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)

Skate skied the three loops this evening with my headlamp. Trails were decent overall considering the amount of snow the groomers have to work with. Grass showing in a several spots at the tops of hills and debris here and there. Main issues to note are near the NE corner of the course, near the radio tower, there is an area where the trails is obliterated by truck/tractor tracks (tree trimming?), there is debris on the trail and it's challenging finding the trail on the other side in the dark. Throughout the course some truck/ tractor appears to have driven across the deck in multiple locations. A few spots where my poles hit pavement. Overall pretty solid for the snow levels, hopefully a bit more snow and more grooming and it will be in solid shape.

(Jim Carlen)

Skied all three loops this morning twice, good coverage for skate, no classic track set yet. Very few sticks/grass spots poking through. B ski territory.

(Patrick Johnson)