Two and one half new inches of real snow! There is nothing like a little fresh snow to get things hopping in the Grooming Cave. Shear Pin and Ancient One rolled the first round last night to create a bonding layer to the firm base. Chainsaw and The New Coach are rolling again this morning. This snow is just what the doctor ordered for our thinning base and should make for some fine skiing. The Prairie Loop is not groomed and should be avoided due to thin coverage over the asphalt. Stony Rollers is open, but was windblown for the first round of grooming last night, leaving many slick stretches. There should be no issue running any ski in your arsenal on groomed trails.

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Once again, the grooming crew had done a great job. Came in with low expectations after the melt a couple days ago, but they were far exceeded. The trails are very firm and very fast, but you are able to get an edge in everywhere. The downhill section on bull snake run is the iciest part, but not dangerously so. Sections of stony rollers, and the tops of a couple hills, where there is usually ice, are very good, with no edging problems. As usual, there is some debris, but less than normal, mostly leaves and twigs, no big sticks. The trails are also as flat as I've seen them all year. Should be a great weekend of skiing out there!

(Zach Varty)

Once again, the warm weather has not done us any favors. We still have continuous coverage on the grass trails of the outer loop, but there are a few places it is very thin and a bit icy. The Prairie Loop has considerable exposed asphalt and should be avoided. The Poplar Loop is best option to return to the start area. Ancient One and Eagle 17 went around the outer loop twice late Thursday afternoon with the tandem screens to scratch up as much profile as possible before the temps dropped. They indicated that grooming went well. The trail testers will be out this morning and will report on how well it skis and if there is enough grip where it is needed. B minus skis for sure due to the short icy stretches, thin spots, dust from the adjacent gravel mining, and tree litter on the trails. Enjoy with caution!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Woodland was in great shape today, good skate deck allowed control on downhills. I used good skis and did them no harm, but frequent debris in the trail to make me think I should have used B skis. Avoid the Prairie Loop; from North Mickey I detoured past South Crossing (GFE) to return to the trailhead. No tracks to speak of.

(John Kendrick)

Almost perfect. A few twigs on soft yet firm snow. Intermediate to advanced skiers will enjoy the curvy downhills.

(Doug McDonald)

The non paved trails are holding up well. The 2 times that the screens have been over (at about Mach1) have done nice job of flattening the trail without bringing up any dirt. Caution is needed on the paved trails any south and west facing hills are only covered with a dusting of snow. If you hug the outside edges next to the grass you can slide by without scraping the pavement.

(Robert Bullis)

Wow, these trails are fun and in great shape! My new local favorite (end of season when the body is ready to attack those punchy hills). Like others have said - don't bother with the last section when you pop out into the prairie. I didn't realize where I was and ruined my A skis on the lightly covered asphalt. It's bad and very hidden behind a hill. If you can avoid that I wouldn't hesitate with your good skis.

(John Holtan)

Eagle 17 and Theodore just finished their grooming run with the light screens for our weekend skiing pleasure. Rumor has it that they may have set a new 2018 grooming run? How fitting! Expect good conditions should ER be your ski destination. Not enough snow depth to set tracks. Take care on the Prairie Loop as the pavement is peaking through in a few spots. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

What a joy. One of the great things about Woodland- beside some of the best trails around- is that the groomer reports are always accurate. Trails were smooth and fun. The new snow on top was silky. The only reason for the B ski rating was a scrape down to the bike path on the last stretch to the parking lot.

(Steve Casey)

5/8" dusting of new snow on top of the newly flattened trail should make for some fine skiing. We will ski this in until the next screening run on Friday evening. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)