Skied this morning skate skiing, great conditions! I went out from the visitor center, did willow creek and star loop.

Photos:

(Caleb Anderson)

Snow! Love it! Manufactured Snow Trails are packed, tracked and in Good Conditions. Natural Snow Trails are packed, not tracked to prep for the possible use on Saturday's Rennet Race. High School Races: Mon., Jan. 24, 3:00 -5:30 PM; Weds., Jan. 26, 10 AM - 5:30 PM; Thurs. Jan. 27, 3 PM - 5 PM. Trails are still open to the public during regular races. All Trails will be closed, Friday, Jan. 28 from 4:30 - 9:00 PM and Saturday, Jan. 29 from 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM, for the Rennet Races.

(Sonja Bercich, Three Rivers Park District)

Skied Hyland this morning. Started out on the lake loop - seems like there should be enough snow for tracks but alas no tracks. Skate deck had a nice loose inch of snow on top. Skied the man made trails for the rest of the morning. The man made trails were well set by the crew overnight for some great skiing. Cannot ask for better conditions.

(Scott Greymont)

Natural snow trails report: While I had intentions of getting up to either Mora or Elk River's Woodland Trails today, I didn't make the time, yet I don't feel that I missed out at all. We are so lucky to have this little sliver of woods and lake set aside for us right here in the Twin Cities for when we don't make the drive out to the woods. Today, the Lake and Nature Center loop trails were in the best shape of the season. What a difference a dusting of the right kind of snow makes! Not the slow skiing typical of the first day after a snow. The entire way had great coverage of soft silky snow on top of a solid base- no sinking in, able to get a nice edge when pushing off, and no twig or leaf debris to dodge. A gentle and peaceful ski that contrasted the crowds and sandpaper feel of the manufactured snow. Skiing the Nature trail and Lake combined makes for about 10K- nice for going 4 or 5 laps on autopilot if you're training for a long-distance event.

(Amy Swan)

Skate skied man made trails only. When I showed up at 6AM, the skate deck was impeccably groomed and the classic tracks were well set. The winds were some of the worst of the year and ice cold. Kudos to the groomers!

(John Nealon)

Classic skied North and the nature center spur. Neither was tracked, and there were few user-made tracks. The nature center spur was difficult - a few thin spots, but icy in sections, which combined with sloped trail areas led to lots of sideways slippage. Fortunately, there were few people, so no embarrassing encounters. The skate skiers seemed to do fine. The main loop was good, although there was some alarmingly yellow snow in the bowl where North trail meets Scenic Foothills. Weird pond water, one hopes.

Photos:

(Laurie Ford)

We are warmer over here at Hyland. Manufactured Snow Trails are all packed, tracked, (Daily) and in Good Conditions. Natural Snow Trails are packed and not tracked, and in Good Conditions. Note: Trails are open 5 AM - 10 PM; along with front and back bathrooms. High School Races: Mon, Jan. 24 3-5:30, Tues. Jan.25, 10-4pm - Wed, Jan. 26 3-5:30, Fri. Jan. 28, 4:30-9pm. Trails are still open to the public during the races, except for Fri.. Trails will be closed, Friday, Jan. 28, 4:30 - 9 PM and 5 AM - 10 PM, Saturday, Jan. 29 for Rennet Races.

(Sonja Bercich, Three Rivers Park District)

Snowmaking 5k classic tracks are pretty darn nice. A nice combo of kick snow and a bit of glide glaze, deep and no washouts to speak of. Thanks groomer for battling the ice!

Photos:

(Jeff Streier)

Manufactured Snow Trails are packed, tracked and in Good Conditions. Natural Snow Trails are packed, not tracked and in Good Conditions. Conditions may change throughout the day. High School Races: Tuesday, January 18th 3:45 - 5:30 PM, Wednesday, January 19th 3:45 - 5:30 PM, Thursday, January 20th 4:00 - 5:30 PM. Trails are still open to the public during the races.

(Sonja Bercich, Three Rivers Park District)

Lake Trail and Oak Knob (natural snow) were nicely rolled, but not tracked. A few shallow user tracks are scattered around Lake, but not much on Oak Knob. The manmade loop tracks are excellent. There were some leaves and thin spots in a few areas, but nothing to worry about. Really pleasant quiet ski today.

(Laurie Ford)