That is a wrap on the nordic ski season. The thaw has left us with bare ground or ice and we expect more warm weather ahead. Many thanks to our hardworking groomers and everyone who came out and used our trails this winter. Saint Paul Parks and Recreation really values having ski trails within our urban setting and hope you do to.

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Phalen was groomed this morning with the PistonBully. The trail is skiable but took a hit with all the warm weather. There is some ice and some bare spots that can be mostly avoided. Due mostly to equipment issues, we will have to suspend grooming at Phalen. We will continue to groom Como and Highland-9 which held up better over the weekend. If we get a new helping of snow we will work to reposition equipment and groom Phalen some more. For now please enjoy the trail that is there.

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Seems Phalen got a fresh groom that is set up pretty nicely. There are now 2 sets of classic tracks, though it's a coin toss as to which ones are best. The one big caveat is that the classic tracks have been filled up in many places by drifting snow, so while the tracks are not washed out, they are both a challenge to stay inside of, as well as slow. There was some ice in a couple of spots, but nothing to be too scared of. Oh, and a handful of leaves that folks seem to be worried about these days, though there was little to no impact to the glide. I was on my A skis, which are some old waxless Fischers, formerly owned and rented out by Hennepin County. That is to say, that I have neither the knowledge or experience to give you any of the finer details appreciated by so many in this sport. Cheers!

(John Kelley)

First time at Phalen. Lovely grooming, lovely layout, lovely time. Very few leaves. Go!

(John Longballa)

Went with my three daughters (11, 9, and 7) - all beginners. Soft, slow tracks. Nicely groomed, perfect for beginners. Some debris, but did not impact our ski. Loved the rolling hills that did not scare the girls. Likely slow for an advanced skier, but great for us.

(Amy Schaeffer)

Phalen is in good condition although covered with slow wind blown snow. Classic tracks are in good condition but icy in some spots. There is plenty of snow, no bare ground showing, just tree liter.

(Bill Stuber)

35% ice, 35% leaf debris, 30% perfect classic trail. Skate deck looked great. Apparently I need different skis.

(Howard McCann)

Classical tracks not new. They were probably groomed earlier this week, and in some areas wind blown. But I did have a good classic ski.

(Deb Fineman)

Classic track was recently groomed and the skating lane was too but nicely skied in. Snow was slow so if you have not glide waxed recently you might want to do so before going. There is a slight berm between the skate lane and the classic track that can get you if you don’t watch out.

Photos:

(Ronald Okenfuss)

First time at Phalen. Skied two laps and was really pleased with how it went. The new snow was groomed earlier in the day. Beautiful conditions. Firmer than what I expected with the fresh snow. It should set up well over the next few days.

(Greg Egbert)