Great day at WOB! Skied the outer loop and all the trails were freshly groomed. Track is not set yet. With the snow in the trees and afternoon sun it was simple perfect day for skiing!

Photos:

(Mark Doneux)

They scratched up the surface of all the trails today including the outer loops. Skate lane only. The classic tracks exist, but are icy. The skate lane was rocket fast and the downhills got my attention. There are minimal bare spots and they are in the usual locations. This was a way better experience than I expected thanks to the grooming.

(Paul Schaaf)

Good conditions maintain at O'Brien and they've done a great job grooming the limited base that remains. Surprisingly good glide despite the warm temps. Plenty of leaves down (like most places right now) and some dirty spots here and there with a rock or two poking out from under the railroad bridge, but if you're mindful, "A" skis aren't a problem. If you're one that's more protective of them, pack the "B" skis.

(John Leaf)

I would not say that WOB has been skied flat, but it has been skied hard. Snow was fast and packed in. Made for good glide but I was taking shorter strides as it was tough to trust a long tracking ski in the ridgy edges. Tracks were also skied in hard and were very fast. Old school conditions for sure.

(Dan Murphy)

Skate lane was hard and fast, but a little rough and rutted in places. Noticed the classic tracks were gone on most of the big uphills. The Oak Savanna sections of the outer loop had significant leaf debris which was a bit grabby. Ran into the park ranger who said the grooming machine was now broken so I do not expect a touch up for awhile. This is a great system for longer outings and beautiful views of the St. Croix river valley.

(Tim Nelson)

Skied early afternoon, did a couple of laps to hit nearly all of the trail sections. A little hard packed, but honestly had my softer skis so more my fault. Plenty of snow, and quite fast especially considering the single digit temps. Used my good skis, no damage. Plenty of other skiers out. Classic track was pretty good when I jumped in them for some nice long downhill runs. Great place to get in some longer workouts and really beautiful mix of woods, prairies and wetlands. Wonderful wood fire going in the visitor center too!

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)

Sweetness on the outside loop. An inch of fluff on top of a recently groomed firm skate deck and temps around 20 made for wonderful glide. Coverage was complete, oak leaves covered, tracks looked solid. Haven't seen it this good in several years. Enjoy.

(Tim Nelson)

I skated William O Brian late morning / early afternoon. I did the outer loop (including the three extra loops) and the wetland loop. Trail conditions were mostly good! The trail was a little soft as it had been groomed this morning. There were some soft center dips on the uphills and just a few spots where dirt was showing through. You might not want to use your best race skis just yet. There were good classic tracks set on most of the trails except for the hills. A big thanks to the groomers for the great work they have done.

(Tom Harris)

The best conditions and grooming in a long time. Groomed again earlier today. The skating deck looked solid and flat. The classic track deep and, given the temps, fast. A few oak leaves but did not impact the skiing. If you have loved skiing O'Brien in the past, it's time to return - great skiing.

(Jim Smith)

Most of the park was freshly groomed, except South American but I think the groomer was still working. Skied the entire system except for South America and it was groomed for skating and a solid classic track. The skating lane was a bit soft but given some set up time it should be just right. The classic tracks were mostly full depth and solid. If you can take the temps it should be great skiing for a while. Some of the best conditions I have seen here in a long time.

(Jim Smith)