The skate deck has not been groomed today. Lots of areas on the trail that have grass poking through but very skiable. Nordic track looks user made but in good condition for most of the trails.

Photos:

(Ethan Knuti)

Thin base with some grassy spots. Tracks in a few places. Reasonable conditions considering the wind and drifting from the earlier snowfall.

(Chip Treen)

Phalen was surprisingly well covered and busy! The skate deck has been rolled recently but not today with loose snow cover on most of it. There are many spots where grass and twigs are poking through. Maybe B skis but certainly not A's. Homemade classic tracks are along most of the course. For now, be willing to ski around bad spots and enjoy.

Photos:

(Greg Loper)

Rolled but not tracked. You could gouge your skis on the few pavement/gravel crossings, so be careful (I ski-walked a few), but overall not bad skiing. The roller makes big corduroy that can guide your classic skis, but classic was just OK due to pretty soft kick. Skating was actually pretty fun and the snow fairly fast despite the low temps. Some grassy spots but only one place where gravel was showing. Good flat-ski/long glide motivation! Will probably return tomorrow.

(Pete Thurmes)

Looks pretty great, rolled out very well, and not many grassy patches. No classic tracks until more snow.

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Classiced Phalen this afternoon and found it rather nice. The ground is still wet under snow and there are some puddles. Many people have been out so there are plenty of tracks to jump into. Just as easy to make your own. With the new coating of snow we received to day skiing should be excellent Friday. There have been a few skaters out although it looked like they were hitting the grass on push off.

(Bill Stuber)