Skate skied the outer natural snow trails (multiuse, creek trail, northern lights, etc). Conditions were better than expected, and surprisingly better on the multi-use trail. No classic tracks on any of the natural snow trails yet. Some areas had grass tips peaking through, and only two spots where most of the trail was bare ground but where easily avoided by double poling around. I would definitely recommend jumping on some B skis or rock skis.

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(Zachary Pierson)

Skated most of the natural snow trails (Valley, Creek, Northern Lights) and the open parts of the snowmaking loops. Conditions were fair on the natural snow loops, with a few small bare spots that were easily avoided. The trails were packed, but a bit uneven because of the thin snow coverage. Snow was starting to soften up in the 39F temp by 1:30 pm. No tracks set on the natural snow trails. Snowmaking trails were in excellent condition.

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(Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)

I skied the Northern Lights loop, and the dark side both yesterday and today. In one day the conditions have gotten much worse on the dark side (non lighted). I used B skis yesterday and rock skis today and glad I did. Coverage is still there but thin but where trail follows or crosses pavement, poles are useless and ground and pavement are starting to show thru. The best part of the loop is the back half of Northern Lights.

(Tim Nelson)

Man made loop this morning was perfect and pretty quick! Did some of the natural trails, which were softer, slower, and had some bare spots but were easily avoidable. A few sticks here and there poking through too on the natural trails. Great morning with lots of people out around 10 AM!

(Harry Rothberg)

Man made snow loop in perfect condition, regroomed mid morning. Northern light OK but less even overall.

(Bernard Cerles)

Skied the manmade, Northern Lights and part of the Lake trail. The NL and Lake had been rolled but not enough depth yet for a classic track. They were a little soft and uneven, as one would expect, and I saw some sticks and vegetation poking through. I didn't hit anything solid but gave it a B rating for those who may not want to use their best skis there yet. Good to ski off the manmade.

(Mark Lahtinen)

As of opening this morning, the snow was still very soft compacting, with strong winds leading to relatively deep drifts.

(Ben Fuller)

Skied the man made loop at Elm this morning. They have about 2k open. I was on the snow about 7:15 am and there had already been many skiers out this morning. They have done a great job working on grooming the snow so that the overnight refreeze isn't super icy. The edges of the skate deck were a little icy and under the bridge was slick. The snow was starting to warm up and was getting slower. If you plan on skiing during this season of warm daytime temps, the mornings are going to be best.

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(Elizabeth Loper)

Stop 4 of 4: Last stop of the snowmaking tour, got on the trails around noon. Temps were well above freezing. The course was an interesting combination: almost hardpack from the traffic and warm temps, not icy but actually a bit slow. Most of the snowmaking loop is open, just missing the lower donut section. Like everywhere else this morning, no issues with parking -- plenty of room in the primary lot. What an embarrassment of riches that we now have four cross-country exclusive snowmaking courses in the metro area!

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(Bruce Adelsman)

Manmade 1.8 km Loop open and well groomed this morning. Lots of deer out on the trail this morning putting bumps in the snow, but nice to have some company. Nice to have another hill. Turn at far south end of loop a bit icy on the inner part of the bend.

(Benjamin Fuller)