The skate deck was as good as could be expected, and I got in a few really fun laps! Conditions were mostly fair with a half dozen poor sections that need to be navigated really carefully, but they're mostly just a for or so long so didn't ruin the overall experience (for me, at least). There were classic tracks set over most of the course, but they looked pretty awful - lots of bare patches and grass/leaves, though I didn't try them out myself.

(Shawn Dodds)

Except for the predictable wind-swept barrens, the skate deck at Highland was very good. Groomer was out, setting a decent track along most of the trail.

(John Kendrick)

The golf course has been rolled, but not tracked. Patches of bare grass, ice, and snow drifts due to the wind. Skiable.

(Jonathan Sage-Martinson)

Not yet tracked but fun to be out. Lots of fresh snow making it easier to glide over some of the icy patches underneath. Due to high winds, would expect more icy patches if not tracked soon.

(Barbara Mikk)

Tracks not set. Skate lane has been rolled. Quite a few exposed sections where grass or ice are unavoidable.

(Felicia Abler)

The full trails was groomed today, but is very icy. Please look at the attached photos before heading out there and be careful while on trail. We may be able to scratch the ice a little on the next pass but there isn't much too work with. Conditions will not improve much until we have more snow.

Photos:

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

I skied Highland today and the skate deck definitely took a turn for the worse over the week (no ill will towards the groomers, there just hasn't been anything to work with). There are now probably half a dozen sections that require some care to navigate through (two that are bad enough you've got to leave the packed trail and ski on the sides), though 75 - 80% of the trail would still rate as "fair". It's definitely skiable, and it was GREAT to get out without all the layers we've needed the last few weeks, just be wary of the dirt/grass patches.

(Shawn Dodds)

The groomer touched up the skate deck and set a shallow but firm track that follows the course completely. It exposes bare ground in a few predictable spots and is washed out on some corners, but it is very skiable for skins.

(John Kendrick)

Trails were groomed today, but conditions vary due to the thin base. No tracks set. Please be mindful of the conditions and stay safe.

(Tyler McKean, St. Paul Parks and Recreation)

I can't believe how good the skiing was, given how little snow we've had! There are plenty of spots where the grass is poking through the skate deck, but other than in one specific location these were easily avoidable without breaking your stride. I'd still only call conditions fair, and for sure bring your rock skis, but this definitely exceeded expectations, and it was great to be able to get in a workout without having to drive all the way to Hyland.

(Shawn Dodds)