A tribute to the amazing job the groomers have done. There is still a very well defined track on most trails. But the crows went nuts on some of the seed plants today, and there is debris on many trails, not to mention it's all very icy. I avoided big downhills, as steering and controlling speed was virtually impossible. But a good workout was very feasible and the deer were still out. With more snow, I can see this trail system skiing well into March.

(Rich Bailey)

The 1/2 inch or so of snow that fell Tuesday night had put a nice cover on the tracks and everything I skied was in pretty good shape. The crew has even groomed the sections of Raccoon and Walnut next to the road, and the trails were firm enough that neither poles nor skis hit pavement. Skied Trout Lily, best to descend on Owl and save the bridge to Oak for last and ski up the steep hill. This is a great network and in great shape!

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(Richard Bailey)

Really good condition, and surprisingly little damage to the track set from snowshoers, hikers and fat bikers. Very little debris. Skied Arbor, Raccoon, Oak and then looped back to upper Walnut, and back home on Overlook. Had the whole place to myself if you don't count the deer and the great horned owl that said hello on Oak. I'd never skied upper Walnut before; did it going up the hill and was blown away by its beauty.

(Richard Bailey)

The little bit of snow we got covered up all the ice. The tracks were set a few days ago and are firm, the new 1" of fluff was skied in well. Great skiing.

(Paul Erickson)

River Bend is in surprisingly good shape thanks to modest recent snowfalls (including this afternoon). It's definitely very firm snow or ice underneath so snowplowing on the one or two steep slopes is challenging. The trout lily loop along the Straight River is as scenic a ski as you will find anywhere in Minnesota.

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(Todd Orjala)

Fantastic classic conditions. Tracks regroomed Wednesday afternoon. Tracks are full depth in most sections. Very little ice; crystalline snow. Best classic tracks around.

(Tom Raetz)

Skied most of the trails here in the early afternoon and found them all still passable. Certainly thin in places with a couple of small bare patches and clearly won't withstand many more days of melting. Classic track was set, though there has been significant foot traffic impacting many of the trails. Overall, the loops furthest from the interpretive center were in the best shape.

(Robert Coleman)

Not groomed yet. About 2-3 inches accumulation and still snowing lightly around 5pm Friday. Fresh coating over most foot and bike tracks, slow going but still enjoyable. I set tracks on Cherry, Tepee Tonka, Raspberry, top of Prairie Loop, and Overlook.

(Tess Dornfeld)