Attempted to ski to Pike Island from 54th street, but found the trailhead and immediate path plowed. It looked like someone had been doing some type of maintenance work as there was a truck parked at the trailhead related to tree service. Parked instead at the Fort, which I also would not recommend as the hill down is not groomed and quite uneven. Tracks were otherwise in decent shape around Pike Island, although shallower and in need of a re-groom more than the other times I've been out here in the last few weeks. Also skied up the MN valley state trail to see the extent of the plow job. It stopped about even with the cold water spring. The best/only option for parking now would be at the state park's visitor center.

(John Leaf)

Take advantage of a very rare year to enjoy the scenic beauty on Pike Island at the confluence of the Mississippi and the Minnesota rivers on good snow! It looks like it was groomed just before the last 3 inches of fluff. Skiers have since set the track nicely. North Country skiing in the city. Classic only.

Photos:

(Jim Mullin)

Conditions are excellent on Pike Island but someone has walked on the tracked ski trail on nearly the whole perimeter. If you see people doing this gently remind them that the walking trail is separate. (Or at least please avoid the ski track.).

(Karen Lee)

As of 10:45 am Pike Island was rolled but not tracked. Some of the other trails, such as the up hill trail on the north side of Snelling Lake was untouched.

(Robert Bergad)

On Pike Island conditions still good but a little icy in spots.

(Karen Lee)

Pike Island rolled, packed, and double tracked. Nice! The trail from the visitors center up the Minnehaha Trail to 54th Street was rolled and single tracked. Only a few skiers used this section by 4:00 pm and walkers and dogs had not messed up the trail as of yet.

(Robert Bergad)

I classic skied from 54th St down to Pike Island, around and back. Rolled and freshly laid double tracks were near perfect the whole way, as was the weather.

Photos:

(Jason Heaton)

Went to Fort Snelling this afternoon. Pike Island is packed and has decent man-made classic tracks. Park staff said they would set track tomorrow. Snow is soft and slow, but should firm up. Nice to be outside!

(Elaine Ito)

Slow going over fresh snow on Pike Island. I followed skier made fresh tracks over a previously groomed trail. Once groomed the conditions should be ideal. No evidence of grooming from the park along the Minnehaha Trail to East 54th Street.

(Robert Bergad)

Fun ski around Pike Island. Track was pretty messy but coverage was good. Don't be deterred by the construction by the bridge... After the bridge it is good.

Photos:

(Matt Sargent)