I thought I would check it out for classic. First, I like the small changes they have made to the course in the past week! Second, the classic tracks, reset in certain places, were filled with windblown snow, especially on the east-west portions. I spent much of my time outside of the tracks on the skate deck, which was faster than the tracks without being dangerously so. It wasn't the dreamscape I experienced a week ago, but it was still pretty good. I noted rock skis because the icy bits are pretty aggressive (I had to turn up my audio book so I could hear over the sound of my skis crunching ice). Kudos to the groomers for doing what they can with the little snow that they have.

(Michael Kuhne)

After reading the weekend reports I was optimistic but didn’t find the skate conditions skiable this morning. Turned around after less than a km as it was solid ice. Must have softened again and the hardened. Skied back in the classic tracks which seemed ok but I only saw a small part of the track.

(Tyler Lindquist)

Classic tracks about 1/3 pretty good and 2/3 pretty icy. Very fast especially downhills. Too icy to be fun for me. Did not skate but others were. Skate deck looked pretty hard and bumpy.

(Kathy Magnuson)

A bit icy in spots, but easily avoidable and some really nice stretches that were in really nice shape with nice deep track for classic. Grip tape worked good for traction and Blue Fast Wax for glide, and fast conditions. With a little caution and care you can have a very good experience even with fair conditions.

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(Scott Ford)

St Paul Parks and Rec is too modest. The groomer did a phenomenal job setting the classic track, and packing the skate deck. Yes, some icy spots (3-4, just a few meters each), and a few places where some debris is poking through, but there is a track, and what appeared to be a reasonably firm skate deck, salvaged out of some really tough conditions. B skis, but only because why risk good skis, but all in all, just a terrific salvage from extremely marginal conditions.

(Bob Cattanach)

The skate deck was groomed today and overall conditions are low to okay, based on the warmer temperatures and recent rain. There are slushy spots, icy spots, and exposed groundcover, but for those still really wanting to get it - it can be manageable.

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(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

The skate deck was rolled this morning and has about 2-3 inches of snow on top (soft conditions, with some wet areas), and no classic tracks laid. It is scheduled to be groomed tomorrow weather permitting- we are looking for colder temperatures for the snow to set up, more snow, and no additional rain.

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(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Very wet snow enhanced the coverage at Phalen. Skate deck is in good shape and should survive warm weather. The groomer has changed the track in a few spots to miss the thin spots.

(Bill Stuber)

Classic skied at dusk and did two laps. The classic track is spotty: lots of places with grass showing through, but all of them are avoidable. The skating deck is firm, but there are also places where grass is showing through. By the time I started the second lap, the tracks were starting to ice a bit. With high temps, the best time to ski Phalen is probably in the morning before the tracks and deck soften too much.

(Michael Kuhne)

Skating deck and classic tracks were very good. Few sparse spots- easy to avoid. We thoroughly enjoyed our day.

(Kathie Culhane-Pera)