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!

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(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)

Fantastic conditions no bare spots with tons of snow, 16-18 ft wide skate deck groomed to perfection. Phil is an artist with the groomer and he paints a perfect picture. Wow, classic tracks were the best I've seen this year though we skated. The skate deck was packed really firm no sinking more then a half an inch to an inch. Just beautiful, way to go Phil.

(Joe Barrick)

Grooming is in progress. Skate lanes on the green and blue trails are ready to ski. The remaining skate lanes and all classic tracks should be completed by early afternoon.

(Brian Nischke)

Great day. Skied all but one black loop and all trails were excellent. Snow falling. Could not have been better. Well worth the drive from Madison.

(Jeff Meade)

Arrived around noon and skied the black loop. The trail was in excellent condition. Plenty of snow cover with virtually no debris on the trails. The snow was faster than I expected given the 5 degree temperature. Definitely worth the drive up.

(Ross Lemke)