Phalen was lightly groomed this afternoon and both the skate deck and classic tracks are in good shape. There are some thin areas, and the trails redirects, but overall good condition for a thin base.

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

The skate deck was packed down pretty well, but I was able to get a good edge throughout the system. Some areas showing grass, but overall good coverage. The classic track is showing signs of wear with some areas showing grass. Excellent morning to be out.

Photos:

(Ethan Knuti)

Phalen has good snow coverage with only a few spots were it is thin. The classic tracks are there but mostly washed out. The best tracks are skied in off the trail since there is plenty of snow. It is great that this place is holding up. What I would give for an inch of snow.....oh well.

(Bill Stuber)

In good shape few spots to watch out for. Also there is a sewer cap to watch out for -- need to find a construction cone to place there. Someone jumped the curb and ripped up some of the trail on the north side in a corner near the road, so watch it coming down the hill into the corner.

(Jim Trost)

First time skiing here, a little icy but good coverage for skate and no major hills so a good safe option when conditions are as they are right now. Limited trees which means minimal debris and also great to ski with just moonlight.

(Tyler Lindquist)

Phalen has seen more skiers than typical over this holiday weekend and has held up remarkably well with all the usage without much of a snow base. There is approximately 2-3 inches of snow for skate skiing on the entire course (just a few grass patches). Grooming plans: The course will most likely not be rolled, groomed, or machine classic tracks set until more snow falls and we have a deeper base to work with. The classic tracks set by skiers are in moderately good condition, but washed out in some places. Fingers crossed for more snow and colder temperatures. The trail is right near 7k in length.

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Skied the loop around 8am on Saturday morning. Classic tracks are in decent shape, but washed out in all the expected spots - turns, downhills, uphills, etc. A few leaves and grass near trees, but overall quite good. Did not run into any rocks or bare ground. Tracked the ski through GPS and it's just about 7k for the full loop.

(Billy Flynn)

Quite good conditions mid-day at Phalen. The classic tracks seem skied-in, not set by machine but are remarkably good through most of the course. There are sections of grass, but much less than expected considering the low snow amounts. The grass sections are on uphills where herringbone may be preferred anyway. A few leaves and twigs in the track, still nothing to cause concern. The skate deck looked remarkable! This treasure of a course is in terrific condition.

(David King)

Great morning weather wise. Trail was packed well, found two spots that are kind of bare or will be getting bare but over all really good. It is going to need a groom very soon. Did two loops.

(Jim Trost)

Long the site of the annual New Year's Day race (Hiihto), just had to ski at Phalen today! And boy, there were enough skiers out there we could have held a race! Beautiful conditions with bright sunshine, temps in the 20s and the snow still powdery. The skate deck was firm and well used, and there was a decent classic track as well. Just one or two thin spots, one of which seemed to have asphalt or rocks underneath. Trail layout was different than the last time I was here, but that's typically for Phalen. So much fun skiing there today, and great to see all the new skiers!

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)