Fast and fun around 8 am this morning in the tracks. Thanks to Rob and all the folks at Battle Creek working to make this so nice for all of us. A quick 7 1/2 miles to get the day started. Thank you very much.

(Louie Seliga)

The groomer was still on the trail at 6:00AM. Because the temp was still 38 degrees this morning even if they had groomed earlier there would not have been much of a setup of the trails. As it was it was a slow ski, on fresh groom. I am going to take every day that we can be on snow as a good day this year. Thanks Ramsey County and the Battle Creek Snowmakers and Groomers. Hopefully, we can survive this warm up.

(Bruce Fiedler)

All trails are currently open. As expected with the warm temperature the trails are soft but usable. Grooming plans will be dictated by snow temperatures. As of now it looks like we will be attempting to groom early morning so it may not all be completely done by 5:00am. Please be aware that equipment may be on the trails and stay clear. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

(Rob Adams, Ramsey County Parks)

Four high school meets, two conference championships and two regular meet, to take place this week at Battle Creek on Monday from 3-5:15pm, Tuesday from 10am-3pm, Wednesday from 3-6pm, and Thursday from 9am-4pm. Although trails are open during the meets, please be aware of the high volume of skiers during the times listed.

(Thony Thao, Ramsey County Parks)

Skied noon-4pm to progressively softening conditions. It's amazing the trails are still as good as they are, but it's soft to full-on mashed potatoes in more than a few places. Some dirt mixed in in spots, mostly quite avoidable, but I'm erring on the side of a B ski rating. Mornings will be the most satisfying ski for a while. Best quote from a 5-year-old MYSL skier on the ground: "but Mom, I like to fall!".

(David Moore)

The skate deck was soft especially on the up hills. The trails are holding up. Get out while you can. Some debris in spots on the classic tracks, but definitely avoidable.

(Ethan Knuti)

Classic tracks were well formed while skate deck was looking a bit mushy after an above freezing night. Unfortunately a lot of mud is getting tracked onto the course at the start area, and the groomer has hit ground in a few spots around the course, pulling up woodchips and mud. All are avoidable and the snow on the top loop was looking quite clean.

(Spencer Davis)

More people than usual at 5:45 am. The skate deck was in good condition given the overnight above freezing temps. Uphills were sugary. Watch out for snow bombs falling from above. Thanks BC crew!

(John Greene)

The skate deck was wonderful this morning. 28F degrees at 5:45 am with about six others. I could feel the snow getting sticky in some spots; might be the temps, might be me. Huge thanks to the BC staff! It's amazing what we have given this year's weather. Let's all hope that the forecast is wildly inaccurate.

(John Greene)

Kudos to the groomers! I classic skied in the early afternoon, and there was very little traffic. There is one spot on the A Climb where there is some dirt and tree clutter in the classic track that is easily avoidable. The loop at the top is a very nice addition to the prairie loops, and the track was in great condition. There is a left turn at the far northeastern corner of the loop where the snow on the deck was getting deep and crumbly, but it was easily managed. There was a scary moment when some ice fell from a tree just as I turned a corner, so folks need to be alert (writes the skier who turned in front of another skier... sorry, mate, and thankful you knew how to do a hockey stop). Get out there while the getting is good.

(Michael Kuhne)