At a 1:00 pm start there was lots of sugar to plow thru for a skater like myself. Where it was packed and not churned up on the flats, it was pretty fast. There was only one spot of snert easily avoided. It was about 37 degrees and cloudy. The classic track looked fine wherever I looked at it. Despite playing hockey once a week, having done one bike trip of 16 to 18 miles at decent pace in each of the last two weeks, and doing cardio intervals on the elliptical at least once each week with no problem, it wasn't enough and my 71 year-old self could not sustain skates up any of the significant hills even on newly waxed skis in the right temperature range. I would have done a little better without the loose snow but all the other skaters - about 15 - managed it fine. It was no issue on the downhills even though I snowplowed rather than stepped many of the faster curves. Nice to get out for the first time with a reasonable amount of terrain to ski. Thanks groomers and Ramsey County.

(Keith Carlson)

Considering the weather over the past few days the open trails were surprisingly good. Lots of laps but great to be out there! Need some snow for sure but lucky to have the man made trails.

(Pat Green)

7 AM Trails well groomed for classic and skate. All considered after warm and rain. Conditions are as good as they can be.
Side note: Classic track is on right side of the trail. It seems like on any right turn corner skaters cut into the classic track - that is no no. Please respect the classic track!

(Ahvo Taipale, Finn Sisu)

I groomed the established trails last night, working with what the rain and warm weather has done to the course. The trails aren't perfect, but neither is the weather. Looking forward to the cooler temperatures to get some more work done both on the current trails and getting some more snow made!

(Joshua Wickert)

Despite the warm weather and groomed trails, skiing was pretty good. The trail had a few icy patches along with soft snow especially on the uphills.

(Ethan Knuti)

With the rain, warm conditions and soft snow we chose not to groom last night. Once we get some better conditions we will resume grooming operations.

(Rob Adams, Ramsey County Parks)

Hats off to the groomers! Yes, it was misting and the track was soft -- but we had a track, and not just the hamster wheel loop! Tomorrow may be a different day but celebrate what we have and what will be. Thanks to everyone that made this happen.

(Bob Cattanach)

Man made snow, three loops totaling 2.5km. Skied around 2:30 pm. Considering what mother nature is providing, both classic and skate lanes are in good condition. Thanks Ramsey County.

(Ahvo Taipale, Finn Sisu)

Thanks to a dedicated snow making and grooming staff the "Shoe" is now open. That brings us to around 2.5k.

(Rob Adams, Ramsey County Parks)

Great morning at BC! The addition of the Prairie loop opens things up. Snow was great at 6am, super fast and well groomed. My kick was suffering on the hills, but that is as much user error as it is conditions.

Photos:

(Matt Sargent)