Nice conditions at Chester today. A soft top on a firm track. The trail had been recently groomed. There were still a couple thin spots on two of the hills, but the big rock on the backside hill is now covered. Modest foot traffic, but the solid underlayer prevented post-holing. Classic tracks looked good, and it was nice to see several recreational skiers enjoying them.

(Fritz Anderson)

All trails were freshly groomed this morning after the new snow last night. A beautiful classic track was set and is clean. The skate deck was soft on top allowing for control and stability. I give it an A+!

(Chandra Shoberg)

Chester was freshly groomed today and was in good condition, hard, and relatively fast. A few things to note: first there is one large rock going up the back side right before reaching the top. It is easy to avoid, but just a heads up. Also, there are a few thin spots and boot prints scatter throughout, so I would highly recommend B/training skis. Other than these few things it was amazing. Chester has such an amazing ski history and it never disappoints. Thank you to the city groomers for resetting the corduroy today.

(Samuel Olson)

Skied three laps at Chester this morning. What a treat! :-) 1-2 inches of fresh wet snow over a firm base slowed the hills down but provided stability. Classic tracks have been set this year and are a welcome sight. There are two thin places on the trail where you might encounter some dirt hence the B skis rating. I was using my good skis and didn't regret the decision. Thank you to the City of Duluth for returning these trails to skier use only when snow is on the trail! Chester is definitely worth visiting today before they hit it with the groomer. It'll probably need some time to set up after grooming. Happy trails!

(Chandra Shoberg)

The trails are holding up relatively well by Chester standards with only scattered boot craters spread out along it. The snow survived the warm up, avoided any melt freeze so the downhills are fast and fun, not bone jarring and sketchy.

(Fred Sproat)

It is still a bit soft, hard to complain! As reported there is a little dirt churned up, and an exposed rock or two in places so B skis may be appropriate. The big news is that there were only 3-4 sets of walking tracks! Get out there skiers, that is the fewest walking tracks I have seen on groomed Chester trails in the nearly two decades that I have been skiing out there! Thanks to the City for all of the good signage making it clear that it is a ski trail and no longer a shared use trail.

(Matt Ryan)

Trail was being groomed as I started skiing around 11:00. Some thin and dirty spots, so I’ll suggest B skis, though I was on good skis. Great to see classic tracks set again at Chester. Love the new signs, as well.

Photos:

(Fritz Anderson)

24° F. Mint condition. Trails just groomed. So far the walkers have stayed on the side, except for the dog. :-)
Thank you, walkers! Some thin spots underneath new snow.

Photos:

(Louise Levy)