Skied the outer loop. Skate deck rolled and groomed. Tracks still soft. Things were a bit soft and slow but very skiable. So nice to be in the woods with the deer and wildlife.

Photos:

(Tom Weber)

I skied the classic track on Friday evening and it was absolutely pristine! The groomers did a great job with the new snow. Both classic track and the skate deck were in excellent shape with full coverage. I was finally able to use my best skis.

(Michael Phernetton)

All of Willow's trails were groomed and tracked today. The snow really groomed up well. With the cold weather overnight, I expect the trails to set up nicely. The county highway department was called in to salt and sand the entrance road and parking lots reducing the ice hazard.
Saturday, February 16 is Willow's annual candlelight ski and hike. The event runs from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

(David Thofern)

All trails were rolled or packed with the groomer after today's snowfall. No tracks were set. The wind was blowing pretty hard when we finished grooming so expect some drifted areas. Parking lots and roads in the park remain icy. Be careful.

(David Thofern)

All of the trails were rolled and track was set on at least one side. There are still quite a few places with solid ice underneath the snow so you might not want to use your good skis. Hopefully with today's warmer weather and new snow on the way, the ice will become less of an issue for skiers and grooming. Meanwhile, be careful on the trails and in the parking lots.

(David Thofern)

I was walking out the door after rolling and in walks Dave T. with plans to set track. We reloaded with a Ginzu and Dave set at least one classic track on all trails. Some got double tracked. Track depth varies but at least its a machine cut track. We saw many skiers this afternoon in all parts of the park. This work wound up about 5:00 pm. There was still no new snow. Classic skiers rejoice, you have a shot at skiing Willow by headlamp tonight, or tomorrow.

(Jeff Bolte)

Trails are rolled only; no classic track. Pines and prairies cause me to not say good skis. I just got off the grooming gear. My thanks to Jeff R for getting the rolling started early. There will not be track set given the prediction of more snow today. Skiers were out. I saw more skate than classic marks. Its pretty good now so go for it.

(Jeff Bolte)

All trails were groomed and tracked. The base is shallow with a lot of ice underneath. The snow is starting to bond to the ice but expect some hard ice under the snow in some places. The skate deck is generally well covered. Classic tracks vary and often have grass, leaves, or dirt poking through.

(David Thofern)

I took the classic rock skis and found a somewhat mushy inch of base had settled in. Obviously, there is no track. I was not there long. Dave and Rita were out grooming with the Gator towing a Ginzu. The snowmobile got stuck. It would not have if the snow had bonded to the ice. The snow is just too dry for building a firm base. Again, do not expect much or drive a long way. I did roll the MYSL loop and some on the ball field Monday. Dave and Rita had set track on the ball field loop. Maybe the coming warmth will help the trails. Meanwhile, I am going elsewhere.

(Jeff Bolte)

These trails are rolled: Purple, Green, Blue, and Brown. The new snow did not bond real well to the underlying layer of ice. I would call it a fairly even distribution of a soft 3" base. Its skiable, but do not expect much, or drive a long way for this condition. My poor choice to go up a steep hill cost some time as the tow vehicle lost traction. It is unknown when the next attempt at trail grooming will occur. The Purple Lowland had the worst results. Do not bother with that link. Start on rock skis and decide from there. Park staff will determine when the trails are officially open to skiers only. Expect to see hikers.

(Jeff Bolte)