Speedskating
The Experience
Experience gliding on ice – the feel of the wind through your hair, the serenity of a quiet Minnesota evening as you skate around the OVAL’s 400m track, the beauty of the lights in the trees surrounding you… enjoy a fun cardio workout in the refreshing winter air with friends and teammates… glide, glide, glide.
Give it a try! We have skates ready for your use and we have programs that will help get you started. Speed skating is a lifelong sport that can be done for recreation and exercise, or you can skate competitively. Racing is not required. There are lots of options to get you started.
Get Started
The OVAL offers all varieties of speedskating – long track, short track and inline. The 400m OVAL is open for ice from November to March and is used for long track skating. Skating is typically done in a pack style and racing is done in either a pack or with two skaters racing in a pair against each other and the clock. Short track skating uses a smaller ice space and is done inside of the OVAL track or in the indoor ice arena. Inline skating (on wheels) is offered during the spring, summer and fall months. Regardless of the season, you can always speed skate at the OVAL.
Open Public Speedskating — See schedule for public speedskating sessions
Learn to Speedskate Program — In collaboration with Midway Speedskating, Roseville Parks & Recreation offers this introduction program to speedskating which runs from November through late February. The program is for all skaters ages 8 through adults. Skaters learn the fundamentals and proper techniques of speed skating with the opportunity to take part in optional meets during the season. Speed skate rentals are available and information will be sent after registration.
Try Speed Skating — GMSA (Greater MN Speedskating Association) offers a chance to try speed skating for no charge.
Speedskating Clubs & Associations
There are metro area speedskating clubs that also participate and race at the OVAL. If you are looking for a team experience, consider joining a club.
Midway Speedskating — Midway Speedskating is a non-profit, parent-run organization committed to the sport of speedskating. The club primarily focuses on skaters 18 years and younger. Midway is proud to call the OVAL their home ice.
Greater MN Speedskating Association- GMSA is a non-profit organization whose primary activity is the promotion and education of speedskating in the region. Their site is intended to provide information on how to get started in the sport and provide news and info to members of GMSA.
Minnesota Masters Speedskating Club — The Minnesota Masters Speedskating Club is dedicated to providing a source of information, support and fellowship to adult speed skaters in the Midwest. Although we welcome skaters of all ages, our primary focus is on those over 30 (master skaters).
Twin Cities Speedskating — Twin Cities Speedskating is dedicated to promoting the lifelong enjoyment of speed skating. Their mission is to create opportunities to skate for a sense of accomplishment and teamwork. TCSS primarily focuses on adult recreational and competitive skaters.
Season Pass
Speedskating season passes are available for skaters who have EXTENDED long blade skating experience. Season pass will provide skater with access to all Midway/GMSA "All Level" & "Advanced" speedskating sessions for the OVAL 2025-2026 season + all OVAL public skating SPEEDSKATING sessions. Season pass holders will receive a bracelet and must present & wear to each session and check in with staff at OVAL skate rental office OR skating center front desk. For more information & to register, contact the Recreation Supervisor, Jessica Matthews 651-792-7121.
This year we are happy to include personal transponders to those who purchase season passes for the 2025/26 season. These will provide lap times (as long as between 22 seconds and 55 seconds) for every lap you skate around the John Rose Oval. Times are displayed on the brand new score board and are easy to read as you are skating. This will make your skating and training sessions a lot more fun with constant feedback!
Single Session Adult Speedskating Lesson
A long time experienced speedskater occasionally offers single session speedskating training / mentoring during open speedskating sessions. Adult speed skates are available for rent during that session. Contact the Oval Facility Manager for more detail at (651) 792-7122.
