A 1-kilometer cross-country skate ski loop is packed and groomed at Skyline Sports Complex near Cascade Middle School in southwest Bend. The loop is open to the public and park lights will be turned on to allow for skiing into the early evening, according to J.D. Downing, the director of XC Oregon in Bend.

Initial grooming took place on Wednesday, and refresh grooming will take place as weather and fresh snow allow.

There is a skate lane/pad and one classic track groomed. The groomed terrain is flat so it is skiable for all abilities.

With the weather forecast calling for temperatures into the single digits and more snow, it is likely that the groomed loop will hold up into early next week, according to Downing.

The in-town grooming is a collaborative effort with essential contributions from XC Oregon, Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, Bend Metro Park & Recreation, and the Meissner Nordic Club.

This is the second consecutive winter in which grooming at Skyline Sports Complex is in a “proof of concept” phase. Downing noted that public support is welcome to help upgrade equipment and groom several in-town locations whenever at least 8 to 10 inches of snow is in the forecast to last for a week or more.

For more information, email Downing at jd@xcoregon.org or call 541-317-0217.

— Bulletin staff report