It's the most wonderful time of the year! The snow is starting to pile up and it's time to get out the rock skis. (Although I hear some parts of the area, like up on the Gunflint Trail they are already on their good skis!) I hit the Southern Lights Loop late yesterday afternoon and was treated to good coverage and a pretty good sunset.

It looks like Highland and Lakeview Loop were packed by the groomer yesterday, as was part of Southern Lights but not all of it. The packed surface has some short grass poking through in some areas, but other than that it is in pretty good early season condidtion.

I was classic skiing, but these early packed conditions might be better suited for skate skiing. I did notice the skate trail had been packed as well.