Intermediate to expert skiers only conditions. Although trails 99 % covered, only about 60 % were with loose snow allowing good edge control. Only a few uphills that were hard ice (Peeper Hollow) and any trail sections that are exposed to sun are more ice than snow, but the trails on grass and North Mickey connectors are really pretty good. Want to use caution to avoid hitting deer as much as anything regarding the icy conditions. Saw two herds of 6 to 10 deer again running around the ski trails. The only really strange sight today was Sunday afternoon with only one car in the lot at Woodlands, my car.

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(Dean Kleinhans)

The groomers made a run this morning to try and soften up the trail. Conditions are getting very thin and icy in spots. Coming off the X on Bull Snake Run and coming off Maple Hill are icy use caution. Also several of the uphill climbs have ice. I would recommend rock skis. The conditions may not improve until we get more snow.

(Rob Bullis)

A little more than one new inch freshly rolled compliments of Shear-Pin and Ancient One. You will find a few wind blown spots, especially on Stony Rollers, some small drifts, a couple of small bare spots on the Prairie Loop and about 9.8km of decent skiing on the outer 10km loop. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Conditions deteriotated since meltdown began, but not severely. Still coverage adequate to go around all loops, just need to be cautions for a few brown spots. Skating surface was getting icy, although still possible to control speed on downhills. The classic tracks were wonderful to double pole in, very glazed. I found the outing for an hour very worthwhile, although it would really be great to get a few more inches of fresh snow to allow groomers to make a run.

(Dean Kleinhans)

Was out at 7:30 this morning the trails are still holding up but getting thinner. Couple of icy spots one coming down Bull Snake Run and the other was coming off the top of Maple Hill. Take care on the paved trails and enjoy the ride.

(Rob Bullis)

98% coverage but thin pole plants on the paved sections. "Pretty good" is a pretty good description. Looked like ~25 high school team skiers on the course. I skied the classic easy trails west of the tracks with 3-pin, no wax which was just fine for the warm conditions. As always Woodland Trails is the go-to location in NW Metro. Is there an award for best signage and sharing with hikers? I nominate Woodland Trails -- the foot trails are well marked and well used; the ski trails only occasionally trod.

(Gavin Watt)

Had an enjoyable afternoon skiing at Woodland Trails. When heading from my homebase Brainerd to the Twin Cities, this is my favorite place to ski. And I could not agree more with others who commented on the best signage for walkers and skiers. I did take pictures the day I skied to share with my own ski club being walking on the ski trails is becoming more of an issue every year. Thank you groomers!

(Laura Beilke)

Great skiing today along Terminal Moraine. Fun outing with four instances of crossing trail with deer in front of me, reminding me I am in their home! Full coverage. Plenty easy to hold an edge. The classic tracks are set today, looked great!

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(Dean Kleinhans)

Snow was plentiful and well rolled. It's not the freshly groomed corduroy of Hyland and Elm Creek, but rather slow, real snow criss-crossed by deer. I used my B-skis, but didn't feel anything other than twigs and leaves on the trail. 5 degree out when I started at sunrise, so I hope it stays cold enough there to survive the forecast thaw.

(Andor Langski)

Ancient One asked me to pass along that the "surf is up at Woodlands". He and Taxi scooted around the trails with the light screens this evening "like their pants were on fire"! Expect a very enjoyable ride for your Wednesday ski.

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)