The manufactured snow loop was in excellent shape for both skate and classic skiing. A skier reported the loop was 1.6 km, and that seems right but, although rather short, it is an interesting trail with many twists, turns, hills and descents making it feel like a World Cup loop for juniors or amateurs.

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(George Wawro)

The snowmaking loop was awesome this morning. The addition into the meadow adds some vertical and a fun descent. There was some confusion as to the exact course. We were skiing wrong way until Ahvo corrected us. The course no longer circles the pond; it does a u-turn on each side nearest the parking lots. There was a lot of active snowmaking in the rest of the meadow.
[ Note: On Sunday, while there were cones to U-turn at both ends of the parking lot, it was fine for skiers to ski around the pond loop as long as you skied it clockwise (they don't want skiers going the opposite direction). The pond loop is a much flatter course and nice for novice skiers. -- Ed. ]

(John Kendrick)

Skate skied the man made snow loop. First time on my skis this season. Felt uneasy but happy to be on snow. Trail has full coverage. Did some double poling in the classic tracks. Tracks are mostly really good. Skate deck was smooth but a little icy. Lights are on until 10pm. No problem seeing in the night. Great to have good snow conditions in the East Metro!

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(Michael Johnson)

The tracked loop around the pond was in great condition. Fast enough to be interesting, but great for first-timers and those of us that haven't skied in...a while. Tracks around the pond are deep and well-defined, and there isn't so much traffic as to make it stressful if you're still learning. Lots of friendly, helpful folks around, too, including the "concierge" previously mentioned. Looking forward to more trails opening...

(Andrea Townsend)

Skied late morning (between World Cup games!) and found great conditions for my second trip to the snowmaking course. The loop runs around the pond and also extends out into half the prairie segment. The trail was well groomed -- nice skate deck and good classic track. No problem using good skis, plenty of manmade snow coverage. There were a lot more skiers out than my previous trip, but it was never crowded and there was still plenty of spaces open in the parking lot. Really enjoyed the trail layout. And looking forward to even more trails opening (saw the Pistenbully out pushing out snow on the prairie).

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(Bruce Adelsman)

Enjoyed the pond and prairie loops on a sunny Sunday! Great to see so many skiers at all levels out there, including parents hopefully instilling a love of skiing in their little ones! A few dips in the classic tracks but the gliding felt good! It was also great to see a "concierge" out there pointing people in the right direction and answering questions.

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(Jennifer Myers)

Great skiing on the manufactured snow today. The loop has been expanded to about 1.6km with more to open soon. Grooming is excellent for both classic and skate. It's wonderful to have these trails in the East Metro!

(Sarah Hobbie)

In addition to the loop around the pond, we've opened the .2km easy loop to the south of the pond. There is now about 1km of trail open at Battle Creek. Happy skiing!

(Kristopher Lencowski, Ramsey County Parks)

My Garmin watch estimates the current loop at 590 meters, and that is using the inside track. Snow quality was excellent, but the inner track was set a little too close to the edge in some areas. Great to have this option. I'll be there a lot this winter. I did see some pedestrians on the trail when I arrived, I hope that will not be a continual problem.

(Rick Vatsaas)

Skied the 500m snow making loop which was freshly groomed at 6am today. A bit soft (still working in the new snow). Snow production was in full force so hopefully they will start opening up more trails soon. I did not venture out on the natural snow (rolled but not tracked) section of the trail.

(Matt Sargent)