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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(Roy Peterson)

A stunning beautiful ski at Iola trails. Blue sky and trees flocked with white snow in every direction. Classic skied on three inches of ungroomed snow. All the trails I was on had a firm flat deck with good classic tracks that prior skiers had compacted the fresh snow. Skied on green, blue and most of black trail. When I left at 3:30 pm the groomers were headed out on the trails.

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(Ron Fabrizius)

Today was a perfect day for skiing. I classic skied the black trail, and the tracks were set but the skate deck was not groomed. Caution: there is a downed tree on the black trail, I had to take my skis off and was able to climb around it. Overall the skiing conditions were good, and I saw the groomer going back out after I was done.

(Kaden Volbright)

12 degrees today - fortunately, no wind. Spectacular scenery! Trails were freshly groomed. Tracks also freshly set. Kudos to the groomers/volunteers who cleaned up most of the trail damage from the ice and heavy snow. Classic skied using good skis today. Green trail in excellent condition. Skate deck firm. Tracks deep and silky smooth. Blue trail in good condition. I also skied the Field of Dreams trail. Skate deck and tracks were noticeably softer on those trails. There were also a few spots in the wooded areas where there was exposed grass and pine needles in the track. There were also a few tree branches and some low brush obstructing the classic trail a little. I did not ski the black trail.

(Bill Konieczki)

The first thing you notice as you approach Iola is how much more snow there is! Terrific early season conditions. The green and blue loops are in mid season condition for skate. I strided the green loop enjoying 50% depth tracks. Worth the drive. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)