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)

The skate deck is in decent shape considering the amount of snow we have. Much of the trail has some dirty snow, or some grass peaking through. It looks like a classic track was set, but the snow is too shallow and it's mostly full of grass. The trail is definitely skiable and in decent shape, but don't use your best skis.

(Brian Anderson)

Classic track badly torn up or non-existent. Desperately needs grooming. Looked fine for skating, however. The new snow helped. No bare spots.

(Bob Hartzler)

Highland was groomed this evening. Skate deck was actually quite nice. About 10 skiers out at dusk. Come and get it while it's hot!

(William Hamilton)

Lots of wool, sunglasses and fishscales worked well at Highland this morning. We stayed off the inner loops and generally found good, skied-in tracks outside the grooming along the Stadium and Montreal, and inside the grooming along Edgecumbe. The skate deck was mostly thin and icy.

(John Kendrick)

Got out for a Christmas afternoon ski. The skate track was icy and wind-blown, with grass showing in multiple areas. I eventually gave up on the official trail and enjoyed what turned out to be nice crust-skiing conditions. My sister was out on her classic skis at the same time and reported the those tracks were quite icy as well. Still great to be skiing right in St. Paul on a sunny afternoon, even if the conditions were marginal.

(Maren Olson)

Got out at noon with my dog Odin. Not great but did have shallow tracks and reasonable coverage. Skating looks like you could get a good edge with the fresh dusting of snow. Only challenge was skiing with 2 bags of dog poop, and foggy glasses, and the cold, and the wind. What the heck, just good to get out. Cheers!

(Doug Ardinger)