Skied this morning (9:15 start and 10:45 finish) as they were starting to soften. Most of the trails were in grate shape. There are some icy patches to negotiate in the usual sun exposed or under pine tree areas, but all were passable without removing skis. Some of the icy spots will most likely melt through today but there will still be some nice areas to ski on.

(Tim Corcoran)

I skied my virtual Birkie starting at about 7:30 this morning in excellent conditions. The skate deck had been freshly scarified, leaving a granular surface that provided great edging and control. Realized that although it wasn't Hayward, I was still able to finish on Main Street (the name of the final stretch of the Iola trails) to the sound of cheers and cowbells. Thanks to a group at the finish area cheering on the skiers. By late morning the snow was softening in areas of direct sun.

(Tim Corcoran)

I was out at 8:30 a.m. to beat the warm-up. Excellent coverage, with about 1/4" -1/2" new snow on the trails making for rather slow conditions. By 9:30 the areas in the sun were getting very slow. All the virtual Birkie course options are well marked at all trail intersections as well as maps at the start/parking area.

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(Tim Corcoran)

Skated Iola this afternoon. It probably goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. The IWSC trails are at peak mid-winter conditions! Everything is excellent out there--skate lanes were great and tracks looked deep and clean!

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(Bill Fehrenbach)

Great conditions this afternoon. Tracks were set on the Blue, Black and Green. Waxless skis worked great. Get out and enjoy before the deep freeze.

(Mike Glodosky)

Trails had great coverage for the Norseman Challenge, almost too much of a good thing (snow!). Great to see all the MS and HS racers. I did the 20k skate race/tour and the beautiful hilly course. Mashed potato snow on the uphills but what can you do? Smile and curse. Super fun downhills on that course. A really fun low key event. Highly recommend it!

(Gail Moede Rogall)

Conditions are the best they have been all year. Tracks are in good condition and not really iced over. Skate deck is firm and fast. Did not encounter any thin/icy spots. Hardly any debris.

(Henry Jacobson)

Conditions are great at Iola! The latest snows really helped. First-hand, I only skied the Green sections (injury rehab!), but everything is fully covered and packed. Track looks good, as well. I used B skis, as that's all I have prepped, but I would not have hesitated using my best skis.

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(Bill Fehrenbach)

Skated along side some friends in the track. The track was hard and fast with very good kick. It was so fast that I had a hard time keeping up with the classic friends! The skating deck is covered at 99.5% And setting up nicely, every trail has been groomed and groomed and groomed. What a pleasure to be on fresh snow and such well groomed trails. It has been awhile waiting for these conditions. Good timing for the Norseman Challenge race this coming Sunday. Happy trails!

(Glenn Coenen)

Received 4-5" powdery snow Saturday night. Grooming complete by Sunday afternoon. Used waxless skis today on the Green Loop, Wasrud Loop, and Field of Dreams. 99-1/2% coverage, great ski. Talked with some skate skiers and they said the skate deck was fast, fast, fast with 100% coverage. Nice job groomers!

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(Mark Dostal)