It looked like the groomers got out after the last snowfall and expanded the skate deck. The coverage was great and the path was quite wide. However, it seemed like the first passes of the skate deck where on soft snow or something because there was some crowning in the skate deck. That made for some soft snow on the trails and made balance more important. Still skiable but forced you to skill up. I've missed the nice rolling trails of Phalen, really a hidden gem of a park in St Paul.

(Peter Johnson)

While classic skiing at Phalen today, the track was somewhat inconsistent. It appears that the skate deck and classic track have been widened in many places. However, the classic tracks were pushed far to the right, which created the always entertaining pole-punch followed by the windmilling of arms :) There was also a place where the classic track went over a large drain, creating a severe dip in the track. The track is so wide that, dare I say, there is room for two sets of classic tracks. Also, there was a very strange piece of track maybe 2K from the clubhouse parking lot where one of the extensions had been cut off and the track carried on, eliminating a fun little downhill area. If you are skiing laps, having every half K matters:) Thanks to the groomers: I admit that I might be getting spoiled:).

(Michael Kuhne)

Phalen was groomed this afternoon. A surprising amount of fluffy, sticky snow made grooming difficult. New classic track was added, skate deck was done. Conditions should improve when the trail is groomed next.

Photos:

(James Bezanson)

Skied in the falling snow at noon today. There is a lot of snow at Phalen! No grooming yet but once complete there will be fantastic conditions. We are having a great winter even with the rain.

(Bill Stuber)

I skied the classic tracks this afternoon. The surface was glazed, but there was enough purchase for striding with fish scales. But except going uphill, it was double poling the whole way, as they were very fast. A couple uphills that were skiable on Monday required herringbone.

(Matthew Pennington)

Fast conditions at Phalen this evening. The skate deck has a glaze, but is reasonably smooth and soft enough underneath to get an edge when I needed it. I often felt a bit like I was skittering along the surface and rarely felt completely stable, but always had enough control. The skate deck has been leveled and smoothed out since my last time here early in the week. The classic tracks were icy, and looks like it would be great for a double poling workout! But I saw folks out who appeared to be getting decent kick. One classic skier told me that he was using skins and had to press down firmly to get the kick he wanted.

(Jonathan Poppele)

Groomed the skate deck and although a little soft and a few groomer tracks visible, the trail is in good shape. Left the classic track alone as to the tracks are in good shape and response from skiers is they like it fast. Get out and enjoy!

Photos:

(James Bezanson)

The course is fully groomed with a nice wide skate deck everywhere. There is a thin layer of ice crusting the entire course. The skiing was quite good with a nice firm deck. There are a few places (under trees) where there is some detritus and some squirrels have been meals for birds (!) but nothing of concern, bring your best skis.

(David King)

Loud and fast. The crunchy surface warrants a bit of caution on the fast curves until you get used to it.

(Jamal Love)

I skied Phalen this afternoon, following the grooming report from this morning. Snow coverage is great, but the skate deck is still a bit soft. There is also a slight ridge in the middle of the deck that can hopefully be eliminated with additional passes. Nevertheless, the snow was fairly fast and thoroughly enjoyable.

(Peter Schlesinger)