The trail was groomed this morning and is looking pretty great for both skate and classic skiing. The sun is shining and it's a beautiful early February MN Day.

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

A little bit of everything? Two loops from the ballfields early afternoon took an hour. Some great sections, some down to the ice, some leaves, sticks and tiny crabapples, some slower newer snow/drift, the usual spot near northeast corner is down to the dirt and avoidable. Left leg got an extra workout from the left track washed out lots of spots, not just corners (back at the car, Beck provided the fitting soundtrack "Dear life, I'm hooooldin'oooon") A real mixed bag made for a fun variation challenge on Rex light green and a really beautiful winter afternoon.

Photos:

(Jeff Streier)

Had a tough go just around sunset likely due to lots of drifting. Being layered up negated the 8 mph wind out of the north.

(Jim Accurso)

Went for a noon time powder ski at Highland 9. Definitely a classic day with slow conditions and drifting snow. It doesn't appear there was any grooming this morning. The good news is that the new snow had filled in most of the spots with exposed ice. Snow was blowing in the tracks, but the deck was still pretty hard. Hopefully my 235lb frame packed down the tracks a bit more, but you will have to search to find them as the wind was blowing the snow right back in. Following the trail was a challenge at times.

(Matt Sargent)

Surprisingly good snow today for a couple laps classic. Coverage is good considering corner washouts, a few easily avoidable bare or grass spots, leaves and middle age dad wipeouts (oh wait that was me) :). Get it while it's good!

(Jeff Streier)

I was here last Friday, and expected the track to be more beat up than it was. Except for a few very small and visible patches of ice on ridge tops, I noticed no change in conditions in the past four days.

(Jim Stengel)

Did two laps in the tracks this morning. Better than I thought it would be. After warm temps over the weekend I thought the tracks would be icy, but they weren’t too bad. I would rate it as good. Good skis will work because the minimal bare, and icy spots are easily avoidable.

(Peter Hindman)

Good to very good overall. Track is firm, wide in spots, and well-used. Some ice and grass in a few spots, but not enough to spoil the otherwise good ski.

(Bob Hartzler)

A bit rutted skate deck but great coverage. Grooming happening right after I started so it should be great when it has firmed up!

(Brad Gordon)

Not busy this morning. Skate deck looked great, tracks just fine, just a little washed out and slow. Weight, maybe that was just me. Maybe a bad pun or just bad humor. Sorry!

(Doug Ardinger)