The skate deck has a few bare spots but is in good shape in spite of the warm weather. The classic tracks are shallow and appear to be improvised for good parts of the course. It also appears that the course has been shorted to eliminate areas where coverage was deteriorating on the south end. The groomers have done a great job with what they have to work with. I would expect the warm weather in the next few days to make skiing more challenging but, today, it is pretty good.

(Greg Loper)

The groomer went over the skate track Sunday morning before 10 am. I am a classic skier, but spent most of my time on the skate deck because the previous classic tracks were mostly filled in with snow, washed out or covered by the skate deck grooming. The skate deck was thin in a few spots where blades of grass were exposed and there were also pine needles next to some evergreens, but the course is mostly wide open with adequate snow. The deck was a also little soft in a couple spots. I don't know if a classic track was going to be set on Sunday as I didn't see any work on that.

(Tom Benson)

Trails remain open with some bare spots under trees. Classic track is shallow but usable. With caution you should not have issues with skis getting damaged. Have fun.

(Greg Loper)

Phalen continues to hold up with both the classic tracks and skate lane in fair to good condition. The course is skiable throughout except for the usual spots atop hills and under trees which one can easily navigate around. I classic skied and found that 85-90% of the tracks were good, although oak leaves were a hindrance in some areas. Some areas were wind blown with very little track intact, but this was the exception. The skate deck was 90-95% good with skiers reporting enough loose snow for getting an edge. It was definitely not hard packed. Fun to be out on the course again. Kudos to the groomers!

(Doug Schumacher)

The trails are holding up well. There are a few more bare spots on the skate deck but they are few and in predictable areas. One bare spot to note is on the south end at the top of a small rise where the trail goes over a cart path. It is easy to avoid if you know that it is coming. The classic track is shallow but pretty easily followed. A huge shout out to the "snow angel" who, rather than skiing, came out and shoveled snow over bare spots!

(Greg Loper)

Trails remain well covered in snow with a few predictable bare spots under trees so keep your eyes out for them. The classic track is shallow but easily followed for most of the loop (though it does disappear in places.) The skate bed is well developed. As has been the case, there are icy patches.

(Greg Loper)

Overnight winds blew quite a bit of snow around on the Phalen trails. The good news from this is that most of the bare ground was covered. The classic tracks were mostly filled in but mostly discernible. Avoiding the bare spots should not be a problem and with at least one skier having used the classic tracks, skiing should be OK.

(Greg Loper)

Phalen is a mixed bag at the moment. The whole course has been groomed and they have tried to set classic tracks. Much of the trails are very good with deep and well defined classic tracks. Other areas are icy and challenging and still a few spots are showing rock and dirt. Overall the grooming team is doing a great job with what they have to work with but there are more bare spots than before Christmas. Be careful and you should not have a problem with your B skis.

(Greg Loper)

Trails were groomed today, but conditions vary due to the thin base. This course is holding up better than the other City of Saint Paul courses. No tracks set. Please be mindful of the conditions and stay safe.

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Phalen was freshly groomed today and in great shape. Just a few bare spots in the usual places under trees. But those were easily avoided. I used my B skis with no worries. I skated but the tracks looked good, too. Just a few places where the grass was poking through. Thanks to the groomers for setting such a fine course.

(Grant Moos)