Skating conditions were very good again today. After skiing on B skis yesterday, I used my good skis today. No worries. The Green Loop is very skiable (minus the one hill) with one little water spot to get through. Today I also skied a Blue-Black hybrid loop that included the Lower Glen, the Old Black to the cut-off to the Field. The big hill in the field was not recently groomed, but the little cut-off before it was, so you knew not to try the hill. All in all, excellent spring skiing at Iola--which of course means get out early and off by the time the temps get up to freezing.

(Bill Fehrenbach)

Got a text from one of Iola board members, Phil groomed Saturday morning, green plus some of the field and old black are skiable. There are a few small water hazards marked with cones to navigate. No new tracks. The person said it skied real well till noon. Phil plans to groom early Sunday morning. Go early.

Photos:

(Tracy Piontkowski)

The trails are in great shape, well groomed. However, there are a lot of pine needles and twigs on parts. I got rained out as the sun set. Hopefully there is enough base to last.

(Andrew Geffert)

Excellent skating with plenty of corduroy and complete cover. Snow starting to compact on the south-facing hills in the sun but didn't slow skis too much. Classic tracks in good shape but a lot of debris from this weeks wind - new snow should cover this up.

(Ian Duncan)

Phil gets a lot of credit for keeping the trails up in bad weather conditions. He doesn't get enough credit for the simply masterful work he does with perfect conditions. The trails were Olympic quality.

(Ben Kotenberg)

Word from Phil is he has been working on getting the trails open after all the snow we've had for Saturday's Greg Marr memorial ski backwards party -- come out and ski the trail in reverse direction. There will be a cookout, music, and beverages. Please bring a dish to pass. This is as much an opportunity to recognize Phil and all he does to make Iola a great ski venue and to celebrate Greg Marr, the founder/editor of Silent Sport magazine.

(Tracy Piontkowski)

Skate-skied this afternoon. There was maybe an inch of new snow over the solid base referenced earlier. It was excellent -- the best skiing conditions I've skied anywhere this year. Classic track looked deep and perfect, as well. Too bad it's Birkie week and many won't be skiing that much this week! Looks like conditions will hold for quite a while, though!

Photos:

(Bill Fehrenbach)

Trails were in good condition and not too many skiers. Skied the Blue and Green trails classical and the tracks were in very good shape considering no new snow. Very nice chalet. Wish they would provide a nicer map (color would be good) considering the $10 each trail fee. Portions of the trails are lighted for night skiing.

(Pete Brengosz)

Skated the Black loop and my wife classic skied the Blue loop. Pristine conditions with amazing snow groomed to perfection and temps in the lower 20's! Skate deck way very firm with fresh corduroy. Classic tracks are a 10 on a 1-10 scale. Enjoy it while its here!

Photos:

(Dave Loescher)

Skied the black and blue loops, excellent conditions under a sunny beautiful blue sky. Classical tracks were in good condition.

(Steve Slattery)