The skating deck was in good shape today. I skied user-cut traditional tracks. There were areas that were melted through scattered over the entire course. They could easily be side stepped on the very solid skating deck.

(Peter Radford)

Highland has been packed with skiers over this holiday weekend and has held up remarkedly well with all the usage without much of a snow base. There is approximately 2-3 inches of snow for skate skiing on the entire course (some grass patches). Grooming plans: The course will most likely not be rolled, groomed, or machine classic tracks set until more snow falls and we have a deeper base to work with. The classic tracks set by skiers appear passable and in moderately good condition. Fingers crossed for more snow and colder temperatures.

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Full course for skate skiing. Full coverage. Course is packed with skiers, and the snow is great. Classic track is spotty in places, but looks passable.

(Andrew Barry)

Pretty good for skating, and I think the full loop is now open (thanks, groomers!). Classic tracks appear to vary from okay to nonexistent.

(Katie Beutel)

Course has been rolled, but not tracked. All tracks made by skiers. Conditions for classic ranged from fair to good. Skating track looked very good to excellent. Some grassy spots, but no bare spots or ice. Trail disappears and bifurcates several times, and wanders in new directions so if you don't know your way around, you might find yourself off the "main channel."

(Bob Hartzler)

Trail is rolled but not groomed - tracks from skiers through most of it but washed out on the corners. Good coverage throughout - no rocks visible and just a few spots with grass poking through -- nothing that would damage bases. I did feel my poles hit the walking path in a few spots. Nice, warm morning for skiing though!

(Chris Frenier)

The snow was well packed with some fresh snow starting to accumulate. The grassy patches remain, but are still skiable. There is some debris - leaves and some sticks here and there. Hoping they might groom sometime soon.

(Peter Swenson)

There are 3-4 windswept patches, but with the thin base it is pretty good condition. It is scheduled for a full groom on Wednesday.

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Skate deck is rolled and packed down nicely by fellow skiers. Some grass poking through in ~10% of spots; another ~10% is fluffy and drifted, where post-holing is a minor issue. Rock skis recommended but I’ve never hit a rock at Highland. Surprisingly fast and fun conditions, I was able to do speed work with few stability issues. So nice to be on natural snow!

(Alan Chapman)

About 90% of the course is in good shape with soft snow. There are definitely windswept spots with exposed grass and the course had to be shortened slightly to 3 1/4 km.

Photos:

(Amanda Smith, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)