Decided to classic ski William O'Brien State Park mid-day today. I read O'Brien's website this morning that the groomers would not be setting any classic tracks until the temps dropped below freezing and for now they would be grooming over the skate deck waiting for temps to drop. I decided to ski there anyhow. It definitely was icy, and as the photos show, the grading machine slung chunks of snow into all the classic tracks. But the skate deck was in good shape, newly groomed, so I did all my classic skiing on the skate deck. I skied past the campgrounds, under the tunnel and along the woodland edge trail, down the other side, across the tracks and along the wetland trail, then finished on the wedge hill savanna trail, and back to the interpretive center. On that last little downhill chute after the wedge hill savanna trail, there were 3 or 4 bales of hay left over from the citizens race a couple weekends ago which gave me some confidence of getting down to the flats without flying off the trail. Even if conditions weren't perfect, it was just awesome to get outside and ski.

Photos:

(Harlan Jones)

Fantastic conditions throughout the trail system. The groomer was out around 9am, and the skate deck was pristine - rarely does it get better. The classic tracks looked to be in very good condition, with some leaves/debris/seeds, but not egregious.

(Jason Goepfert)

Trails were all freshly groomed when I arrived Sunday mid morning. Fresh corduroy throughout the park, thanks groomers. Skied for hours, every trail was in excellent condition.

(Kelly Knaus)

Skate deck has had plenty of use, but was still in good condition, easy edges, medium fast. The Prairie Overlook Trail was terrific, haven't been over there for a long time, great hills! Classic tracks were nice most of the way around. On the prairie section large stretches have been windblown, but all in all, a great day on the skis. Enjoy it while we've got it, it's already February!

(John Kieselhorst)

It's always like a magical dream out at William O'Brien Park. Lots of leaves and some twigs and bark on groomed trails (classic), so slow but still nice out there. Found myself at times skiing in the skate groomed trail. Skied hardwood hills, Prairie overlook, Woodland edge, and rolling Savanna Trails.

(Nicole Coleman)

Classic has a very nice set track but a lot of debris (twigs, leaves, etc). Hard to get a glide going due to the debris on the set tracks.

(Margo Anderst)

Skied the main large loop. Both skate and classic decks beautifully groomed, classic tracks firm and fast. A few leaves and box elder samaras here and there, but nothing bad. Get out and enjoy!

(Rita Minnichsoffer)

It looked like the entire system was groomed earlier today. We skied Woodland edge loop and did not ski every loop but it was pretty obvious that all loops looked to have perfect corduroy and fresh set track. Leaves were not bad at all. Downhills were nice corduroy and no ice. Nice job groomers! Perfect touch!

Photos:

(William Buell)

Skated the full loop and the Rolling Hills Meadow. Looks like it hasn't been groomed in a couple of days, especially worn on the first section, but don't be fooled. Further out I found the skate deck less worn and in nice shape. Classic track looked good as well. I didn't ski it, but saw one other skier on moving well on classics.

(John Kieselhorst)

Raced/Skied/Toured Marine O'Brien. Classiced the race and the tracks and skate deck were excellent for the outer loop. Plenty of snow. A great thank you for all the work they did to pull off the race! When it warms up enjoy this gem.

(Mike Cramer)