Inspired by the reports from the man-made snow loops in the Minneapolis area, I tried my luck on the Standing Rock man-made loop and found fairly good conditions. Plenty of coverage, no grooming, but the snow was just starting to soften when I started (at about 9:30 a.m.) enough to be able to control the downhills and give a purchase for pushing off. Around and around for one hour, including up to the top of the downhill run from where the trail crosses. No "sun sucky" areas during my time there, even in areas in full sun. Nice ski to the sounds of red winged blackbirds down in the Bear Lake cattails.

(Tim Corcoran)

All trails groomed and tracked for both classic and skate. However the wind has blown debris on the trails. Particularly in the pine areas skiers need to pay attention for branches and leaves in the tracks. 90% of the trails are in good shape but I say B skis due to hidden branches lurking under the skate deck. Park staff said they will continue grooming, most likely Monday and Friday. Hurrah!

Photos:

(Scott Frazier)

About 4" of fresh fluffy snow. The groomers made a pass around most of the loops, but some of the interior blue loops were not rolled or tracked as of mid-afternoon. The fresh snow really helped bury a lot of the debris on the trail. Very good conditions!

(Joe Bednarowski)

It looked like the entire system was groomed in the morning. Great tracks and very level skate deck. There were more than a few pine needles on the trail and a few sticks and leaves, especially on the outer loops, but nothing to get worked up about. Great ski!

(Joe Bednarowski)

All skate lanes were groomed. And tracks were set on all trails. They are all in excellent condition.

(Rex Runke)

It almost never gets better than this at the Rocks. A plush carpet of snow throughout, no oak or pine debris to speak of, sunny skies and a hint of spring with the milder temps. The snow is not quite firmed up - the skate deck was pretty beaten up by mid-afternoon. Neither fast nor sluggish; perfect conditions for going full throttle down Last Thrill.

(Rick Bie)

Classic skied the blue trail. Tracks were firm with occasional oak leaves. In a few places the both the skate deck and the classic tracks where thin with rare dirt spots. However it was snowing hard when I left at noon. Overall a good ski!

(Ron Fabrizius)

Great day to be out. Very solid tracks in great condition. Skate deck was firm and level with only one or two lumpy spots.

(Joseph Bednarowski)

The trails are in excellent condition. Track has been set on all the trails, turned out hard and clean. The skate deck was setting up fast. Should be great conditions for the weekend.

Photos:

(Josh Nemec)

Standing Rocks man made snow ski loop is in excellent condition. The rest of the trails are mostly ice covered. We attempted to groom the lighted loop with the following results: the South and West sides of Loggers Loop are good and Maple Fork is fair. The North and East sides of Loggers Loop are mostly ice. Track is set on the man made snow loop only. You may want to use rock or B skis on the Green loop. All other loops were too icy to groom.

Photos:

(Rex Runke)