The holidays came early, and brought a snowy gift! Highland 9 is rolled and ready to get packed in. Grooming/track setting will begin at a later date. Come out and enjoy!

Photos:

(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Classic sunset ski did not disappoint. Lovely skier-made tracks on much of the course, especially the gradual climbs for nice striding practice. Tracks washed out here and there and a couple small thin spots, but I didn't feel asphalt paths under my poles. Quite nice for the small amount of snow. Cold slow grabby natural snow today at about 10 degrees.

(Jeff Streier)

Light dusting of snow over a nice firm skate deck. Looks like there are some decent skier-set classic tracks - better than Friday and early Saturday when they were pretty much obliterated. I said B skis because I don't want to be responsible for anyone ruining their favorite skis, but really there is 99.9% good snow coverage and I skied on my good skis. Early morning sun, good trails and natural snow.... Amazing!

(Anne Valaas-Turner)

Course has been rolled, so skating deck is fairly solid. Only classic tracks are skier-made--good is some places, but they disappear in others. There's enough snow to have a good time, but it will be better when the groomer has enough snow to lay down some good grooves.

(Bob Hartzler)

Lots of youth out practicing! Some spots with grass peaking through, some leaves but overall fine conditions.

(Zara Zanussi)

Skated three loops at around 3pm. The wind has firmed up the base. A few small areas where the grass is poking through but otherwise great conditions.

(Daniel Keifenheim)

Skated Highland 9 this afternoon. A few scant grassy areas and debris but easy to avoid. Thanks for rolling,-it felt great to be out!

(Jenny Cho)

Highland 9 cross country ski trail has been rolled today. For the amount of snow we got it rolled out pretty good. I had to change up the course a little due to grassy areas. Overall, it's pretty good.

Photos:

(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Surprisingly skiable! Not groomed yet, but some skier-set track. Snow is what you would expect: soft, slow, windswept bare in spots, drifts in spots, but overall a delight to ski natural snow on November 30.

(Anne Valaas-Turner)