Ski Trip

I was hoping to head out to Montana (West Yellowstone) in November with Jack for a ski trip but was too busy to sneak away. Had a small window after Thanksgiving so decided to stay a bit closer and do a quick trip to the east instead. 

Left Sunday early afternoon and figured would be good to try and ski before dark so we stopped at MT Itasca. There was a 2km loop of machine made snow. Massive base and recently groomed with 3" of natural snow mixed in on the skate terrace. The snow was silky fast and fast skiing. We were the only ones there so we made our own loops to mix it up and a really nice ski.

Heading up one of the steep hills.

Drove over to Ironwood, MI Sunday afternoon. Skied ABR which is located just outside of town in Ironwood. 25" of total snow reported so far this year and I was measuring about 6-8" in the woods. The first loop we did was Peltonen pass out. Not the best choice for classic as many ice flows and 70% of the track was ice. Wax got ripped off pretty quick but the hills were fun.

Best kicking was outside of track.

Stopped at Joe's after skiing for some pasties.

One didn't quite fill me up so I ate two. Wasn't the best move as the afternoon ski was feeling it.

Afternoon skate ski was much better. Was fast and a bit bumpy but overall great skiing. Talked with ABR owner/operator Eric Anderson afterwords for some groomer shop talk and he showed his prototype snow catcher for the Ginzu groomer. Great stuff. Always nice to visit with Eric.

Next morning went on the other side of Hiway 2 of Ironwood to ski at Wolverine. 3" of new snow overnight was being fresh groomed. One other skier in front of me and also a snowshoer with a dog walking right right down the middle.

After the groom guy passed me, I caught back up to him as he was having a few words with the snowshoer.

 Old ski jump at the top.

After Wolverine, we headed back west to meet Jake. Hooked up for a ski at Chester Bowl. Hadn't been there before, nice to check out for the first time. 14" fresh snow in Duluth making for some good ol' bushwhacking. 

 The groomer was just heading out when we got there but headed towards the alpine area.

 After breaking trail on the cross country trail maid way towards the alpine area. Broke trail once heading up than the groomer made a pass on the side which made it much easier going up.

 Even set some tracks!!

Always nice to lay down the first tracks.

 Having the groomed was nice for getting more speed than would hit the deep powder to burn some turns and some good hooting and hollering. Fun trip and some great skiing. Thanks Jonell for letting me sneak away.

Quite blessed to come home to 7" of snow with snow falling through the next night and day, accumulating to over a foot. Mid winter conditions in a matter of days. Lot of busy days grooming ahead...all good, winter is here!