Chainsaw was leading (teaching) The Sailor on this evening's grooming run. They were pulling the tandem screens to tenderize the skate trail surface for our Thursday skiing pleasure. The Sailor and others in the Gen II Trail Crew, are of the same vintage as our children, who were in Jr High or younger when the idea of ski trails at Woodlands was hatched 34 years ago. It is our hope that the Gen II groomers, along with their children, will be the next chapters of the Woodlands story. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Skied the 10k loop 2x plus some of the flat/straight away and inner loop. Great conditions and super impressed by beautiful trails - lots of deer spotted. Highly recommend making the trek up there for this gem. Challenging uphills and some super downhills and fun rollers. Gravity pit was awesome!

Photos:

(Kendra Krueger)

After the football party broke up at the Grooming Cave, Ancient One and Babe headed out with the rollers to let some of the air out of our new 1 1/2" of super fluffy clipper snow. Expect plenty good trail conditions at Woodlands for your Monday ski. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

The Natural teamed up with Lefty this evening to pull the Godzilla screens around the skate trails. They reported that Thursday evenings bit of new snow was was wearing a little thin in some spots, but that conditions should still be fair to good for your Sunday ski. Lefty is living proof that even a guy with only one and half good arms can ski a couple of laps in Mora and drive around on a Skandic for a couple of hours in the same day. Now that is dedication to our sport! Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

This was my first time skiing Woodland and I had an absolute blast! Totally worth the drive up from the Cities as the conditions are just about perfect and the trails are beautiful. Talked to a friendly groomer before starting and took his suggestion of trying the 10K outer loop. Trails were freshly groomed with no ice to be found. Quite a bit of trail debris, mostly smaller sticks and leaves but some bigger chunks to avoid here and there. I only have one pair of skis but if you had multiple I'd say B skis would be a good choice. If you're looking for another place to ski this is it! No crowds, great conditions and fun wooded trails :).

Photos:

(Erika Pond)

The combination of a little ice mixed in with a little fresh snow by this mornings grooming run was a big hit with all of the skiers I spoke with today. Shear Pin and his grooming partner BR just finished their evening run with the tandem screens. They reported that the skate deck groomed up nicely and we should expect good trail conditions for our Saturday ski. While Shear Pin is always excited when his grooming run leaves the trails in good shape, this evening he was more excited about his new streak of grooming runs without putting a sled on its side; one. Dress warmly and enjoy your Saturday ski, wherever it may be.

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Thanks to the groomers! The trails were spectacular after yesterday's mixed precipitation event. I think it was one of the best skis this winter if you like going fast.

Photos:

(Chris Jurek)

After temps cooled a bit this morning, we sent out our most seasoned grooming crew, Ancient One and Babe (they like to be called seasoned, they are actually just old). They pulled the medium screens at a break neck clip of 17 mph scratching in the almost inch of new snow that survived the warm temps and rain overnight. They reported that the trails groomed up nicely and you should expect good skate conditions today an into the weekend. Trail conditions were just confirmed by Lefty, who called after he finished his morning trip around the outer loop. Hitting the trail just after the groomers he described his ski as "phenomenal" and said he had no concern for using his best skis. The trail will get firmer as the temps cool. I will stick with B+ ski rating, just in case. Evolution also hit the trail this morning with his track setter. While far from perfect the tracks are definitely improved. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

I put B skis due to some twigs and leaves on the ground, otherwise good conditions. Really fun day out there. Hoping the warmth doesn't do to much damage to the deck.

(Nathan Smith)

Sunset ski at Woodlands, beautiful evening. Fast conditions but no issues getting an edge. Leaf/stick litter was avoidable but rated at B skis due to some risk. Big thanks to all the grooming crew, trails are always in great shape! If you can get out before warm-up, you won't be disappointed!

(Bob Anderson)