Green, Blue, and some of the Black trails are open. All trails are tracked and have awesome coverage. The trails are smooth for the limited snow. The system received some light new snow this week. Would I ski there again? You betcha, the snow is not bad, and the grooming is good, and IWSC has great vibes.

(Nathan Koch)

Silky smooth skate deck due to fresh grooming this morning. Most of the pine needle debris has been covered by the 1.5 to 2 inches of snow the area recently received. The green and blue trails were very good and the black fair. The black along the wetlands and streamside was in fair condition. Most of the pine needle debris on cardiac hill was covered. The worst stretch was in the dense pine cover just after the hunting cabin area. A big improvement can be made if all skiers would toss a dozen or so pine needle clumps off to the side in all areas. No classic track set but tracks had been skied in on the green and blue.

Photos:

(Tim Corcoran)

Made a 2 hr drive up Iola- Was well worth the drive even though there was minimal snow but groomer was busy dressing up the trails. Skied 4 blue and 2 green. Solid base with just enough loose snow for good kick-tracks varied from good to washed out. Forgot how pleasant it is to ski on natural snow with minimal debris on the trail. Did not ski black as gentleman reported he just skied and was icy with debris in spots- thin so groomer wasn't grooming this trail. Overall a very enjoyable ski.

(Dan Dudley)

Conditions were as good as it could be for what was available for snow, Phil's voicemail was spot on. Great first day skiing this year, thanks to all of the volunteers who are involved here.

(Charles Kane)

There was a high school race this morning so they pulled out all the stops. We skated green, blue, and field - its skiable with a few sketchy spots, could not fix tracks. Phil did touch up black, we didn't ski that. Phil said he was going back out with the Pisten Bully this afternoon, he didn't think he could do any more to black with debris. Should be good for a New Year's Day ski.

Photos:

(Tracy Piontkowski)

The snow had melted then frozen into very hard icy pack when I first got there, lots of slipping and trying to avoid ruts. Fortunately the groomer came by (~3pm) and made it so, so much more skiable and enjoyable. Everything was open but only the easy loop was fully groomed while I was there, which I had a wonderful time on. B skis for pine needles and some remaining icy chunks. Hopefully it stays below freezing and more snow comes.

(Sarah Guillot)

In route from holidays in Chicago to the UP, so finally got to ski Iola, which has been on my list for years. Skied the blue and black loops. Smooth skate deck and good tracks. Some areas had a fair amount of pine needles, but snow cover was good. Fun trails with great terrain and something for everyone, and nice chalet.

(Sue Schroeder)

Started skiing about 12:45 pm, 19 degrees felt balmy. Phil continued to groom all trails. We skied green, blue, purple and the field. All were very good for skate. Some debris which is why I suggested B skis. Tracks were good in most places, blown in in some. Heard black was soft from one of my friends I shared a beer with post ski.

Photos:

(Tracy Piontkowski)

Good conditions! Some pine needles but nothing serious! Green loop was freshly groomed; the blue and the black loop weren't when I left at noon, but they were ok to ski! Great skiing out there!

(Christian Südbeck)

Conditions were very good. Plenty of snow, good tracks, but the scenery on the trails were A plus, plus, plus.

Photos:

(Roy Peterson)