Overall, still quite good apart from some spots with dirt and debris. The grooming wasn't perfect (the West Loop had seen a lot use and was starting to get choppy in places, and the East Trails were very hard packed and uneven in places), but it seems like conditions have improved since earlier reports this week. I found everything to be perfectly skiable and enjoyable. Hopefully it lasts through the weekend!

(Anna Meyer)

All of the trails are open with the exception of the first hill on the West none of the hills have been groomed even though grooming was done again today. Where groomed skiing was excellent but it's disappointing to have three of the best hills in such poor condition and not worth the effort to climb.

(Robert Abendroth)

Skied from 2:30-5PM. The west side was almost completely groomed but not quite. Snow coverage is complete. Tracks were showing a lot of glazing. I would rate the West side as good to fair. The east side, unfortunately, was not groomed. I was quite disappointed because the snow was not skied on much during the last warm couple of days and would have groomed nicely. The "herd" tracks were not very flat. I only put up with 1/2 a lap on the East side and would rate it as poor/fair. With temps at 32-33F, I used my skins and they worked nicely.

(Craig Fischberg)

The groomers had just finished rolling the new inch+ of snow. Skate deck was predictably soft and slow, but the new coating covered up the debris. Given a grooming and some time to set up the trails should be in great condition. Enjoy the new snow!

(Noah Weibel)

Skied the west trails this morning, saw the groomer in action over by the manmade loop. Overall good shape, just the usual oak leaves made classic a little slow. Other than that very good conditioins!

(Ben Kjorlie)

Elver was gorgeous today! We were amazed at the quality of the snow cover - in the 17 kilometers we skied I only saw one stick that could have done any damage. The occasional leaf shows up, more in the skate lane than anything. Tracks, where set, were in great shape. There are trails open on the east side that haven't been open for several years and are so fun to ski! The trails were getting a lot of use but holding up well - Thanks for the great work groomers!

Photos:

(Ketzel Levens)

Big storm from Friday and Saturday left a few inches of new snow on new ice, just not as much snow as we all hoped for. The 1k man-made loop held up very well and was bullet fast until early afternoon, until the very busy skier traffic did some damage to it, exposing some patches of ice overlaid by corn snow. But what was nice and made a 200 mile round trip worth it was that all the West trails had been rolled (not enough to set classic tracks or a smooth corduroy, but better than grass!). The first few laps were great and increasing traffic through the afternoon did put a dent to it. East trails also very skiable although not tracked. Sticks and leaves but no rocks or dirt. B skis just fine.

Photos:

(Gui Girard)

Fresh Pisten Bully grooming Thursday morning tenderized the Elver manmade loop into excellent skate conditions with nicely-set tracks just for extra fun. Super fast corn snow over a firm base made for an almost free ride around the 1K course. Ski hard up the "one-minute hill" each lap and you could even call it training -- but why ruin a good thing? The snowless winter here in Madison has been saved by this great little loop. Worth the drive if you are jonesin' for the white stuff.

Photos:

(Mike Ivey)

Elver fake snow loop was regroomed by Madnorski volunteer Sunday morning and was in pretty decent shape all things considered. Mostly firm with loose corn in the corners but easy to get an edge. There is a legit 1km loop at Elver with a one-minute climb so if are in need of some training it works fine, Madnorski races start Tuesday night.

Photos:

(Mike Ivey)

Snowmaking loop is icy with some sugary spots. Minimal control. Tilling and grooming with the PB would most likely help a lot. If you go, have low expectations.

(Marc Young)