Good for classic with rock skis. Partially open. The partially packed trails form a loop, so still quite enjoyable, especially with an April ski two years in a row! Might still be skiable until it warms up.

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(Ian Chang)

Total snow coverage. The skate deck was pretty level throughout and reasonably firm. Lots of non-ski marks on the trail throughout, but not a big bother. The snow is getting old and windblown making for slow conditions. The grooming is good but the trails could use more skate traffic to wear them in. Entire system is tracked for classic and looked solid.

(Mark Orlowski)

Soft new snow on top of previously groomed trails. Still pretty smooth and relatively fast and made great skate skiing for the entire trail system. Classic tracks were covered.

(Ian Chang)

Awesome conditions at 11:30, by 12:30 not so much. Warm temps and fog made most trails a little mushy. Perfect coverage and great grooming. Main issue was sticky snow clogging the cup style baskets on my poles, making pole planting difficult. Impossible to keep them clean. Ring-style baskets would have been the ticket. Note to self: Do not get rid of those old-school poles! With a little luck most of the snow will survive the weekend and the RASC wizards will be able to regroom next week for more winter magic.

(Mark Orlowski)

Great grooming. Trail is still setting up. The skate deck a bit soft on the outside. Classic tracks set and firming up. No coverage isssues.

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(Kenneth Johnson)

Just fair conditions due to marginal snow depth. Closer to rock ski than good ski conditions. Classic tracks are shallow but serviceable throughout. Protruding grass and dirt was pretty common with some drifting on the north trails. That said, the skiing was fast and controllable. A little frozen drizzle today incorporated into the snow enough to not be an issue. With a little more snow, this would be a sweet destination. As is, it's a swell option for desperate locals. Kudos to RASC groomers for doing as much as possible with little to work with.

(Mark Orlowski)

All 8.5 km are groomed at Essex. Classic tracks are also set. There are a few dirty spots especially in the open areas and some uphills. B skis are recommended.

(Laura Cattaneo)