falling) and there is not a classic track. The Meadow Parking lot is nicely plowed, but you just about need knee high boots to walk over to the the track- there is a ton of water just under the snow there…

NORDIC VIDEO WORKSHOP- Sunday at Eaglecrest 3-4:30 pm.
Skate or classic ski in front of the camera several times, then go review and get feedback in the Lodge. Just $10.

Tim you are core, hard core. I strongly encourage members to consider more powerful lamps, both for safety and pleasure. 10 -12 watts and you will never go back to skiing in the dim cone of weak light.

I skied the Lower Loop tonight. It was 12 degrees in the meadow with a stiff breeze. The skate-skiing was excellent! Rocket fast with a soft enough surface for edge control. There is just enough snow with only a few small hazards to be avoided. I recommend a headlamp with 1 Watt bulb or brighter. It makes all the difference for seeing far enough ahead to avoid hazards.

Watch out not only for holes in track from dogs but also little brown piles that are being uncovered as the snow melts. Yuk.

This message was sent to Foggy Mountain Shop from Mike Eberhardt, Southeast Park Superintendent, Alaska State Parks:

Here is an update for the Nordic club.
I have run the snow machine around Eagle Beach. Inner, outer loops and behind Methodist camp. I have done the classic setter on the main loop but it did not do that great of a job.

DOT has plowed a pull off from the highway and the snow machine track starts at the Northern end.

Don,
The groomed Nordic trails in Juneau are primarily in two areas: at the Mendenhall Campground off of Montana Creek Road (and on the Mendenhall Lake when conditions are suitable), and at Eaglecrest Ski Area. The Mendenhall trails are all groomed by our volunteers using club equipment, and there is no trail fee there (though we encourage your support by becoming a member). The terrain is pretty flat, and the views on the lake are spectacular.
Eaglecrest has more varied terrain, with some modest hills on the lower loop starting just below the day lodge, and more challenging hills on the upper loop (which is groomed periodically as demand warrants). Eaglecrest grooms their Nordic trails and charges a $10 trail fee, but a season’s pass is only $39.
There is also a track groomed out at Eagle Beach by State Parks; call them to see what their grooming schedule is currently. (I’ll try to get them to post those conditions on this Trail Conditions Forum.)
Occasionally we will do some additional grooming, such as at Spaulding Meadows in the springtime. Look for announcements on this website. Enjoy!

Greetings, I am relatively new to nordic skiing and am not sure where all of the trails are. My daughter and I are wondering if the Glory Hole Trail is tracked. BTW, I really like the website.

Thanks,
Don

Mendenhall Lake ice thickness was test drilled today along the course of the skate and classic trail. Ten samples sites spread out along the course had ice depths greater then 8 inches of solid cold ice. The lake was then set for skate and classic skiing. Crews are ready to groom tomorrow
with the amountof snow predicted it may take a while to groom.
Merry Christimas everyone!

Something different. Go to the Thunder Mountain football field and you can skate or do classic sking around the perimeter of the football field. The running oval track has not been installed this year so it is just compacted gravel. Went out there Sunday. Perfect conditions of three inches of herrfrost, no signs of people walking and no dog poop. Had field all to myself. Try it. Good for practicing technique, or just doing laps on the flattest surface one can find. Have fun. Try to keep it a secret.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Don, thanks for the excellent grooming job this morning at the campground. It was still sweet skating at 3:00 this afternoon!

Nancy Jones

Del and Don — The four stroke Skandic is indeed a heavy beast, but I sure like the quiet and lack of smoke. Should save at least 30-40 percent on fuel bills too.

Jack

FUTURE EAGLECREST GROOMING STATUS –

By popular demand, I set the upper, lower, and hilda loops for both track and skate skiing yesterday. I also reset the classic track on the lower loop and did one pass (ran out of time) with the roller, so the skate track is reset to a 6 foot width. The snow on the lower loop was soft enough by 3 PM that the roller did a decent job.

The snow on the uppper loop was pretty wet after several days of sun, so the skate track didn’t groom out perfectly, but it should be OK if you hit it before it gets too soft in the afternoon. I would guess 10-11 AM, would be best if the sun is out, later if it’s cloudy.

I had a little trouble following the upper loop gaps through the trees since it was my first time and there has been so much snow since Eaglecrest set it, so a small part of the upper loop is classic only. Parts of the upper loop are groomed for both skate and side-by-side classic tracks for convenient chatting with your ski partner.

And just for kicks, I set an extra 2 or 3 K of classic track winding all over the upper meadow, including through the trees on the northeast side where the snowcat won’t fit. Ray, I figured you, at least, would enjoy it. Your challenge is to follow this winding maze of classic track from beginning to end.

I especially enjoyed setting track on the Hilda Loop — that is a pretty stretch of trail. It was a fun afternoon of track setting, and it was great to groom in a t-shirt, no hat, no gloves.

Hope you enjoy it,
Jack

P.S. Since it is uncertain when we will be able to groom again, I would appreciate it if dog owners would keep their dogs off of the upper and hilda loops so that the nice tracks will last as long as possible — let’s save those for skiers only. Thanks.

“I remember back in aught-7 they was enough snow I skied the Mendenhall Campground on the 18th of April. Yep, waddn’t too bad, neither. Sticky compressible snow as I recall, but dang good coverage for that late date.”

“Incredible bunch of groomer volunteers we had back in them days. Used to do it all off of snow buggies. If there was snow on the ground, they groomed it. They were *real* groomers, not like the kids we got nowdays. Pass the peanuts, will ye?”

It’s Peanutbutter Jelly Time! Eaglecrest busts out the 200″ and even if the snow is s-l-o-w, and the track is s-o-f-t. You have got to love closing day. Rumors abound about late season nordic grooming at Eaglecrest. Will it happen? Wait and see.

Scott and I just returned from a fantastic day of ski touring up the Herbert River. We started up Windfall Lake trail, then dropped down on to the Herbert River where it is (mostly)frozen. We were able to ski all the way up to the Herbert Glacier, then came back along the main Herbert River trail. Great conditions despite cold temps and the raging snowstorm! Use extreme caution if you ski on the frozen river as there are still areas of open water and some overflow all the way up.

Hello and happy friday to all Juneau Nordic Skiers. Please allow me to introduce myself. My
name is Travis and I am not a Nordic Skier, I am however (usually but not always) the
groomer for the lower loop at Eaglecrest. Since I am not a Nordic Skier I would very much
appreciate your input as to how the conditions of the lower loop are. Please feel free to tell
me what you like and what you don’t like and where you feel I can strive to improve. Also I
welcome single rider ride alongs, provided you can give me some notice. Hopefully in doing
this, I can better do my part in making sure you are all able to have the best day possible
while cruising the lower loop. HAPPY TRAILS

Here’s where you can post your trail reports. The skiing is fabulous everywhere, and will be until summer!