Snow was spread around the large field just north of trailhead, and was groomed for both classic and skate (in addition to the usual artificial loop). The tracks were in very good shape, with only a handful of icy and dirty spots. Conditions were a little softer than they usually are, given temps right around freezing. This is the best shape the artificial loop has been in all season, and it's finally a proper loop now, rather than what was essentially a connected series of out-and-backs.

(Kyle Richard)

Lots of skiers on the man-made loop, which is holding up decently considering all the traffic. Solid, if a tad icy base, with a few corners and the hairpin turnaround on the field spur a bit tricky to manage. Not too much sugar buildup on the power line. I recommend good skis, but one might want to use B for your first loop to scope things out. All told, it's great to have some technical skiing in the Madison area during this cold stretch. Many thanks to the groomers.

(Pieter DeHart)

Things were in pretty good shape in late afternoon, with low to moderate skier traffic. Skate deck is fast but not too icy, and not overly sugary on the uphills or powerline, sans a tiny patch coming back up from the lower field hairpin. Really enjoyed the switch in direction on the first loop, as after their evening grooming it really did help prevent icy patches from forming on that first (formerly left) turn. Much appreciation to the groomers!

(Pieter DeHart)

The manmade loop, despite being quite icy in a few areas (especially that downhill turn to the left), has been holdng up pretty well. The classic tracks were mostly intact, and for the most part I could get a pretty good edge when I needed to.

(Kyle Richard)

Grooming report looked good at the start of the day, but by the time we rolled in to test things out there were some big and fairly unavoidable icy patches, and a few small spots of churned up dirt. This said, there seemed to be plenty of depth throughout. Looked like they were getting ready to re-groom as the sun was disappearing.

Photos:

(Pieter DeHart)

Stuck to the man-made snow portions today, including the new short stretch in the upper field (with a hairpin turnaround)...trying both skate and classic. It looks like they did a regroom last night, so things were looking good. The newer stretch was a nice pack of fresher-made snow, and with the warmer temps was more snowlike and less icy, so a good change from the rest of the course. The hill along the powerline is holding up well, even with more traffic on the course. All in all, very thankful for this great place in our backyard, and skiing in December!

Photos:

(Pieter DeHart)

Day 2 of the Middleton Nordic opener, we skated the snowmaking loop during the 5K Freestyle Fun Ski. Groomers mentioned that they did not regroom the golf course due to lack of more snow, so we used good skis with no issue on the manmade kilometer. Deep classic tracks were visible throughout the area we skied. The field loop is shaping up nicely for them to open it soon. All in all a great day on well-made base of snow in the Madison area!

(Pieter DeHart)

Had a mostly enjoyable skate across nearly 6 miles on what was open, from the snow-making loop, Round-a-bit, West loop, Round-a-lot, and Pleasant view. The current snow-making loop is in great condition, and if you want to stick to that you can use your good skis. Venturing further afield across the golf course necessitates use of rock skis, as there are patches (especially on West loop and near the clubhouse on pleasant view and Round-a-lot) of exposed grass, pine needles, and other hazards. That said, large stretches on the golf course are excellent, and well worth it for the adventurous souls. The only locations at present where there are also classic tracks are on the snow-making portions It looks like they continue to rapidly build up snow on the upper field for potentially opening soon. All in all, a fantastic resource, and with the Middleton Nordic Opener today and tomorrow (free classic and skate lessons, and free s'mores and hot chocolate!) well worth the affordable day or season pass. Huge thanks to the crew for all the snowmaking and grooming!

Photos:

(Pieter DeHart)

1 k trail manufactured snow. Well groomed. A couple of hills, all in good shape. Come out and ski!

(Dave Minden)

Skating was better than the last few days thanks to the snow softening up a bit. The downhill turns were less sketchy and icy than they have been. Classic skiing was not so great. Tracks were set this morning, but by the time I arrived just afternoon, they were mostly shallow or obliterated. There was a section that was pure ice near the snow guns, and another section where grass was poking through.

(Kyle Richard)