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)

Primo conditions this morning at Woodlands. Last nights grooming run really did the trick. Enough loose material for edge control through all the corners and downhill runs, Bullsnake and Scouring Rush. If your afternoon is free I would plan a lap or two at Woodlands.

(Rob Bullis)

Doc and Lumberjack were on duty this evening pulling the heavy screens once again. They reported that the skate trails should ski "beautifully" on Sunday. While the volunteer Trail Crew gets to have all of the fun (who wouldn't want to ride a Skandic for a couple of hours on a Saturday evening instead of spending it with loved ones?) and get most of the glory when ski conditions warrant, we shouldn't forget those who keep them in business. First off, your donations are very much appreciated are very helpful in supporting the cause both financially and in helping to bolster crew moral. We could not do what we do without either. But, behind the curtain, it is the City of Elk River that supplies and maintains the sleds and tools, provides the signage, does the heavy equipment work on the trails when needed and does many other things too numerous to mention. Woodlands is a true community partnership for us all to enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Shear Pin and Lefty (could be a country and western duo if only they could sing) have finished their evening run with the Godzilla screens. We were hoping for a little new snow and that is exactly what we got, a little 1/2". Even that was enough to brighten the trail, camouflaging much of the leafy tree litter. The crew reported that skate trails scratched up nicely, so you should once again expect good conditions for your Saturday ski. We have downgraded to B skis due to the twigs on trail. Evolution was out earlier today attempting to rescue the tracks. None of his many weight combinations would bust deep enough into the base, so best look elsewhere for that. Lastly, Shear Pin learned that even with 10 years of grooming experience, there is always more to learn; like stay high on off cambered corners when slowly pulling the heavy screens and to hop off quick during the slow motion tip over. If he doesn't win the City of the Lakes on Sunday, he will likely blame it on his sore wrist. Enjoy!

(Dave Anderson, Elk River Nordic Ski Club)

Skied Woodlands today. The snow itself was about perfect, but there were a lot of little sticks on that had blown down onto the trail. I'm afraid to use my race skis until the trails are cleaner.

(Tim Saxton)

Evolution and Buckthorn Bob were out on the sleds at Woodland Trails this morning refreshing the system. The grooming activity scratched up some surface snow and created needed structure to trails that have had hard usage since the last snowfall. A quick ski after grooming confirmed the trails were fast and fun. Easy to get a good skate edge push.
Note the classic track has not been refreshed and the wind has deposited a fair amount of leaves in them. Also note leaf debris in several locations on the skate loop. Good skis still ok.

(Dave Kallemeyn)