Babe and RW had the grooming honors this morning. They finished rolling out our three new inches just before noon. They would have finished earlier, but one sled "fell off the table" and got big time stuck in the fresh snow next to the winter walking trail. It has been many years since we have had enough fresh snow to create that grooming hazard. The Old Coach was out laying down some fine tracks at the same time. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Chainsaw and the Engineer braved the breeze and went for a slow morning roll. As expected, it was nice in the forest and not so much in the open. They reported a few drifts forming to contend with. A few skiers were out enjoying the protection of the woods of Woodlands. After their roll, the Engineer put down some new track for the Sunday afternoon youth skiers. Bundle up. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

It is a little soft but very skiable. My wax was not quite warm enough (CH6) but it worked pretty good on the new snow. If you can make it out tonight yet it should be a wonderful evening slide.

(Robert Bullis)

We just finished rolling the trails last night 3" of new snow are packed for your skiing pleasure. The best couple words to describe the trails would be Cloud Like. The tracks are still visible if classic ski is your thing wax up the old boards and break out the knickers. Time for me to change and go ski the boys handy work.

(Robert Bullis)

Slow go skate with newer snow and 1-2 inches soft snow. Needs another pass. Groomers did a great job with keeping deck wide and flat, setting the stage for epic skiing to come. Double poled alot in the great classic track, including wash pond flats. Don't forget the donation box. A personal thanks to all the volunteer groomers. Parking lot now cleared.

(Scott Engstrom)

The conditions at Woodlands are just as Dave reported a little soft and a Army of Snowmen. The snowman army granted safe passage and ride was cloud like soft and smooth. When I got started this morning there were 2 young ladies just finishing their classical lap, they were contemplating playing hookie from work and spending the day at Woodlands. There is a absolutely fantastic set of tracks out there now. So maybe you can leave work early and enjoy a great evening ski at Woodlands.

(Robert Bullis)

Eight new inches, rolled and screened curb to curb. We had three shifts on the rollers yesterday compliments of Chainsaw, Robin, Babe, The Natural, Ancient One and Surveyor. This morning Babe and I chased each other around with the medium screen like our pants were on fire. We wanted to get the roller humps out before the next round. We made a few small armies of snow men in the process, but the trail is much flatter for the effort. It kind of looks like cool whip frosting. Expect soft and smooth trail conditions. The Old Coach will be out this afternoon to lay down some new tracks. The parking lot was not plowed when we left at noon. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Finally, this good snow year allows me to get out to great trails that I haven't been to in a few years. Hence, Woodland Hills! Couldn't make the morning race but came out around 2 pm and found very good conditions and reawakened fond memories of a wide array of strenuous climbs and thrilling twisting descents. Conditions were great so one could step turn rather than snowplow the downhill curves. I appreciate the nice trail signage indicating the loop and the area that skiers are entering (i.e., "Top of the World" and the aptly-named "Gravity Box"). Thanks to the diligent grooming crew for making it a great ski day!

(Dave Carlson)

Had a great time skiing today. The snow coverage is excellent. The conditions were great for skating and the classic tracks looked to be in very good shape. Hats off to the groomers you doing a great job.

(Steven Dolan)

Skiing is getting even better at Woodlands. Yesterday afternoon's run was much faster than the day before. The groomers pass with the screens seemed to sand off some of the ruff edges of the snow crystals. It also produced a beautiful smooth base. Another pass with the screens is scheduled tonight to spiff things up for the race tomorrow. Even you do not race come out and enjoy the post race fun and ski a lap or two.

(Robert Bullis)