Great conditions at Battle Creek this morning! About 10 skiers, mostly classic, and two sundogs were out to appreciate. Deep, firm tracks and the skate deck looked good. The whole snowmaking area except for the loop on the ridge is open and groomed. Be careful though: The Slipback is now a downhill again. I was not the only skier to mistakenly go up it on my first lap. We probably need a sign.

(John Kendrick)

Three high school meets set to take place this week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3pm - 6:00pm. Although trails are not closed to the public for these meets, please be aware of the high volume of skiers during the meet time. Thank you.

(Thony Thao)

It was fun to be back to BC after the weekend of races. Kudos to the grooming crew, who have added considerable length to the trails that are groomed! The skate deck's corduroy was holding up in the cold and was firm on the uphills. Classic tracks were solid. Cold and windy, but it beats sitting inside.

(Michael Kuhne)

I started skiing about noon with a few other brave souls. Skate deck was freshly groomed but a bit icy in spots. Uphills were nice and firm. No tracks set.

(Ethan Knuti)

Due to the cold temps, the JNQ will be cancelling their planned races today, Sunday, January 14. Trails and ski rental will open for public use as normal. Please note that the trails are still set for the JNQ course so there is a change at the slip back to cowabunga.

(Thony Thao, Ramsey County Parks)

Got out to BC a little before 1pm. The course for this weekend's JNQs was already set up and groomed with 2 classic tracks set, including the A climb. EU staff and volunteers setting up cones and course markings. Skate deck was nice and firm. My GPS clocked 17.2K for 7 loops, making the course about 2.5K. Contrary to warnings, there were not that many people skiing, although the bitter north wind might have kept some people home. Closed for races tomorrow, and Sunday until 6pm.

(Jay Lyons)

I was disappointed to find no track at Battle Creek this morning at 6am. They were actively grooming. The old track had been removed as well. Another skier and I managed to stay warm skiing in the stadium until the groomer washed those out as well. There is also a large berm blocking the Pond Loop. I wish that this had been communicated. I skied early in response to the official notice to expect big crowds. The groomer told me trails were closed for a "private event" but I believe that was inaccurate. The lower A climb is now open up to the Slipback which dead-ends at the top of the hill.

(John Kendrick)

Good conditions although the both the skating track and Nordic tracks are getting a bit icy. Love being able to ski despite lack of real snow.

(Catherine Zimmer)

First outing of the year and it sure felt like it. Snow, however, was good. Classic track was well used after the races early in the day, but pretty serviceable. I had my skins replaced last summer so I had plenty of kick, but I would say still a little draggy. Skate lanes looked great. We started at 8PM and the lot was still packed, but by the time we left around 9:00 there were only a few cars. Lots of snow making in progress.

(Rick Vatsaas)

The Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) is scheduled for this upcoming weekend on January 13-14. During these event dates, the trails will be closed to the public and will reopen after 6 pm on Sunday, January 14. Additionally, while the trails are not officially closed on Friday, January 12, we anticipate a high volume of skiers practicing the course in preparation for the JNQ. Please be aware of the potential high volume of skiers during this time.

(Thony Thao, Ramsey County Parks)