Saint Paul cross-country ski trails and fat tire bike trails are closed for the season due to thawing ground conditions. Even with major snowfall, the top layer of soil has softened significantly with warmer spring temperatures. Grooming, skiing, or biking on soft topsoil can cause major damage to the grass and soil beneath the snow. Because our winter trails double as golf courses, protecting the turf now is essential for high quality playing surfaces in the spring and summer. Thank you for your understanding as we transition into spring.

(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Trails are closed. Lots of bare grass, lots of ice. Skate deck maybe a half inch thick. Closed until further notice.

(Dwight Vaughn)

Got to Highland just before the sun went down and the sun had softened up the snow during the day so it was much less icy than a couple days ago. It's getting pretty thin in parts but the snow off the trail has gotten thin enough that you can ski anywhere easily, as long as you dodge the patches of grass and cart path. It was really quite fun and I tried to channel the spirit of Bill Koch's "The cross country experience" in making my own routes weaving between trees and other terrain features (no jumps however).

(Peter Aggen)

The Hifhland 9 was groomed today. The base is very thin, with grass exposure throughout. Hopefully we get some snow soon, enjoy while it's open!

(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Dkate deck was groomed today. Skate deck is fairly thin with a few icy spots. Overall, very good. Not able to put a classic track in snow depths to thin.

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(James Bezanson)

Highland 9 hole was rolled today, with overall good results. There are a couple wet/thin spots, but is usable!

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(James Bezanson)

Due to the warm temperatures we will be closing the cross country ski trail at Highland-9. If weather conditions change we will reassess. Thank you for your understanding.

(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Lovely to ski in the neighborhood again. I'd rank the experience as skiable if you already love skiing, but not the place to bring someone who doesn't already love skiing. Classic tracks were in good shape 75% of the way, with some areas of ice and few small areas of bare grass but no exposed cart track asphalt yet. Expect some leaf and stick debris. Skate path seemed to have some frozen ruts. I figured it was a day for adventure and balance rather than speed.

(Anne Valaas-Turner)

Skated 7am for an hour. fantastic sections? Yes. Various states of natural snow? Yes. Crusty ruts? Yes. Ice under a thin layer of snow? Yes. Skiing around bare spots? Two. Challenging for my old man balance? Sometimes. Enough coverage to make it worth it? Yes.

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(Jeff Streier)

Good conditions today. Performed a groom on both the skate and classic decks. Some ice spots and tree debris to be mindful of. Soft snow conditions and will continue as it warms up.Enjoy!

Photos:

(David Schwarz)