Icy conditions on the west and the east trails due to the freezing rain we experienced last night. Grooming Plans: East side trails are being repacked right now and are expected to finish up by this afternoon. There is a Ski Meet this today from 3pm-5pm that will take place on the Prairie and Hills loops. All the trails will remain open to the public but expect there to be a lot of traffic on the trails and in the park.

(Jen Garcia, Washington County Parks)

Groomer was able to get an early start this morning and do a pass packing the West side trails. The tracks on the east side remain in fair condition, a little thin in a few areas and the hills remain untracked. The skate deck was rolled again this morning making great conditions for skate skiing. There are a few spots with debris from the trees/leaves but overall it should be a great day to get out skiing.

(Jen Garcia, Washington County Parks)

This morning I skied the Savanna and North trails. The trails were newly groomed and in excellent condition with almost no debris. The classic tracks looked good too. It's a winter wonderland out there right now.

(Dana Smith)

Firm and fast conditions at Lake Elmo on the skate deck. Borderline icy but enough snow on top to hold an edge. Rode Cold liquid used to good effect with the fastest day of the year on natural snow.

(Craig Agney)

Great day on the trails at Lake Elmo! Plenty of snow, classic tracks are well-set and very firm, skate deck is fast. Looks like the trails are getting a lot of use, which is good. Skate deck was a bit polished in some sections, but never scary icy, and the downhills were all no problemo.

Photos:

(Rick Cochrane)

Skied at Lake Elmo Park from 1:30-2:30pm, tracks were getting a bit used as I was classic skiing, but still in good shape, and trails were not super crowded. Skied the Green trail to Brown's Pond trail (1E-3E), then onto the Purple Flats trail (4E-7E) and back to Green (10E-11E) through the woods, then onto the Yellow at 17E and back via. 18E, 14E to 1E and the Nordic Center which was busy with our next generation of Nordic skiers. Sounds like the trails were groomed earlier today, so not surprised with trail conditions, plenty of folks enjoying the out of doors.

Photos:

(Harlan Jones)

Great conditions on Savanna (Green) and North (Red) these two photos are of North (Red). Newly set deep track. Thanks, groomers!

Photos:

(William Buell)

With the perfectly bluebird day, I ventured out to Lake Elmo for the first time in years and I was not disappointed. The conditions were excellent, hardpacked skate deck, beautiful trees, and loads of kms to ski. I will be coming back to convert my day pass into a season pass! lots of people were out but nothing ever felt crowded... after moving to the east side, and all the improvements made recently, it may be difficult to get this skier back out to Theo Wirth and Three Rivers.

(Peter Johnson)

First time skiing at Lake Elmo. A beautiful trail system through woods, lakes and prairies. Flat to moderately rolling hills. Skied all the trails, they were in good condition. Lots of people out skiing, including MYSL skiers, yet it never seemed crowded. With the sun, new snow and no wind, it was a gorgeous day to be out for a ski.

(Kathleen Miller)

I skied most of the loops and the snow and grooming conditions are outstanding. Skate deck is good, and the classic tracks looked superb and free from debris. The best conditions I've seen in some time. I skied at about noon, and the trails were pretty quiet, but activity was increasing when I left. I'm going back tomorrow for some night laps.

(Glenn Hansen)