Snow was fast for how cold and windy it is. Looks like they were grooming Star loop as I was leaving. Man we are spoiled to have it in the Twin Cities!

(Scott Cummings)

Thanks to the grooming team for working through this sub zero stretch. We have a world class course again this year at Hyland. Many snow guns were running today on the Star loop to improve the base on that loop.

(Brad Mlynar)

Full 5K snowmaking loop is now open, thank you Hyland crew! Aside from the windchill and some areas with wind drifted snow in the tracks, conditions were about as good as it gets without natural snow. Nice firm tracks and the skate deck was solid as well. There was a sign on the visitor center door stating the Star Loop would be closed Jan 16-17th. Trail access from Jan's Place parking lot will remain open.

(Ben Ruhme)

I pulled into the parking lot around 4 pm and was surprised to see so many cars in the lot, especially at about 1º. The snow was amazing, super firm and fast. Classic tracks were deep and consistent. I couldn't quite manage my own temperature - hands freezing and body overheating. Other than that, the skiing was tremendous. Groomers were moving about, and it was a great afternoon to be skiing.

(Glenn Hansen)

Then entire 5k man made trail is open and in perfect condition! Thanks groomers - snow was abrasive but firm in classic track and on the skate deck.

(Charles Barden)

Groomed machine-made snow was excellent. Firm skate deck, good condition classic tracks. Very few skiers today, wonderful afternoon. Temps dropped a lot by 4 pm.

(Glenda Marsh)

With the cool temps and lack of skiers, the grooming was perfect. There is nothing better than skiing alone in the morning.
They are still working on the Foothills loop but it looks very close to opening.

(Kenneth Kooistra)

I did classic at Hyland this morning, I expected it to be deserted with the low temp and wind, but it was fairly busy. The tracks were in excellent shape except where a snowgun was drifting at the practice area down to the upper parking lot. I tried stepping out of the tracks onto the skate deck and it was nice and quick. The skate deck looked good except for a few of the smaller hills which had maybe an inch and a half of sugar. There were a couple of groomers working on the next section out from Frog town so maybe that will open up soon!

(Tom Harris)

Beautiful conditions this morning. Lots of smiling faces even in a chilly breeze that made me happy to be a Minnesotan. Firm skate trail with only the tiniest bit of powder in the first Star climb. Everything else is fast! I used the coldest swix wax and felt great. There's grass exposed on the inside of the star downhill and some debris so i marked it B skis but i felt fine on my good skis. Lots of snowmaking and moving seemed to be going on in foothills.

(Tim Bontrager)

Invigorating to say the least with the cold temps. Most of the track was great the only real issue was the downhill on Willow as it was wind blown with new man made snow. Hopped onto the skate deck and was able to glide down that hill. Lots of people getting after it.

Photos:

(Scott Greymont)