The groomed trails are unskiable ice sheets. The ungroomed crust next to the trails is better than expected. My index of crustability is 7/10, because I had to avoid some bare areas and skiing on the lake is impossible. Definitely much more crustable then uncrustable.

(Scott Kyser)

Unfortunately we will be closing the Phalen cross country ski trails due to the recent weather. We are unable to groom right now because of all the ice. We are hopeful we can reopen when the conditions allow. Sorry for the inconvenience.

(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

The classic skiing was wonderful this afternoon as the tracks have been "maintained" by skiers using the tracks plus the recent snow. There are some parts of the trail that are iced or bare that you can easily ski around. It is mostly near trees, and I estimate less than 10%. We used our skis with permanent kick zones; otherwise, klister would be needed. There were skate skiers out skiing without difficulty.

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(Bruce Bostrom)

Phalen was groomed this morning and is showing signs of deterioration. Ice layer tilled on skate deck and groomed. The classic track was left alone. Be mindful of wet and iced areas.

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(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Getting very slushy, and some puddles to avoid, but otherwise still skiable. Skate deck soft but easy to edge. Didn't ski classic but tracks are set and surviving throughout.

(Steven Goetz)

Got out for a beautiful ski this morning at 10:30 am right after the groomer left (great job grooming). The tracks were great and the skate deck looked great, too. A few thin spots. Many of the oak leaves were ground up into the trail, which was nice.

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(Craig Hanson)

A terrific skate deck was groomed today, it is firm and fast. A classic track was also groomed, and although there are a couple areas of exposure, overall it is in acceptable condition. Come out and enjoy what St Paul has to offer!

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(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Nice afternoon at Phalen, classic tracks were deep and solid. There were a few very brief spots with thin coverage and tree debris (I've included a picture of the worst of it) but it was easily avoidable and the rest of the trail was in great condition. Thanks groomers!

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(Chloe Zick)

A bunch of us from TCBC classic skied this morning and as advertised, it was really nice! Sure, a couple spots with leaves, a couple spots with ice in the bottom of the tracks, but overall, excellent! John skated and said that was very nice also. Phalen GC is a fun loop, especially on a day like Saturday with no wind. Thanks to the groomer for grooming and also for the report. He didn't lie!

(Carol Fitzgerald)

Few words are needed. It's simply beautiful. The skate deck is perfect. The classic is flawless. Enjoy.

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(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)