The classic track was wonderful around the entire loop. The skating lane was re-groomed either last night or early this morning and looked fantastic. Saw a message in the snow on the last loop. See photo.

Photos:

(Jim Smith)

Really nice ski conditions at O'Brien this afternoon. Temps around 15, very light wind, clear skies and nicely groomed trails made for a lovely couple of hours on the trails. The tracks are in very good condition and there is adequate snow for good control on the hills. This might be the best near metro skiing in a couple of years.

(Chip Treen)

Another incredible day at WOB! Groomers out before 10am. Almost all the segments were freshly groomed by the time I got on to skate ski at 10:30am. Obviously a little slow, as not packed down, but beautiful nonetheless. Nothing good waxing couldn't help out! As mentioned by many, the WOB groomers really stepping up their game and top of those glorious trails! (Classic tracks looked awesome too.).

Photos:

(Elizabeth Westerhaus)

First time back at WOB in several years. Outstanding skiing! Track was set on all the perimeter trails. Hard and almost always deep. Very good grooming! Bring your 'A' skis, no worry. Guru green provided fantastic kick!

(Stan Hokanson)

Trails at WOB were incredible! Looks like they may have groomed yesterday at some point? Still lots of fresh corduroy available. All of the trails are packed nicely, fast, no ice. Skate skied center loop, Woodland Edge Trail, Rolling Hills Savanna Trail (amazing, not a lot of traffic on that, freshly groomed,) Wetland Trail and back to Chalet. Gorgeous out there (despite the cold). Great skiing you don't want to miss.

Photos:

(Elizabeth Westerhaus)

Best conditions in years. Skate deck looked a bit soft in places, but this is a nit pick. Classic was top notch, blue wax day, total control on hills with a fast track. Picture says it all.

Photos:

(Jim Smith)

Skated laps around the wetland loop. Actively grooming the new snow, so still a little soft and slow. Classic track was deep and firm for double poling. Should be set for some excellent skiing for a while.

(Bryan Lueth)

Very good. 2 or so inches of new snow unpacked over a good base. It was overcast, 17 degrees. There were lots of cars in the lot with moderate number of skiers on the flats but met only six other skiers once I hit the hills. I used FastWax Blue LF. Despite the new snow, I was able to sustain skating for the 1.4 miles from the trailhead to the start of the of the Harwood Trail loop. I slowed considerably on the climb thereafter. Got a nice downhill run from the top unto the Prairie Overlook Loop. After the initial downhill run there, I mostly walked/herringboned all the way to the top of it where I took a breather. Had another good downhill run and sustained skate from the RR tracks to the start of Wedge Hill. I slowly did the remainder to the trailhead. Not a bad ski. Will be better once its packed and groomed.

(Keith Carlson)

One of those afternoons you live for. Sunny, cold, fresh corduroy with a firm deck. It's been said in other reports but kudos to The William O'Brien for stepping up their game. Trails were freshly groomed and tracked after last nights snow.

(Thomas Gahr)

Headed out to William O'Brien around 9 this morning based on the great trail reports from yesterday. Definitely a good decision! They got about an inch or two of fresh snow overnight, and the groomer was working on the skate deck when I got out there. By the time I left around 11, the groomer had already made a couple passes on the main loop. The spur loops were untouched when I left but certainly skiable, especially if you want a workout. I imagine conditions will only get better as the day goes on!

Photos:

(Nick Arth)