You really don't want to ski at Willow! There are many places where there is anywhere from a few inches to a foot of water lurking under the snowpack, waiting for you to punch through. If that isn't enough to discourage you, many of the trails were driven on today by the park's ATV leaving deep, slushy ruts. If you're really determined to get in some final skiing, your best bet is to try the Silver, Nelson Farm, trail. Beware the slush. Beware the ice if skiing early in the day.

(David Thofern)

Park staff and grooming team leaders agreed that the ski season and grooming is over for the 2018-2019 season. Of course, if there is a snowfall that would set up good skiing, the groomers will prep the "Closed" trails. So you skied Willow and don't like dodging the overhanging brush. Do something about it and volunteer for brushing work. Work will start up when the snow is gone.

(Jeff Bolte)

We were able to groom and track all of the trails today. Skiers were reporting soft conditions in the skate lane with good classic tracks. Lots of ski traffic on the Purple, Green and Blue trails. If you're looking for less-trafficked areas, try the Red trails and the hilly Silver trail. Conditions should firm up overnight and make for good skiing on Monday. Get out and enjoy the snow while it lasts.

(David Thofern)

We were the first ones to ski on the freshly groomed trails late this morning. They were soft and slow for skating, but it was an absolutely beautiful late-winter day at Willow. The trails should set up tonight, and tomorrow should be another great day of skiing at Willow. As always, the volunteer groomers do a fantastic job of maintaining the trails at Willow and this abbreviated season has been no exception. With their time and expertise, Willow is always one of the best places to ski in the Twin Cities.

(Jim Drake)

Grooming and tracking is underway. As of 12:30 pm brown, purple, green, blue and silver are groomed and tracked. The scenery is spectacular. This snow won't last long. Go!

(Rita Thofern)

Great spring skiing. Skate deck firm and classic looked good, also. Several sections are narrowed by drifting but very passable. The wooded sections handled the sun and warmth well.

(Craig Bell)

Excellent conditions today. All trails were firmed up. Tracks were incredible and skate deck was firm corduroy. A huge thanks to the groomers for widening the silver and setting just one classic track, that's definitely the best format for that trail. Today was the best conditions I've ever seen at Willow River. Excellent work groomers!

Photos:

(Bob Brown)

Just finished grooming. We went over all the skate decks and re-tracked everything but silver. That track was still in great shape. Everything should set up perfect tonight with the cold coming. Enjoy.

(Ted Bliven)

Excellent conditions system wide. Groomed and tracked all trails. Enjoy the day. Sunshine and reaching into the teens.

(Rita Thofern)

Late update. Bob rolled all but the yellow and orange trails on the south side of the river, no tracking. Nothing was done north of the river. Grooming plan: The Saturday work will start before daylight. Early skiers will have limited choices.

(Jeff Bolte)