Fast and icy but tilled enough to have good control. A few places with some drifting snow to keep you honest. A slight ridge between the classic and skate lane but easy to manage.

Photos:

(Ronald Okenfuss)

The cross country ski trail at Phalen golf course was groomed this morning. The tiller broke up the ice layer that had formed from the recent warm temps. Overall the trail is thin but still in good shape. A new classic track was set. Enjoy!

(James Bezanson)

Groomer must've made a couple passes this morning, because I was privileged to lay first tracks on fresh corduroy over lunch! Great conditions. Deck was firm, but not icy. Good coverage on 90-95% of the trail with grass poking through on some hills and under trees - all avoidable. Some of the best conditions I've skied at Phalen! Classic tracks appear to have been reset as well.

Photos:

(Grant Schoen)

Drove by at noon today to find our favorite groomer just finishing up. Completed setting classic and grooming skate deck. As I drove through the park it looked fantastic!

(Bill Stuber)

Classic tracks are mostly wind blown in - generally just a hint of where the tracks are, and completely filled and hidden in other places. The skate deck looked quite good.

(Karl Dewahl)

Nice tracks through the course. The thin areas were covered better than earlier this week due to the recent grooming. Thank you!

(Julie Hart)

The cross country ski trail at Phalen golf course had a fresh groom this morning. There is a couple very thin areas in the trees but otherwise the trail is in great condition. A new classic track was set as well. Stay warm skiers!

Photos:

(James Bezanson)

Skated this morning on a firm deck. It looked like boiler plate but was soft enough to skate nicely. Classic tracks looked well formed although a few sections were filled with blown snow. Great conditions at Phalen!

(Bill Stuber)

The St. Paul Parks groomer is a Super Hero! John skated and I classic skied and the conditions were nothing short of amazing! Yes, shallow tracks, but well formed and easy to stay in even around the corners. There were a couple dirt/pine needle spots where you'd expect them under the pine trees (duh!), and one dirty spot at the top of a little downhill, but all easily avoidable. Otherwise, considering the lack of snow, the groomer did an incredible job working what little snow we have. Thank you!

(Carol Fitzgerald)

The cross country ski trail at Phalen golf course was freshly groomed this morning. The skate deckis in great shape and a new classic track was set. Enjoy!

Photos:

(James Bezanson)