As expected, the warmer snow groomed up nicely. We were able to knock down the pesky berms, level out the skate deck and set new classic track. All of the trails were groomed and tracked. Hopefully the predicted freezing rain won't be too nasty.

(David Thofern)

The big dump of snow on top of a slick, icy base resulted in challenging conditions for Willow's groomers. The extremely dry, cold snow was pushed around by the groomer rather than packing down and setting up overnight. This has resulted in very soft conditions with uneven skate deck, berms, and areas mushy classic track. The hilly Silver (Nelson Farm) Trail was especially difficult. The tracked UTVs frequently had to be winched up the icy hills. It was gratifying to see so many skiers out today enjoying the sunshine and blue skies in spite of less-than-ideal conditions. We plan to regroom and reset track on the entire system Sunday afternoon. Hopefully waiting for warmer temperatures will add moisture to the snow making it more amenable to grooming and result in better conditions. Meanwhile, if you're planning to ski Willow on Sunday, you might find the best conditions on the Red Trail, as it gets less skier traffic than the very popular Blue and Green Trails.

(David Thofern)

Trails all freshly groomed after the big snow earlier in the week were in great shape and plenty of skiers were out enjoying them. Classic tracks couldn't have been better. Skied Purple and Green trails.

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(David Wilford)

Had another enjoyable ski with friends today at this beautiful park. Blue sky, fresh snow, and temps in the 20's. What's not to like? Snow was soft and sometimes lumpy on the Nelson Farm Loop. I always question why this very hilly loop is 2 way -- it seems like would be safer to keep this a one way trail only. Oh, well that is my only complaint. I do love the scenery in this park; and I have skied here multiple times this season.

(Woody Croatt)

All trails have been groomed and tracked after multiple passes with the roller. The trails are currently soft but should improve overnight.

(David Thofern)

All the trails were rolled today in preparation for any additional snowfall. Some drifting on green and red.

(Bill Callas)

Received two inches of rather wet snow. Groomed the skate deck and it is fair to good with the new snow adhering well to the ice underneath. Set new tracks and the ice underneath came thru in many places so they are poor to fair. Grooming plans: We will get on top of any new snow in coming days.

(Jeff Roberts)

As the snow softened this afternoon we groomed the skate on all trails except silver. Put in a shallow classic track on green. The green campground loop is grooming up the best. Red groomed up well too. Purple is next best with some ice spots and tree debris under the pines.

(Bill Callas)

I appreciate the groomers doing what they've done with what they've had to work with. Skied the entire trail system starting at 11:20 when it was 34F and crusty. Over the next hour and a half, the surface softened up noticeably and became quite good. Skied the silver trail last (and counterclockwise), which was prudent. I imagine within another hour will be too slushy. I'd expect the same situation tomorrow: recommend skiing over lunch or early afternoon.

(William Sikorski)

The skate deck was regroomed again today with multiple passes. I would say that green and the campground loop are the best. The next best would be red, purple and yellow. The blue one way section heading twords the falls has several all ice sections. Silver has 2 passes but still looks icy in many sections. The brown connector is in good shape for skating. Red has some sections of low spots from the groomer tracks but the berms from yesterday were groomed out. Classic skiing in tracks is not an option currently unless you like solid ice.

Photos:

(Bill Callas)