Spring skiing lives in WRSP. Patchy, corn-snow, slushy, with a thin layer if ice underneath in some areas, making it faster than expected. Skiable. Enjoyed it. The 36-41 degrees range is quite nice.

Photos:

(Ginny Ballantine)

Park staff report lots of tree litter down after the recent snowfall of around 4.5 inches. Standard procedure after big wind is to do a trail inspection for down trees. Staff hooked up the roller and packed the new snow as he checked trails. After the inspection, he tried the tracksetter. No go; he found spotty and shallow snowpack over an icy surface. Classic skiers have no track. Skate skiers should not expect a beautiful, clean deck. All skiers should expect some ice in low or sunny spots. I walked a packed multi use trail and saw some of this firsthand. I did see people going out on skis. Blown knee on Sunday so my ski season is over.

(Jeff Bolte)

Word just came across the groomer's line that trails will be opened to hiking for the season on Saturday, March 3. Skiers Only signs will be coming down tomorrow. Office staff will be telling visitors about the change. Expect to share the trail with hikers if you ski. It was the best ski season at Willow in the last three. Thanks for skiing at Willow River! The Buckthorn Brigade is ready to get out and work when enough snow melts. I always include some ski trail brushing work for this crew. Outside the Brigade, I will run trail brushing crews randomly through April.

(Jeff Bolte)

Spring ski conditions prevail. It's icy and rocket fast in the morning, slushy and soft later in the day. The park staff plans to open ski trails to hikers and pets on Saturday. Groomers will groom if conditions warrant.

(David Thofern)

Skied many of the trails and have to say that they are in the best condition I have encountered in a long time. They are normally great out here....today they were exceptional. The groomers do such an good job and the skate deck is solid with only very minor tree debris (I removed most twigs, but much of the trail system is heavily wooded and subject to more at any time). The only major trail loops I wasn't on were the White Tail (red) and Trout Brook (purple) loops. Several downhill portions can be fast so be cautious. The only real icy spot I encountered was at the Willow Falls ascending to the top of the big hill where foot traffic is permitted. The deer are also curious so be cautious for them. I saw at least 9 deer on this trip through and they can be curious and not move for you, or in other cases, make quick movements and startle a skier. As far as skis...virtually any will work...good, B, rock, etc...simply get out and enjoy!

(Gary Simon)

All of the trails have been groomed after Saturday's snowfall. The warm weather has settled the snow on the skate deck. With the exception of the Red Trail, everything has been tracked. The Red Trail should be tracked early Tuesday morning.

(David Thofern)

All classic tracks are pretty much washed out from the beach and around the campground. Until they are tracked again, it was pretty much real slow going.

(Scott Nelson)

The park received another 5". All trails were packed,widened and flattened Sunday. Skate deck looked very good but was soft but setting up overnight. Tracking will commence on Monday.

Photos:

(Bob Richardson)

The park received about 6 inches of new snow. All trails were packed and then groomed and tracked. This should be the best skiing of the season.

(David Thofern)

Orange Trail. Beautifully groomed and tracked. Really nice glaze in tracks and corduroy skate deck. Get out and celebrate in honor of our USA XC women's ski teams Gold Medal!

Photos:

(Ginny Ballantine)