Headed out to William O'Brien around 9 this morning based on the great trail reports from yesterday. Definitely a good decision! They got about an inch or two of fresh snow overnight, and the groomer was working on the skate deck when I got out there. By the time I left around 11, the groomer had already made a couple passes on the main loop. The spur loops were untouched when I left but certainly skiable, especially if you want a workout. I imagine conditions will only get better as the day goes on!

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(Nick Arth)

The park manager was back out grooming this morning after the excellent job at the O'Brien race on Sunday. This morning, skating was about the best I've had all season! Fast snow, easy to catch an edge, and complete coverage. The entire course is excellent and fast. The classic track is firm and iced in spots. I'd suggest klister until we get a little dusting (looks like that might happen this evening). The park has totally done a 180 in maintaining the ski trails and are doing a really great job this year. Come out and see!

(Brian Wicklund)

Plenty of coverage throughout the trail system. A little tree litter, but nothing that can't be avoided. Trails were not groomed after the race yesterday, and are very crusty, icy, and rutted so I'd say poor to fair conditions. Could be good once they groom again. Be cautious on the downhills until then. Not for the faint of heart.

(Thomas Gahr)

Props and a huge thanks to Wayne at the park for his excellent grooming work to prep the course for the Marine O'Brien Race on Sunday. I raced the 25K classic and the tracks were bomber, going up and down. Skated for a while after the race and the deck was firm and fast. Super fun day and a top-notch race. Trails should be in great shape with the cold temps.

(Andy Powell)

Skated the outer loop for the Marine O'Brien race. Conditions were excellent, the snow was super fast and plenty soft enough to get an edge. There were a few dirty/thin spots at the top of South America, but pretty easy to avoid. I skated, but classic tracks looked pretty solid most of the way around. Thanks to the groomers for salvaging the snow after Friday's warmup and to the race organizers for another excellent race!

(Mike Keyes)

We skate skied the outer loop, plus one spur loop. The main loop was groomed and excellent. This park has a nice mix of flat and hills. None of the spur loops were groomed yet, but we tried one anyway. It was far too icy for comfort going down those big hills. I think they planned on grooming them that night.

(Beth Hedlund)

I skied the course this morning and it is looking great. The park staff is grooming this evening ahead of the race tomorrow. With cooler temps this evening the course should be firm and fast tomorrow morning. Classic tracks are set around the entire course.

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(Christian Brekke)

Had another enjoyable late afternoon ski on the main loop. There was one short section where one track was deep enough so my boot kept scraping the sides but no big deal. Really hope the high temps don't mess things up too much. Would help if it gets really warm, people stay off the trails in the afternoon.

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(Mike Chrun)

After seeing conflicting reports about conditions at the park I took a ski around the loop this morning. Great snow coverage, must have a foot of new snow, and therein lies the issue. The main loop - minus the hilly loops - was in great shape, being groomed for both classic and skate. The hilly loops which branch off were rolled but not groomed therefore, no classic track and no corduroy. I think the groomer made the wise decision to pack (roll) the trails and let them set up overnight, and continue grooming this morning. I skied the South America loop shortly after it had been groomed this morning and it was wonderful for both classic and skate. If the meltdown Friday is not too bad this could be the best conditions for the O'Brien race in years.

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(Jim Smith)

Wonderful conditions, in my opinion, the best in several years. I didn't ski the outer loops, but the main one was tracked and was very solid at the end of the day. A couple of the Forest Lake skiers sounded like the hilly parts were also good.

(Mike Chrun)