I recommend parking on Spring Lake Drive and skiing the back loop only (if you do that, you could get away with using B skis). It’s in good condition, with only a scattering of debris and a few small bare spots. The classic tracks are fairly eroded, but the skate deck is fairly soft, not hardpan. Pine Valley lives up to its name on the front loop. It’s carpeted in pine debris and basically unskiable. Also, walkerrs on the front loop of the trail and left deep holes - apparently those walkers didn't get to the back loop, so there’s no footprints there. I posted two photos of the front loop and two of the back loop.

Photos:

(Kari Hedin)

The most amazing trails you will ever ski on, I can't believe the snow is not man made because it is so perfect. There is not a single leaf or pine needle able to be seen on any part of this gorgeous trail system! These are by far the best trails in Minnesota right now, and I've skied at Giants Ridge and Theodore Wirth park earlier this week and they don't even come close to how great Pine Valley is. You have to ski these trails if you haven't already.

(Joshua Sanders)

There is a lot of debris under the pines. Classic tracks are shallow and washed out in places. Skate deck is hard, but skaters should fare better than classic skiers. Needs grooming.

(Tim Blais)

The trail is freshly groomed, with a deep classic track. Near zero this morning, I expect that the trail is firm.

(Tim Blais)

We classic skied and skated all the trails at Pine Valley today. The trails were very well used because the groomer was just out yesterday! I skijored the short loop and it was the first time I had been on it since it was just an ungroomed side trail. The trail is beautiful with a gigantic lollipop so if you want to practice your step turns it's a great place to do that! The classic tracks on the short loop were wiped out on many of the curves and there were lots of foot and dog prints. Despite that it was still really great and did not interfere with our ski. The main loop was also well used and I'm guessing it was the ski team who went backwards on the trail causing some challenges on the downhill where they skated up. The scariest downhills were also well snowplowed. It's an awesome trail if you want a good hill workout and even though it was well used in just a day, it's still in great shape!

(Eve Graves)

Not groomed since the last 3 inch snow. Skied in classic tracks are surprisingly fast. Used skin skis with temps at near 32 degrees. Not much traffic today. Two very good skaters on the trail. Good conditions given the temperature.

(Tim Blais)

Nicely groomed and tracked. A lot of debris in the classic track, especially under the evergreens on the front or lighted loop. The back loop is better, but still has some debris. Grooming has been very good, but we need new snow for the classic track. Skate deck looks very good.

(Tim Blais)

Excellent conditions at Pine Valley. The skate deck is firm and fast. Thankfully there is no ice, the groomers have done a great job reconditioning the trail since the rain and sleet. It was quiet on the trail, so nice to be in the woods without crowds, and able due to fine grooming to relax going up and down the hills.

Photos:

(George Wawro)

Skating was very nice and classic track looked good as well. Snow was soft enough to be forgiving over hard pack but still quick with effort less glide.

(John Jereczek)

Great conditions, thanks again to the groomers. Track is nicely set and fast and skating lane is wide and a mix of nice corduroy and chewed up snow, but fast and wonderful nonetheless.

(Josh Meltzer)