Fantastic for April 4th or any day. Once again, the trails at Battle Creek were in great shape. I'd like to thank grooming crew and Ramsey County for their dedication and for continuing to groom. I think Battle Creek was the first to open this year and they are, absolutely, the last ones Grooming at the end of the season. Hoping for 1 or 2 more days before it all ends.

(Dave Bridges)

Started off a bit icy at 8:30 am, but then softened up just enough to be darn good skiing (and for April 4, pretty amazing skiing). World class grooming as usual -- Battle Creek has been setting the gold standard for trail preparation in the Twin Cities.

(David Christopherson)

Man made snow trails groomed and new tracks set. Tracks on the A climb trail are in poor condition in several spots, be careful. Conditions overall are holding up but air temps are expected to remain above freezing through the night.

(John Fitzgerald)

We have decided to cease grooming operations and close the natural snow trails at Battle Creek West due to numerous trees down and poor conditions. The manufactured snow trails will remain open and we will groom when weather conditions permit. Thanks for your cooperation and support.

(Rob Adams, Ramsey County Parks)

Thanks to the U of M "Nordic Writing" class I learned how to spell P-I-S-T-E-N-B-U-L-L-Y and I used one tonight to groom the man made snow loops and set new trax. Appreciate Mr Skinnyski's referral to that enriching course. Amazingly after our first 50 degree day in four months, the snow is still holding up. However, you couldn't tell by looking at the area that we received 9+ inches of snow the day before. The conditions are mostly good but there are now numerous icy patches around. One significant icy spot is where the water has ponded at the bottom of the plunge descent on our new easy crossover trail. The new tracks look pretty good but the old ones that were removed were very icy and starting to get shallow. The A2 climb remains closed. We plan to continue night grooming as long as conditions and temperatures warrant it. Enjoy but use caution.

(John Fitzgerald)

Wow! Skied snowmaking loops starting at 7:30 am. I brought classic waxless skis because I wasn't sure of conditions. Tracks were deep and pristine, few areas with ice in the tracks and definitely the usual amount of twigs and leaves, but overall incredible conditions for April 2. Thank you groomers!

(Anne Valaas-Turner)

Snowmaking fully groomed. 7:30 am was soft corduroy. Skied in by 9am, firmer and faster. Get it while it lasts. If you know a trail groomers, buy them dinner.

(Jeff Streier)

Late morning ski consisted of laps around the pond near the parking lot, which was rolled, no classic track set. Loop was about .5K. Evidence of classic bushwacking on the rest of the manmade loop. Beautiful day. Hope conditions are right for more grooming tomorrow morning.

Photos:

(Walter Ebertz)

Small loop around the pond was groomed. Some skiers ventured farther but I stayed on that loop. Fun to be out in April.

(Ray Kenney)

As of noon, only the trail around the pond had been rolled, with no tracks. I followed other skiers' tracks through the silver course. Unfortunately, downed trees cover the trail in several areas, but you can step through or take off skis. Some skiers went on the gold course. They had to take off skis at least five times and did not feel like it was worth the effort. The bronze course is clear of fallen trees. Very sticky snow on my fish-scales -- like snow shoeing!

(Christina Mantel)