Until temperatures drop and we get new snow, the trails are unfortunately closed. This thaw has not been kind to any trails. We ask that you please go to a manmade loop until conditions improve.

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Phalen is in decent shape, probably because of the infrequent grooming and low skier load. There are bare spots coming through, but the skate deck and tracks are mostly intact. There are cart paths though, so be careful and leave your good skis at home. We will not be grooming until there is more snow because of the thin base. I don't expect it to last much in this weather, but we will post an update if the trails are officially closed and if/when we are able to groom again. Unfortunately we may all need to head to manmade loops by the weekend.

Photos:

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

Skated a few laps around Phalen just as temps were starting to cool down. Overall, quite good. Hard pack trail under a very thin layer of sleet-snow. Very few places were icy and aside from sections where the trail was just under the large trees, the trail is well covered. Very few skiers were out which is likely saving the trail through this thaw. Should be good for another few days.

(Sandy Schreyer)

Great conditions all around for skate and classical. Some of the hilltops were a bit bare but nothing you can't ski around. One of the better conditioned trails this year. Little ice, and well groomed. Very impressive.

(David Pedersen)

The skiing was very good. I did a couple loops on classic skis in early afternoon. The grooming was very good considering how thin the base is. The skate deck looked good and there were good tracks most of the way. Some thin and bare spots that could be avoided. A beautiful way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.

(Craig Hanson)

Skied the full trail yesterday, and overall the trail was decent. It had been groomed for skate, but no tracks had been set yet. Most areas had good cover with just a few icy spots and areas that had drifted in. Still very skiable though.

(Emily Bell)

Seeing that Como had a race going I stopped by Phalen instead. Whether due to the high winds or not, I could find no evidence of a groomed ski trail. There was additional confusion caused by some construction work on Wheelock, a "no left hand turn" sign into the park, and absolutely no cars parked in the lot across the street. The place was totally desolate.

(Michael Jorgensen)

Took a drive by Phalen tonight to determine if it was groomed. It sure was. Looks like a just a skate deck with some skied in tracks. I walked on the track and it felt firm and there seemed to be lots of snow. Should be good for a nice ski tomorrow.

(Bill Stuber)

I skied Phalen over lunch break. The trails are a skating ring (as expected) but I skied the crust. If you can find virgin snow, the crust skiing is pretty good. I'm not recommending Phalen as a destination because the pipeline construction, ski trails, ponding water (ice) all really limit the virgin snow, but I got a workout in. (No damage to my skis.)

(Jay Wenner)

After the rain there is only ice or bare ground. The trail does not exist anymore and it would be extremely unsafe to try skiing it. Until we get at least 4" of snow grooming is suspended and the trails or closed. Please stay off.

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)