Decided to try this out on my way south, and it may fit the bill for some. Snow coverage was good overall, though there were lots and lots of needles and sticks down, particularly under conifers. I did the shortest loop, and the 'outer' loop was groomed, while the inner loop to cut across was created by a skier and harder to ski. Somewhat icy, but still a bit softer.

(Anna DeMers)

Another amazing day at Northwoods! Saw the long lines of cars headed up the shore Friday at 4PM and figured we’d better get out to the north shores best keep secret this morning - Northwoods! Today we skied the long outer loop and discovered the groomers had worked much harder than we knew! Encountered multiple downed trees from the heavy snow that they had cut and removed from the trail. Learned our lesson yesterday and now know that most of the intersections heading back to the trailhead are in groomed so you must follow the man made tracks a little way until you hit the next intersection and then can get back on the groomed trail returning to the parking lot. Ran into a few bare spots opening up mostly along the ridge line in the area that looks like it’s been logged. The only hazard today is the trees continuing to drip on your head. Sights today included a hawk, a pine marten, and a snow angel. Encountered several happy skiers when we left at 11:30. Thanks for another great season groomers!

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(Karla Anderson)

Three cheers for the groomers at Northwoods! We expected very icy trails and encountered freshly groomed tracks. You can tell they did a lot of work picking up all the trees and sticks that came down with the heavy wet snowfall. We continued to pick some up as we went along. We continued to follow the groomed tracks thinking we were on our normal route but realized we should have followed the man made tracks that branched off and headed back to the trailhead. I frequently see tracks from a skier who has 6” baskets on the end of their poles and they correctly cut back bushwacking to the trailhead. (The trail out to Bean lake was not groomed.) It was a real treat to get skiing this good and you can see in the photos even the birds on the snack stand were delighted.

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(Karla Anderson)

Skied all the way put to Bean Lake with no bare spots! A small patch of grass poking through near the entrance to Beaver Pond Trail. As we skied over the wooden bridge we observed a good 6” base. Photo set includes trail and phenology photos. A pileated woodpecker did a lot of pecking on the tree in the photo and as soon as I took the photo of the red squirrel he jumped to another tree and appeared to be licking sap from the tree. Incredible day and the tracks better as you get closer to the lake.

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(Karla Anderson)

Beautiful day up there, seemed to stay pretty cool in the woods. They had a couple of inches since the last grooming and the tracks were skied in. There was some organic matter in the trails close to the trailhead but elsewhere nice varying conditions with good snowpack. I skied most of the trails and would say all good but be ready with the brakes as some of the steeps were icy. Good times and I'll be back, thanks!

(Will Abene Jr)

I was excited to try the trail today for the first time but the conditions were pretty bad. Nice weather but due to the recent warm temps the trail was super packed and icy. Couldn't get muck kick, and it felt more like ice skating than xc skiing. Downhill was crazy fast and dangerous on the hard, icy surface.

(Maria Mueller)

The snow was still soft at 3pm today. The tracks are firm, but could use another grooming. I still had a great time on them, and I’m a beginner. There are bits of leaves and pine branches in the tracks.

(Max Buehler)

Freshly groomed, and in excellent shape for the weekend. A single classic track through the woods. Magical. Helps to snap a picture of the map at the beginning, because there are no maps out on the trail at the various cut-offs and intersections. In the end all roads lead to Rome anyway, but this is helpful if you aren’t planning on skiing the whole thing. Do try and make the impressive overlook at the center of the network of trails.

(Eddy Gilmore)

Arrived at 12:30 to find the trails were being groomed. With the fresh snow, the newly tracked trails were a little slow, but very beautiful! Should be great skiing on these beautiful trails all week. The connector to Tettagouche was skier tracked.

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(Angie Miller)

Beautiful trails. Slick in some spots due to melt and freeze conditions, which made for some exciting moments going down a few hills. Some fallen and ground debris on the trail. Overall, great glide and very enjoyable ski!

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(Kari Jensen)