A few bare spots and some ice and popcorn snow in the usual areas, but 98% excellent over all. Recently groomed (thank you groomer). I think I might have been only the third person to use the track. Skating deck was similarly pristine. It's not too cold, and I much prefer the snow at this temperature to the slushy snow cone we had last week.

(Bob Hartzler)

They were out grooming while I skied. I had a great time. However, the drop in temperature and wind made the surface hard and up at the top that combined with grooming made the ice underneath visible. Most of the track is great and just that top part and the very end are ice and not even worth trying, just go around. If the wind keeps up, the track won't maintain well.

(Anna Henderson)

Followed the groomer around and after a couple of warm days spots of grass and ice are forming. The worst spots are about 1km in where the entire width of trail is solid ice for about 15 feet and right at the end where the trail is narrowed down to about 2 ft due to melting. These areas are easily avoided and 95% of the trail is great. We'll take a break during the weekend thaw and hope there is fresh snow to work with next week.

Photos:

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Why did the turkeys cross the road? To be with the happy noontime skiers at Highland Golf Course of course. Was very pleasantly surprised at the condition of the classic tracks. There were some washed out patches and minor leaf debris but overall, I would give it a very solid B+. I would say 80% of the track looks like the photo below. My sister lives in Idaho and wants to winter in the Twin Cities because of the incredible number and variety of trails within a 20-minute drive. She has one option and it is a 45-minute drive. We are so fortunate. Thanks St. Paul city groomers!

Photos:

(Kathy Bjornson)

Arrived at 10:30 just when the groomers were finishing. Did two laps in the tracks. The groomers moved the classic tracks ever so slightly by some of trees where there were thin spots yesterday. Another great job by St. Paul Park & Rec. I was worried about the conditions after yesterday's high temp of 38, but it was better than yesterday.

(Peter Hindman)

Groomers had just finished at 10:30 this morning. Very nice skate deck with just a few icy or bare spots that are easy to avoid. Classic tracks have been set, but I was not classic skiing so cannot comment on those. A very nice ski so close to home. Get out there while you can!

(Patty Carlen)

Not as good as Monday, but very good overall. Hadn't been groomed as of this morning. Tracks were hard and fast from thaw/freeze cycle. A few icy spots, but the leaves on the trail were more annoying. Skating track was well-used but firm and fast. More snow would be nice. Get out and ski before the trail melts further.

(Bob Hartzler)

One classical trail went over a couple of spots with grass showing through. Otherwise excellent track. Groomers did nice job. Deck well compacted.

(David Musielewicz)

Fresh tracks put down this morning that looked quite nice, with only one dirty spot. We skated on a touched-up skate deck. Thanks to the Highland groomers for their prompt rolling and grooming. Snow loss from the notorious winds seems minimal.

(John Kendrick)

Groomers finished rolling the entire course late this afternoon. We expect some drifting overnight, but then will be out tomorrow to put a fresh groom on after the cold temperatures firm everything up.

Photos:

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)