2022 Information

Just add snow

Merry Christmas! (even though it doesn't look like winter yet)  I can't guarantee a really snowy winter, and the NWS outlook is not too promising, either.  Last year we didn't have good conditions until almost February.  

For this winter, I will rent out the Club's gear and offer 3 free clinics throughout the winter; tentatively January 22, February 5 and 19.  I have been working on the trails at Timber Coulee and they should be fun to ski once the white stuff comes.

GEAR PICK-UP: In order to streamline the process of picking up your gear, please take a few measurements for me: 

A) Floor to wrist. Your classical skis should come up to somewhere between your wrist and elbow; shorter for younger and beginning skiers. 

B) Floor to "middle of shoulder". Classical poles should be somewhere between your armpit and top of shoulder. 

C) Euro boot size. Google a conversion chart if that helps. I will have several pairs for your child to try on. 

Text this info to me at 608-632-6272 and let me know when you want to pick it up. $50 per set for the season. Make checks to "Snowflake Junior Nordic Ski Club".

WAXING: I have gone away from grip tape in favor of using traditional hard waxes. It requires a little work on your part, but offers better performance in most conditions. I will send two waxes and a cork home with you. I am applying 4 thin layers of Toko Red to all the skis before they go out. This should be good for the first outing or two, but you will need to apply a little of the appropriate wax (temperatures shown on wax) before subsequent sessions. 

CLASSIC/SKATE GEAR: I am sending out classic gear for starters. If your skier wants to switch over to skating later in the season, I can provide different skis (shorter) and poles (longer). No charge.

CONDITIONS: Skis are made for snow. Do not ever ski across roads, sidewalks, etc. Do not ski when there is not enough snow; if you see grass or dirt in your tracks; there is not enough snow and you will damage the skis.

Get Ready!

I'm hoping we can return to 'normal' this winter and have 8 practices on Mondays in January and February.  We need to line up a few volunteer coaches, so let me know if you'd like to help, or know someone else who might be interested.

I've been working on the trails down in Timber Coulee.  They need a little more work, but should be in great shape once the snow arrives.

Return gear to Dan's house

Well Folks, that's a wrap.  We had a pretty short season of good conditions.  I hope you got out skiing at least a few times this winter.  I'm looking forward to getting back to regular ski practices with everyone next winter.

Please return your gear (and the wax) when it is convenient.  Call/text if you forgot where I live (632-6272).  You can leave the gear on our patio any time... no need to call ahead. 

Thanks and enjoy the Spring weather!

Best conditions of the year

I just groomed at Timber Coulee; the Rod & Gun land and DNR trails.  The conditions this weekend may be the best we get all year... so get out there and enjoy it!  There is not enough snow on the hill road - please do not ski on it because it will damage our skis.

It is going to be hot Monday - Wednesday, and it doesn't take much for our snow to go south in a hurry.  I will wait until it cools down and then assess when I can groom again.

KVR and Viroqua Hills Golf Course (skate only) were groomed recently.  Prairie Wind is a nice option in town.  Lots of local choices this weekend.

Fresh tracks in town! (at Prairie Wind)

Sonya has graciously allowed us to ski at Prairie Wind.  The groomed loop is a little more than one mile long and has a few gentle hills.  There is good snow and the weather is improving, so get out and enjoy it!  Prairie Wind is just south of the cemetery.  Find Prairie Wind Way off Lewison Lane.  You can either park on the east side of Lewison Lane or on the south side of Prairie Wind Way.  There is a residence on the land; be courteous and don't park in their driveway or block any traffic.

I plan to groom at Timber Coulee again soon.  I'll update the blog when I do.

Nice tracks

The trails were re-groomed on Saturday.  They are in the best condition so far this year, and should hold up for a while.

The jumpers had to plow the hill road for the tournament, so there is no snow on it.  Please do not try to ski on the hill road, or over to the jumps.  I will groom there when we get more snow.

Bundle up and enjoy the trails!

Snow for a while...

Good news; I got all the trails groomed after the fresh snow on Thursday, and it won't melt soon.

Bad news; it is windy and some of the tracks are already drifted over.  It is very cold.

We will probably hold off on the next outing until it warms up a bit.  But, you are welcome to brave the weather and get out and ski on your own.  I will try to touch up the trails next week.