Easy access up Trickster now to Upper Loop, which has 4 km of fantastic skate and classic. And Lower Loop has softened considerably with a few inches of new snow, and might be decent for ski touring or even skate ski. Please post if you check out the LL today!
I measured the upper loop today, trying to ski every part without doubling back on my tracks, and came up with a 4 km loop. Greg Patz did the same and he came up with 4.5 km. Either way, it’s a lovely ski and twice as long as anything that Anchorage has right now. FYI – if you ski from the lodge to the upper loop via Trickster, it is almost exactly 1 km one way. And yes, it is possible to ski it uphill – about a dozen Juneau Nordic Ski Team athletes did it this morning on their skate skis, then I went back and skied it on my classic skis in the afternoon. It gets easier every time, I promise!
Used Ginsu to cut and comb the long loop and the lollipop. Currently the skate skiing is good but the classic track is water and ice. If it freezes tonight be careful in the morning.
noon Saturday: campground is icy, icy, icy
Eagle Beach is groomed for skate and classic. Conditions are decent; there are some thin spots under the trees, but most of the track is in good condition with soft snow.
Glacier Highway is very slippery out the road. Be especially careful around Mile 22 / Shrine area where there is black ice.
Caution road very icy
Groomed skate
Classic left alone
Trail icy at first
Much better further up
Raining 38 deg F
Fabulous classic tracks, include Troy Loop which has never been better. Skating very good as well. The hike up is via Trickster now, stay left, watch for downhill traffic from above. And enjoy!