Elver snowmaking loop was still firm at 10 am today. Deck was pretty rutted by someone skating when it was soft yesterday. Otherwise, skate deck ranged from firm, fast corn to glare ice. Classic tracks on the western portion only; deep and icy. Still a deep pack.

(Pete Anderson)

The groomer had just finished around 9:30. Fresh corduroy skate deck, yesterday's dusting refreshed the classical tracks and striding was very good on both sides of the shelter. Skating was excellent, much better than Friday and yesterday which was pretty good.

(Robert Abendroth)

There is a crusty corduroy track on the manmade loops and hill. Faint icy classical track to the west, on the east it looked as though it'd been set but was icy as well. The short climb had corduroy up to the first hill but nothing after. The long climb had been groomed, went down the big hill with no problem but it's totally iced and not much fun, there's bare ice at the bottom. Park webpage says all trails but manmade loop are closed. Actually pretty good skating on a very fast track but quite a let down from earlier this week.

(Robert Abendroth)

Skied at 8:00 AM before warm up and the trail was in excellent condition for both striding and skating. Must have been groomed earlier as the race last night would have worn out the track. So Elver can sometimes be a pleasant surprise and I thank whoever groomed the trail! Let's hope it survives the next two days.

(Ian Duncan)

Perfect conditions entire trail system and freshly groomed by 10am this morning. You couldn't ask fro nicer skiing conditions.

(Dirk Lacker)

Full coverage with very little debris. Skate deck was a bit soft which is attributed to the dry/fluffy snowfall. Surprisingly low number hiker tracks on the trails. Nice to be skiing in Madison!

(Ryan Cavitt)

Skied at Elver each of the last 3 nights. Astoundingly good coverage considering paltry snow total: there were just a couple places I could see a tiny bit of grass poking through and these were extremely easy to avoid. Skied manmade and west trails (no track on west trails). East trails roped off this week, but might be ready after Thursday night snowfall. Lots of eager Madisonians out on trail this week! Finally no need to travel over the weekend to find good conditions.

(Mitchell Campbell)

Manmade loop at Elver is saving the season here in Madison. Great turnout for MadNorski races and lessons Tuesday evening. Should survive the warm-up and predicted rain.

Photos:

(Mike Ivey)

Freshly groomed Tuesday night and this afternoon with new corduroy for skaters and freshly set classical tracks. Very good condition with plenty of loose snow for an edge and control on the hill which had gotten rather slick and bumpy over the weekend. What an improvement from last years conditions, it's great to have a real hill. I talked to some skiers who were on the west trails who said it wasn't bad but when I was hiking on it after the first dusting I noted numerous rocks and branches still on the trail. Better use your rock skis.

(Robert Abendroth)

Awesome skate deck with fresh corduroy this morning! Likewise, full classic tracks set up for dozen+ happy C&S skiers :-) Thumbs up to the hill climbs, with a fantastic, straight descent! Overall great coverage on this 1.5km loop. Lastly, kudos to the Xmas Crew, groomer Dale S. and Yuri G. for presenting niceties on a Holiday!

Photos:

(Steph Osborne)