Cold and slow. Tracks a little thin in places but mostly OK. However, there was powder blown into the tracks in most places; where it was, the glide was sandpaper-slow. The exception was the west side along Arcade - there the glide was OK, especially after I did several traverses, which made the tracks slicker.

(Pete Thurmes)

Good coverage and was groomed at one point but now has been windswept and left large segments without classic tracks. Skate skiing deck looked great for the most part.

(Austin Bell)

Classic skiing. Went around the entire trail. Freshly groomed. Wind swept with powder covering the classic tracks in many areas. Cold and windy.

(Abijah Muthyala)

Groomer had not been out before my 3:30 visit, but lots of snow. Followed a vague outline of classic trail within the width of the groomer, and wandered off trail into the powder. Two or three people braving the quickly falling temp and high winds. Still a great time to be out, and a great space to explore.

(Tim Lehman)

Started just as a light rain began. Good coverage but it was glazing up making the corners and side-hill sections a little dicey. Hope we get a little snow out of this.

(Gary Roach)

Surprisingly good conditions for how little snow we've had and how much usage. Classic tracks were quite good. Some icy spots, missing corners and debris, but overall very pleasant.

(Dee Hein)

Thanks to the groomers for doing a great job. Wide, perfectly groomed skate deck. A few thin spots where ice is showing through but easy to manage.

(Robert Kraftson)

Phalen was groomed this morning. Overall the trail is in great shape, and the only observation is a couple areas where the classic tracks are a little thin. Happy Winter Carnival weekend!

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Hard packed, but very skiable. No bare spots. One area under a tree had a lot of debris, but it was easy to avoid. Very few skiers so we almost had the place to ourselves. A bit more snow and another run with the groomer would help. Good place to avoid others skiers. The classic track was mostly ok, with some washed out places.

(Chip Treen)

Looks like deck was rolled and tracks set yesterday. Much firmer. Some very minor debris under some trees and tiny patches of ice showing through. Really great coverage everywhere else!

Photos:

(Grant Schoen)