I skied Pike Island. The big loop on on outside the island had undisturbed classic tracks all the way around. The bisecting (cut across) trails were more affected by hiker bootprints. Really nice snow pack to push off of. The main obstacle today was twig/bark litter and deer/coyote scat. Saw a few deer and birds. It was my first time skiing here and I really enjoyed it for a mellow and flat ski in a beautiful natural setting.

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(Cory Quirk)

I skied the Pike Island Loop in the morning with my girlfriend and some of her family members. The loop, to my knowledge, is the only loop at Fort Snelling double tracked and for skiing only. The tracks were semi-shallow, due to lower snow, but in good condition. There was a few sections of debris; a few rocks, sticks and leaves, but easily avoidable. The temperatures were perfect, and the snow was fast. The island is nice and sheltered from the wind, and it was gorgeous with the sun streaming through the tall trees. As a bonus, we saw a herd of 10 deer, grazing in the woods!

(Chris Jopp)

Lovely experience on Pike Island Trail classic ski loop. Double track was in pretty good condition, especially considering the many happy skiers out and about. Do watch out for the occasional dog/coyote feces around the trails to not plant a ski pole or step aside into an unpleasant surprise. Saw a group of four deer. Terrific day! Will be back.

(Emily Hietpas)

Conditions are good. A few twigs and leaves and animal scat but no bare ground. The wildlife doesn't disappoint. The last photo is from the portion on the south side with the least snow. The people walking their leash-less dog on the ski path were doing more damage to my hope for civility than the tracks.

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(David Glaser)

Pike Island track is set. Some debris, a little ice but no bare spots. Occasional beaver and deer tracks to see and an owl pellet dropped in one place. Great ski as trees blocked the wind. Could use good skis with minimal dancing around a few spots.

(Thomas Eckstein)

Tracks in great shape at Pike Island. Set fresh today after our most recent snowfall. Tracks were also laid from 54th street on the bike trail down the the Fort and were in good shape. More debris down on the bike trail, so you might opt for B skis there if you're more cautious. Also skied a little past the Mendota bridge, but there's lots of gravel that gets kicked up there and isn't in as good of condition as Pike.

(John Leaf)

Conditions this morning were about as good as it gets on the 3-mile Pike Island Loop at Fort Snelling: freshly groomed this morning, a reasonably deep classic track, and no damage yet from walkers or deer. If you want to ski Fort Snelling, now is the time. Note that the quarter-mile access trail to Pike Island is packed, but not typically groomed for skiing. Set track starts as soon as you cross the bridge to Pike Island.

(Mark Strobel)

Pike Island, once you cross the bridge, trails are good. Freshly groomed, it seems. Semi-deep tracks.

(Emily Spende)

There was about 1.5 inches of fresh snow since the last grooming (though a coyote did it’s best to groom the first 10 percent of the trail!) but the second time around the track was fast! There is a little ice under the snow on the south side but it’s quite well covered. I’d call it spectacular.

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(David Glaser)

Surprisingly good conditions at Fort Snelling Pike Island loop. New signage seems to be working to cut down on trampling.

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(Ann Cohen)