Trail Detail

Essex Park Ski Trails
Rochester, MN
8K
Skating/Classic
No
No
[ NWS ]
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Notes

A mix of newly constructed trails and existing bike paths located at Essex Park in NW Rochester. The northern trails are mostly wooded with many nice hills while the southern trails run through newly planted prairie. Groomed for both skate and classic by volunteers of the Rochester Active Sport Club.
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Trail Reports

2022-2023 season
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Reports 1 to 10 of 32    Month: Mar | Feb | Jan | Dec | Nov
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Morning
Observation Scheduling 
[ Trails: Closed ]
Trails are closed for the season. Grooming equipment has been put away.
(Andy Wood)
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Evening
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Skied classic, all trails tonight. All fully covered and tracked. Very good overall. Some icy tracks, but otherwise super for March.
(Jon Knutson)
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Afternoon
Firsthand: Both 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
I skied about 6.5 km freestyle, then about 7 km using classical technique. The trail is in excellent condition with a fast skate deck and newly-set classical tracks.
Photos:
(James Martenson)
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Morning
Firsthand: Freestyle 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Groomers did a fantastic job at Essex this morning. Skate deck is combed and tracks set. I had B skis but wish I had my better skis. Skate deck is firm and fast. There were some walkers on the trail but minimal damage done. Classic tracks need time to set up. Bottom line, excellent skiing for mid March! Enjoy!
Photos:
(Andy Wood)
Friday, March 10, 2023
Afternoon
Firsthand: Freestyle 
[ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
Essex has been rolled and combed twice today. No classic tracks set. All trails are open. Conditions vary from sticky slow snow to some icy spots. I used old B skis due to some thin spots but did not hit any sticks or rocks. It is OK skiing for mid March in southeast Minnesota. Consider it a bonus!
(Andy Wood)
Saturday, March 4, 2023
Morning
Firsthand: Freestyle 
[ B skis ]
Skiable almost entirely, with soft snow and plenty of hard ice patches. Ice was certainly more of an issue than any bare ground. I did take off my skis and walk around the paved segment connecting the west side of the park to the east side (see photos) because the shear ice was too dangerous coming down the little hill for someone who values an intact skull. There were suggestions of classic tracks throughout, but I don't know enough to know of they are usable.
Photos:
(David Sas)
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Morning
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Trails just groomed for both skate and classic. Excellent condition. Classic trail very soft, my waxless skis sank into the snow on kicks. I'm sure it will be packed in as it is used.
(Ken Henry)
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Afternoon
Observation 
[ Trails: Closed ]
Trails are mostly ice. conditions are ungroomable and unskiable.
(Andy Wood)
Friday, February 10, 2023
Night
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Essex renovated groomed for skate skiing. No new classic tracks (icy). Should be fast til noon Saturday.
(Mike Trantow)
Friday, February 10, 2023
Morning
Firsthand: Freestyle 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Icy, but softening up with the morning sun by the end of my lauf. Grooming gurus were just setting out as I finished, so it's only going to get better. Thanks to our awesome volunteers!
(Joey Furst)

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