*Noquemanon & Forestville Interior Loops: 12.23.09. The Noquemanon and all loops were groomed and tracked on Sunday night/Monday morning. Special attention was again given to the edges of the classic tracks. All trail edges have been driven over with a snowmobile prior to grooming. This is a considerable effort by our volunteers but makes for a better classic pole set.

The Noque was groomed from the Forestville to Co. Rd. 510 Tuesday afternoon.

The snow base is still too thin to allow for use of the large grooming equipment. We received an inch of very dry fluffy snow Monday and again Tuesday. This has skied in nicely over a good hard base. The classic tracks are still in good shape and grooming old snow with the snowmobile often hurts the classic track in this situation. As such we have attempted to protect the base and did not re-set them. Trails were excellent yesterday and should be again today.

We are also working on crossing the ponds. Thank you to the volunteers that have been snowshoeing to pack down for a safe snowmobile crossing. We drove the ponds Monday and packed a wide path that should allow grooming as early as today and we will do so as soon as possible.

In an effort improve access to the Forestville Trailhead we ask that you follow the one way signs. As you cross the R/R tracks off of the Forestville Rd. proceed straight across. At the next intersection turn left at the arrowhead then follow the signs. When leaving the Trailhead parking lot turn left then take a right at the intersection. We believe the one-way traffic pattern will improve safety and make the approach to the Trailhead easier for non-4 wheel drive vehicles. Thank you.

*Blueberry Ridge: 12.23.09 Hello fellow skiers: I just want to let everyone know what is up at Blueberry for Christmas grooming.

I have stepped back grooming just a little in the last few days because of the base conditions. Monday night I groomed everyt! hing and found that the tracks are getting harder and harder to set. I believe the skiing quality will go down if we continue to beat the 4 inch base any further. Unless the conditions warrant more grooming we will be waiting for the storm to come before we groom any further so that you may continue to enjoy BBR.

Some of you have asked about the Bombi and when it may arrive and get to work. We have agreed with the DNR to not groom with the Bombi unless we have a one foot base. As soon as we can use it it will be running. In the mean time Mike and I will be working very hard to give you great trails. I hope you have enjoyed them so far.

The storm is coming in on Thursday Eve and is to continue through Christmas Day. We will be grooming as soon as it stops or slows on Friday evening. If we groom the wet snow too soon we will end up a rock hard icy unworkable surface and we dont want that. Please be assured that it is the goal of NTN to provide you with the best skiing opportunity that we can.

May you all have a Very Merry Christmas and safe travels to you.

*Saux Head: 12.23.09 Groomed and tracked last night and the conditions are excellent.

*Fit Strip: 12.23.09 Tracked and groomed on Saturday. Thank you to the Fit Strip volunteers.

Al Quaal Recreation Area: 12.17.09 Teal Lake Trail and Olympic Trail have been groomed and tracked set. Deer Lake and Baby Lake packed.

*Valley Spur: The trails are groomed most everyday or as conditions warrant. For the latest trail information visit the Valley Spur Website at www.valleyspur.org or call 906.387.4918.

Big Bay Pathway: Will be groomed after the first of the year.

Have a great day

The NTN