Started skating at 8 AM. Overall conditions at that time was good. Full coverage no debris and no ice that I encounter. Skate lanes were still somewhat soft and the groomer was just starting and it was slow and softer yet after grooming. I am sure conditions are going to change rapidly throughout today.

(Michael Wiegel)

The good: you can ski. And most of the flat areas are in decent shape. The bad: there is a lot of mashed potatoes and unstable/uneven skate deck, especially on hills. The ugly: some bits where the soggy start to the snow saturated the snow and created ice.

(Andrew Dutcher)

Good to excellent conditions. Groomers were finishing the skate lanes around noon. The trails were nicely packed with loose snow from the grooming. Full coverage and no debris. It did not look like the classic tracks were going to be regroomed.

(Michael Wiegel)

Reports of excellent are not what I experienced. Overall good but slow late this afternoon. There are areas with leaves and twigs in the trails. There are also areas where mowed vegetation poke through the snow.

Photos:

(Michael Engel)

Near-perfect conditions. Tracks were present on all trails and the skate deck looked flat and firm. Thanks, groomers!

(Anna Meyer)

There's good snow coverage on the lit loop. There must have been lots of Madison folks eager to ski because the classic tracks were flattened out in a lot of areas. Stay warm out there!

(Shannon Dillard)

Skated starting at 11:00. Plenty of coverage on the west loops and not yet enough new snow for the trails to be too loose. Overall great conditions, hopefully the groomers will be out in the early morning.

(Michael Wiegel)

Very good skiing on both hills. There are some bare spots in open areas and places where the groomer hit ground. Some litter from the high winds, the worst part is the return on the west loop where leaves tugged my waxless skis in spots. All hills well covered with enough loose snow for control on turns, you'd never guess how little snow there is, excellent grooming here again.

(Robert Abendroth)

Amazing conditions for mid-December in Madison! About 75% of the trail was in great shape (just a bit soft), the remaining 25% was thin in places, ranging from frozen slush to grass poking through. Three spots to be careful in: thin conditions by the pine trees on the east trails, lots of tree debris (a tree fell across the trail and was removed?) just after getting on the main west loop after crossing the soccer fields, and exposed rocks on the shortcut uphill to the high point on the west loop. Grooming was in-progress as I left (no classic tracks yet).

(Anna Meyer)

No grooming yet, but a few of us broke trail for the rest of you! As of Thursday, at least three trees were blocking the trails, but can be climbed over safely. There are some wet spots that require scraping off your skis after. Enjoy the winter wonderland.

(Dave Minden)