The 1K loop from the chalet down to the practice area and around the donut were open. Trail was in good shape considering the weather. Seemed to be some dirt showing through on the corner from the practice loop to the chalet. Lots of people out there getting their winter legs ready.

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(Scott Greymont)

First time out this season. It was crowded at 9am. I took the wood skis to hold the speed factor down. The track was well used to gone. I stayed off the downhill into the donut and skied loops up top. It was good to stick to the super easy stuff to work basics with the trail so busy. Sure, I missed a few kicks on the gentle uphill. There were some funny looking hops as weight shifted off balance on the flats. Corrections were made. That's the fun of the first trips; find the rust and fix it. Kick wax was Toko Binder hastily applied before skiing. I saw a lot of happy skiers of all ages and abilities today at Elm Creek.

(Jeff Bolte)

SKied around 11 am, crowds had thinned out. Skate lane was getting chewed up, a few icy patches (especially inside lane of the donut downhill). Same 1K loop -- been too warm for any snowmaking much. Still, great to be able to ski in 42F with brown yards all around.

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(Bruce Adelsman)

Rock hard and lightning fast for skating tonight. Track is solid too. I don't know what grooming is planned for tonight but temperatures seem like it could really set up nice in the morning. This evening the trail also featured MN Natural Wonder Mark Thone and his lovely spouse.

(Joe Dolan)

Arrived just before 9am and skied 4 laps. The snow guns were on but turned off shortly after I arrived. Conditions were good. No sugar, though the newer snow was fairly solid and a bit slippery. Good to see they take advantage of the freezing temps while we have them to add to the base.

(Paul Larson)

Skied at noon. The track was firm, surprisingly. No slush, no water. Trail was softening in the practice area. Crowns had decent grip on the moist heavily transformed snow. Skate deck appeared firm. Two skaters and me. Wind brutal.

(Ralph Schwartz)

Skied a few laps of the 1k loop. About a dozen other skiers joined me around 8:45am. A bit slushy, but very skiable. Base seems pretty thick so I hope it can endure the next 4 or 5 days. Cold weather, where art thou?

(Paul Larson)

Was even softer around 11 when I was there but wow, what fun to be out on snow and shaking out the wobbly legs. Huge thanks to Three Rivers for getting this going and to Bruce for keeping skiers informed!

(Joe Dolan)

Trail was much softer today when I skied around 9 am. More skiers too. Still nice to be on snow, especially with the brown lawns everywhere else in the Cities.

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(Bruce Adelsman)

As advertised, a 1K loop on man-made snow, covering the section from the chalet down to the practice area. Only moderately busy when I skied around 10 am. Some of hills were getting soft, not surprisingly. Coverage was good, and the snow as fast. Doesn't appear like the second half of the trail will be completely any time soon.

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(Bruce Adelsman)