Grooming underway at 5pm Thursday. I saw groomer making multiple passes to lay corduroy skate deck on all three loops north of Larpenteur. No classic tracks set by time I departed at sundown but groomer was still working. Multiple spots with exposed grass, gravel and ice, mostly from wind having blown bare hilltops before grooming. Some snow drifts already due to strong winds.

(Kermit Pattison)

Skated all three trails tonight. Trails are about 75% covered with the other 25% having bare ground or patches of ice. Conditions ranged from soft and somewhat deep to faster and packed. Groomer was out making passes while I was skiing. No classic track set. Looked like he had been out earlier in the day as well. When I left, he was grooming the portion across Larpenteur.

(Caitlin Anderson)

We skated with B ski's today and yesterday. Tops of hills and south facing hills had occasional patches of grass showing through which could be avoided easily. Yesterday the deck was firm and fast but yet able to get an edge. Today was hard and icy. I would only recommend skiing if you are very confident on your skis. I slowed down on the downhills to make sure my skis didn't get caught in icy ruts. Being in St. Paul for the holidays I was happy to be able to get a couple skis under the belt. Keeping fingers crossed for more snow.

(Nic Bacigalupo)

Everything was groomed tonight after the temps dropped. No classic track. Waiting for a part still and with the temps/rain/holiday there likely won't be track set until after Christmas. Skate lane looks pretty good. I did see a fat bike track tonight, please mindfully let any hikers or fatbikers that trails are for skiing only.

(Mitch Hoffman)

A firm base, but with variable conditions as the 17+ mph winds have swept numerous spots thin, and others drifted. A number of spots have ruts from tree-work vehicles. No classic track set. The tunnel under Larpenteur Ave has a thin base of ice and snow to ski to the trail on the south side, which is softer, and a little more protected from the winds.

(Michael Sweet)

Wonderful conditions! Nice firm even skate deck, very easy to get an edge. There were a few thin spots where grass was showing through, but they were all easily avoidable, so no problem at all skiing with good skis. No classic tracks yet, but great skate conditions!

Photos:

(Tyler Gilbert)

Everything is groomed and should set up great in the deep freeze. We will have the tracks set soon, just waiting on a grooming part. Skijoring is allowed south of Larpenter. Great to have some snow!

(Mitch Hoffman)

Trails were rolled and groomed today. Corduroy on all trails, but no classic tracks set. Good coverage in most areas, small amounts of grass exposed in only a few spots, winds may cause snow to cover the corduroy in some areas.

(Alison Oase)

Nice, fairly firm groomed trails. Trails aren't chopped up too badly except a couple places. Wind is blowing out the trail in the few spots too, but still fun skiing. Not many people there this afternoon.

(Samuel Chamberlain)

Nice firm skate deck with light drifting and some grass poking out. Although there was some grass I didn't see or feel anything likely to cause ski damage. Not too crowded today.

(Craig Stolen)