Rolled yesterday with some new snow this morning. Full coverage. Only one windswept icy patch on top of the high point. No groomed classic track. Skate deck was soft and a bit uneven in some sections. Flat light made it challenging to read the trail. Only a couple skier tracks ahead of me. Winter Wonderland!

(Carrie Kostroski)

Phalen was rolled and has overall good slow depth. There are a few wind swept spots on a few hills though. Grooming plans: Trail will be groomed in the near future.

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(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Phalen had a good groom all things considered. Classic and skate deck tilled up nicely. A few areas of patched ice, beware. Enjoy the trails before the next thaw!

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(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Tracks were well set, albeit soft and slow, especially in the sun. And this course has plenty of sun. Used skins due to smattering of leaves. May chose a more shaded course tomorrow but it was great soaking up Vitamin D at Phalen.

(Kathleen Bjornson)

An early evening groom at Phalen today! Both classic and skate decked groomed up nicely. Skate deck firming up. Enjoy the trails!

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(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Happened to catch the groomer out making the rounds. Classic tracks look perfect. I was skate skiing and the deck was wide. Softened up a bit by the end of the day, but overall in great shape. Huge thanks to the grooming crew!

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(Howard McCann)

It is so nice to be out skiing before Christmas. The trails at Phalen are set and awaiting your visit. I skied classic, there is a well set and hard skate deck and the classic lanes are there but a bit drifted in on the lee side of hills, knolls and other wind breaks. There are a few instances where leaves have settled on the tracks however they are not a performance issue. No bare ground, no grass, no rocks. I like Phalen, it is never busy, it's 7.5 km instead of the usual 5 at golf courses, and there are hills but they are short and not too steep. The section along Arcade street going north is so satisfying, a long gentle downhill where the drivers can see you, a chance to show off with little effort.

(David King)

Trail is groomed and set a double classic track. Widened out and good snow depth throughout the trail. Come on out and enjoy before the temps drop!

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(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Mother Nature was kind to us and gave a wintery treat. Trail is rolled and there are a some snow ridges on the trail. They will be groomed out in the near future. Get out and have fun!

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(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

I had a great ski on Saturday afternoon. The deck was narrow and held up well. Mind your tips as there isn't a lot of room (I'm a beginner skater skier though). There weren't any real classic tracks but plenty of people out there. There were a few spots with the dreaded oak leaves, and the tips of grass, but overall safe to use your better skis. If you are nervous, grab your B or rock skis.

(Howard McCann)