Rock hard and lightning fast for skating tonight. Track is solid too. I don't know what grooming is planned for tonight but temperatures seem like it could really set up nice in the morning. This evening the trail also featured MN Natural Wonder Mark Thone and his lovely spouse.

(Joe Dolan)

Arrived just before 9am and skied 4 laps. The snow guns were on but turned off shortly after I arrived. Conditions were good. No sugar, though the newer snow was fairly solid and a bit slippery. Good to see they take advantage of the freezing temps while we have them to add to the base.

(Paul Larson)

Skied at noon. The track was firm, surprisingly. No slush, no water. Trail was softening in the practice area. Crowns had decent grip on the moist heavily transformed snow. Skate deck appeared firm. Two skaters and me. Wind brutal.

(Ralph Schwartz)

Skied a few laps of the 1k loop. About a dozen other skiers joined me around 8:45am. A bit slushy, but very skiable. Base seems pretty thick so I hope it can endure the next 4 or 5 days. Cold weather, where art thou?

(Paul Larson)

Was even softer around 11 when I was there but wow, what fun to be out on snow and shaking out the wobbly legs. Huge thanks to Three Rivers for getting this going and to Bruce for keeping skiers informed!

(Joe Dolan)

Trail was much softer today when I skied around 9 am. More skiers too. Still nice to be on snow, especially with the brown lawns everywhere else in the Cities.

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)

As advertised, a 1K loop on man-made snow, covering the section from the chalet down to the practice area. Only moderately busy when I skied around 10 am. Some of hills were getting soft, not surprisingly. Coverage was good, and the snow as fast. Doesn't appear like the second half of the trail will be completely any time soon.

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)

Approximately 1K of ski trails will open for use at 5am on Saturday, Nov 25th. Chalet will be open 8am -9pm on weekends and 9am - 9pm on weekdays.

(Bruce Bolduan, Three Rivers Park District)

Looks like Elm Creek is about ready to open as long as we don't get rain tomorrow. Was told they will make announcement tomorrow. Pictures taken today at 2:30 pm.

Photos:

(Matt Liebsch, Pioneer Midwest Ski Shop)

Elm Creek is busy making snow and coverage looks promising. We hope for an opening soon! Saw a lot of snow being made.

Photos:

(Matt Liebsch, Pioneer Midwest Ski Shop)