Scheduled for this week are the section meets on Tuesday, Feb 6, and Wednesday, Feb 7 from 8am - 5pm. As these events are exclusive use, the trails will be closed to the public throughout the entire day, both before and after the section final meets. This decision is made in an effort to preserve the snow, especially considering the challenging weather conditions and consistently high lows at night forecast for this week. There is a possibility that the closure may extend for the remainder of the week, but we'll conduct a thorough evaluation on Wednesday to determine the appropriate course of action.

(Thony Thao)

It was a beautiful ski this morning at Battle Creek, the overnight temperature allowed for the skate deck to firm up once again, to provide fast conditions, but still plenty of control. The grooming crew had a couple of snow guns going this morning, to improve the downhill to the Horseshoe, for Tuesday and Wednesday Sectional meets. Thanks once again goes to the groomers and Ramsey County for this wonderful area to ski, I have skied over 200K in the last eight days at BC, in this snowless winter.

(Bruce Fiedler)

Skied 7:30-9:30am. I think 7:30-9 is the sweet spot during these hot days. One guy who was finishing at 7:30 said it was pretty icy, but I didn't find it so. Also daylight is nice, IMO. At about 9 am it started to soften and the moisture started to move the corn snow in the mashed potato direction. But it turns out finely ground ice is a pretty fast ski surface - who knew? At 7:30 there was not more than maybe an inch of loose snow on top of a nice firm deck, except on the short, steep hill at the north end of Tree Loop and the hairpin turn at the bottom of it. But that was changing by 9am, the loose stuff just got a little deeper each trip around the loop. Darn good skiing, considering what Mother Nature has presented lately. We're fortunate to have this resource.

(Jay Lyons)

Started skiing at 9:30 am. The trail was firm and a few spots icy, but overall very nice. The up hills were a little sugary as well. By 11:30 am the trail was getting very soft and less enjoyable.

(Ethan Knuti)

Started skiing at 8:20 AM, which was probably about two hours later than I should have in order to catch the best conditions. Battle Creek is taking a beating, but is holding up fairly well. There's quite a bit of dirt in some areas (easy to avoid), and there is plenty of ice showing in the classic track. The wooded loop up top had two turns (NE and SE corners) that were chewed up -- saw a number of folks fall in the NE corner, but the snow provided a soft landing. Used Rex Red Klister, which shockingly kept its grip the entire time we were skiing. Get while the getting is good, folks.

(Michael Kuhne)

Early morning ski. Groomer did a great job again last night. Classic track in good condition, skate lane good but soft on uphills and corners. Early morning skiers have it good. Conditions will change later with warm temps.

(Ahvo Taipale, Finn Sisu)

Skied 7:30-9:30 this morning. Excellent conditions under the circumstances. Rating B skis for a few spots where some dirt has gotten churned up, but those can be avoided pretty easily. One spot to watch is near the top of the A2 climb. A few ice patches between the east practice area and the little hill on the Pond Loop. Surprisingly firm but not icy. Fast! The groomers are working miracles. The loose stuff was getting deeper every loop on the uphills and the turns, but nothing anyone can do about that! Happy to get some good K in.

(Jay Lyons)

I could not believe how good the conditions were this morning! Excellent, fast, fun, sunny ski! Any bad patches are easily avoidable. All trails still open. I could kiss the groomers and whole BC Team! I truly don't know how they're doing it.

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(Hayley Bresina)

Awesome conditions this morning! Best of the year for me. Three cars in the lot and 28 degrees at 5:45. Trail was beautifully groomed, and fast. Thanks BC groomers for working some magic.

(John Greene)

Outstanding conditions this morning for skate and classic! No problem using good skis, and the cowabunga descent was quite enjoyable.

Photos:

(Bill Oyler)