Pike Island loop is ski-able but only in fair condition with non-groomed track made by skiers. Icy in spots. Apparently the newly repaired grooming equipment broke down before the fresh snow could be packed and tracked. It was still beautiful and peaceful. Park staff are frustrated too and hope repairs can be done quickly.

(Karen Margolis)

There are blazed trails (tracks from other skiers) on path out to and around Pike Island. The Fort Snelling website says their grooming equipment is currently not working. Conditions are good.

(Heidi McEllistrem)

Skied around Snelling Lake this afternoon. The tracks, as expected, are very shallow, but quite usable. There was enough (barely) sticky new snow to cover any leaves and twigs, although it also made it rather slow. Hikers have pretty much stayed off the tracks except between the lake and the Visitor Center, where they are pretty much obliterated.

(Curt Hillstrom)

Conditions were so-so down at Pike Island. Skied down from 54th street on the MN Valley State trail. This was surprisingly in better shape than usual with minimal people/dogs/deer walking in the classic track. Pike was a different story. Skied it counter-clockwise (taking a right coming off the bridge onto the island). The first mile was okay, but pretty shallow tracks that phased in and out of existence and shifted around quite a bit. The middle mile had a lot of dirt/debris kicked up/showing to the point of having to stop numerous times in attempt to avoid scuffing up the skis. The last mile was by far in the best condition. Careful under the Mendota bridge as well if you venture out that way. There's lots of rocks showing there. All in all, still skiable and it's great scenery, but I wouldn't go down there with a set of skis that are dear to you and/or looking for pristine conditions.

(John Leaf)

I did the Pike Island loop. It is groomed and, though well used, in good condition. No bare spots and not much debris on the trails at all. I had a great time!

(Carol Ball)

I’m still a beginner skier so I’m not an expert on conditions but I classic skied the loop on Pike island and it was real nice. The loop was recently groomed and I found no icy or leaf covered spots. Hikers appear to be staying off the groomed trails too which is great.

Photos:

(Robin Gadient)