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)

Great conditions this morning. Grooming had set up nicely, and the A climb to the cutoff is open. Maybe 10 skiers out there at 6 am. Classic track looked good. Awesome work BC crew!

(John Greene)

Three high school meets set to take place this week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3pm - 5:30pm. 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, Ramsey County Parks)

Skied mid-afternoon, timing my ski with the big youth ski league practice - wow! Nice to see how much trail Ramsey County has re-opened: Pond loop and most of the Prairie, with snowguns going in multiple locations. Large range of skiers but always space to ski. A few uphills were getting soft, but nothing too bad. Good skis no problem. Nice ski, and looking forward to even more trail segments opening.

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)

Began ski around 11 am. Classic tracks solid, very good. Trails open have variety of flats, uphills, and downhills to ski. Very enjoyable, highly recommend.

Photos:

(Ken Kuznia)

Great ski this morning. The crew continues to do well given the weather. Classic tracks looked good.

(Kristopher Gerber)

Horseshoe trail is now open to the Prairie Loop cut across. Grooming plans: Started to work on the A climb. Maybe soon on that segment, stay tuned.

(John Fitzgerald)

There were about 15 skiers out at 6:30 this morning enjoying the opening of the Prairie loop. Thanks BC crew for all the hard work to open more trail. Uphill was sugary, but other areas were firm and fun.

(John Greene)

Prairie loop is now open, will get better as the nights go on. Looking forward to getting more open as we can.

(Joshua Wickert)