The Woodland Trails Story - Chapter 34 - A good time was had by all! - The end, for now! I think this might be a record meltdown, going from great skiing on Tuesday morning to puddles and trail gaps by Thursday evening. As we do at the end of each ski season we will leave you with the Trail Crew motto; Woodlands, built by skiers, groomed by skiers, for skiers! Until next we see you on snow. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Wow! What a great morning ski! The Elk River crew had the trails in pristine condition this morning, and I was able to catch some snow time before the warmup. Great coverage throughout, and it looked as though the local deer had already gone for a trail run during the night. It was starting to slow down a bit as I left mid morning, especially in the sun-exposed sections, but overall quite fantastic!

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(Margaret Adelsman)

Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies... if you have the time. Crash and Doc just finished their late evening (had to wait for the snow to cool) run with the rollers. Hint: They both plan on hitting the trail at about 8 tomorrow morning (the earlier the better) with skis instead of Skandics. They predict very good fresh snow conditions until the meltdown begins mid-morning. No matter where you ski tomorrow, your senses will be overloaded with the smell and sounds of spring as you celebrate what has been a great ski season in MN. After this little one hit wonder, we will skiing the evening transition until the outer loop is no longer a loop. Then we will close up shop for the season, unless... Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Two and a half new inches rolled and ready for a soft-slow ski, compliments of Ancient One and Trapper. It was nice to get some snow to cover up the chainsaw dust left by the tree felling crew yesterday. Just a heads up, the crew will be back out again this evening. For those who can get out tomorrow morning before the thaw, they should be greeted by plenty good trail conditions. Stay tuned. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Woodland was a great stop for day 13 of the 31 days of skiing challenge. Although I was late to the transition goodness party, not hitting the trail to mid afternoon, I still had a fantastic ski under beautiful spring skiing conditions. The snow was consistent all the way through making it easier to find the right gear to pace the ski off the conditions. Even though temps were in the mid 40's, the deck was solid and smooth thanks to the fantastic grooming. Bumped into Dave who was falling the "largest tree on the trail system" as the trail crew looked on in astonishment and admiration.

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(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

Grooming prediction by Woodland posse was spot on. 10 am lap was perfect, second one still very good, although sun was beginning to have its way. Hats off to the trail crew.

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(Walter Ebertz)

Fairly hard, but with enough snow to edge nicely on everywhere except the two steepest uphills. Those were a bit icy but still quite manageable. Overall a fast and fabulous ski - and a big improvement over yesterday, which was icier but still worthwhile. Many thanks to the groomers for keeping the trails in such great shape!

(Jess Holle)

Shear Pin just reported in that he and the New Coach had just finished their evening grooming run with the Godzilla screens for your Sunday skiing pleasure. He is predicting a few hours of nearly magical skiing as we transition from winter to spring tomorrow morning. We plan to make another grooming lap starting at 8 in the morning to scratch up a little more of the late season icy goodness. Hopefully it will be a rocking good time before the big thaw. On behalf of the City of Elk River and the volunteer grooming crew we would like to thank our ski friends, both long time and first time, for venturing to Woodlands. We work hard to make the trails the best that they can be - for all to enjoy.

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Suburb conditions on the full outer loop for skating perfection. Fast, firm, no ice, plenty of edging, amazing rolling hills, sunshine, what else do you need? Three outer laps was what the doctor ordered. No classic tracks but excellent for skating - good skis are safe. Thanks for the awesome grooming!

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(Bill Oyler)

Lefty and G(R)OAT just finished their evening run on the outer 10k with the Godzilla screens. You may have noticed that Lefty has been grooming a lot of late. He feels guilty for slacking most of the year while waiting for his injured wing to heal a bit. He is also one of the desperate who is still skiing every day at Woodlands (three laps today). If you like a hard and fast trail with just enough grip when you need it, you will find that at Woodlands on Saturday. B skis recommended so as not to tatter the edges of your good race skis on the the open hard pack spots. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)