Rough go on the skate deck. Extremely icy, like pebbly, gratingly icy. The recent frozen rain did the trails no favors. I skied Theodore Wirth and the trail condition difference was stark! Let’s hope for some good snow to improve our St Paul trails!

(Kate Hildebrand)

Skied yesterday (slushy) and today (frozen). The morning grooming covered up most of the emergent vegetation that was prevalent yesterday. Classic track was surprisingly good. The snow flurry was accumulating in the track allowing decent grip. Great job, groomers!

(Gary Roach)

The skate deck was groomed today and overall conditions are low to okay, based on the warmer temperatures and recent rain. There are slushy spots, icy spots, and exposed groundcover, but for those still really wanting to get it - it can be manageable.

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Chunky ice and snow on the skate track. Yet decent coverage on the skate track, more grass poking out the classic track. One spot needed to ski around. Considering the weather, great to be skiing.

(Peggy Guiney)

The skate deck was rolled this morning and has about 2-3 inches of snow on top. It is scheduled to be groomed tomorrow weather permitting- we are looking for colder temperatures for the snow to set up, more snow, and no additional rain.

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

I can't believe I'm recommending B skis given how little snow we've gotten, and how exposed the golf course is, but wow - the skate deck is in shockingly good condition! Honestly, it's probably 99% A ski coverage, with just a couple short sections with some grass poking through. It's a little bumpy and as always there are plenty of boot / pole marks, but hey, those just give your stabilizing muscles a workout, right? :)

(Shawn Dodds)

Very good overall considering the dearth of snow. Track is firm, hard, and fast in most places, and a parallel track makes it possible to ski two abreast. Grass is starting to peak through in many spots, but it's mostly possible to go around or ignore them. Not much powder in the grooves for my wax skis to adhere to. Fish scales or fur should be better. Expect conditions to deteriorate with sun and warmer temps.

(Bob Hartzler)

Highland was groomed today, with a light tilling of the skate deck which smoothed out the surface. Overall the condition remains good, but there are thinning areas. There were some trail modifications to avoid the thin areas. The classic tracks trail is ok, but does have exposed turf and no more grooming is recommended without more snow.

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

My training partner, Foxy, and I used skins at Highland today and found decent tracks for over half the course. We skied two laps in the old and skied in tracks; by our third lap the groomer had set a new track which was somewhat better. The skate deck was thin but skiable, especially with the touch-up from the groomer. For those who live close by, the nine-hole is a nice break from the snowmaking loops. Thanks to the groomers!

(John Kendrick)

Marginal conditions. Mostly hard pack. The best classic tracks are those made by skiers and parallel to original groomed ones. Has been well used.

(Kathy Magnuson)