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)

Great coverage everywhere and beautiful bluebird day to be out! Skated the entire loop. The deck is pretty soft from the new snow and tracked out from the weekend traffic, think another roll and would be primo condition. Also think the melt-re-freeze the other week actually helped solidify the base. Awesome to see so many people have gotten out!

Photos:

(Grant Schoen)

Classic skied Phalen around 11AM this morning. Plenty of snow coverage with yesterday's snow, and the course was rolled this morning. No tracks were set anywhere along the 4 mile loop, and the trail needs to firm up some, but hopefully the groomers will be back out to finish grooming the trail and to set the tracks down.

(Bob Cockriel)

Phalen was rolled and groomed this morning, with about 4-5 inches of new snow over. Enjoy the beautiful winter skiing weather!

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

The classic track at Phalen is surprising. It is cut on the complete 4 mile loop. Just a few spots where it passes over ice. Tracks had blown snow in them this morning which made good kicking for me. There are glazed sections on the trail as well. I don't think there is anything that could damage your ski bases so you could use good skis. Skate track has good coverage and was softening up as the day went on.

(Bill Stuber)

Groomer really improved the trail this morning/afternoon. Skate deck is a little rough but still has some nice soft snow ski on. Tracks looked good to me, the drifted in snow was skied in and looked good. It was a shock to skate on cold slow snow at 8 degrees. We really have been spoiled.

(Bill Stuber)