Freshly groomed trails and in very good shape for both skating and classic. Skins performed well with Fast Wax Artic for glide and my daughter got good performance with Universal Grip Tape and Blue glide. One of our skiers rented their rock skis for $10 but very short and only strapped to boots so unless you are desperate to ski, not recommended. Rentals are available at park entrance. Great day to get out, and Happy Holidays!

Photos:

(Scott Ford)

Both the East and West side trails at Lake Elmo were groomed this morning as of 10:15am. The Nordic Center trails were all packed and tracked and are in pretty good condition, although there still might be some light debris in a few areas. Eagle Point Trails were also packed with tracks set on the main loop around the lake.

(Jen Garcia, Washington County Parks)

The East Side trails have been rolled this morning but there is a decent amount of debris from trees. There is also heavy drifting in open areas leaving the trails in fair condition but icy in some spots. It is still too windy to lay track today but we will attempt again once weather conditions improve. West side trails have also been packed.

(Jen Garcia, Washington County Parks)

Electronic sign screams "Trails Now Open". Well, I guess they made no claims about classic grooming: no grooming at all for classic. Parts of the park, the trails had been cleared. Beautiful snow-covered trees, and a great base for the first time in years!

(Gary Jade)

Heard from the staff that all the trails on both the East and the West side of the park were rolled this morning before the snowfall came and things packed nicely for skate skiing. I was able to go out and take a look and the trails were pretty nice. Tracks have yet to be set but the staff said they will attempt to lay track down on Friday, weather providing!

(Amberly Green)

Went to Lake Elmo this afternoon expecting tracks, but no luck. Trail rolled and packed down; no tracks set. The firmer trail was easier to navigate than the ungroomed snow Saturday.

(Ralph Schwartz)

I stopped at Lake Elmo to see if anything was groomed yet. The little stadium area by the Nordic Center building had been rolled, was very soft and no tracks were evident. I stopped at the office to see if perhaps the groomer was still out and if classic tracks would be set. She told me they didn't plan to set classic tracks until they received more snow around the end of the week. Kind of a disappointment.

(Carol Fitzgerald)

The trails have been rolled, leaving users with a packed base for skate skiing. There are some icy spots and minor debris. Classic tracks are expected to be set once there is more snow.

(Elena Schewe)

Was there at 4 PM today. A lot of snow base but absolutely nothing is groomed or tracked (as prior reports state). Classic skiing has to be done in the tracks made by the people. Nevertheless, the lights were on and the trails were beautiful.

(Bryan Heinle)

Not groomed so I don't think you could skate it. Classic tracks made by earlier skiers. Nice to be out.

(Erik Arthur)