Despite warm temps and rain, some of the best early season skiing has been this week on days when you wouldn't expect it. Tilling of the man-made loop made a big difference. hats off to the park staff, including the volunteer who came in to till the course at 3am Friday morning.

(Brian Birschbach)

The 1.6 km of manmade snow were groomed with the Ginsu overnight and are in very skiable condition this morning. Most segments had a loose, shallow layer of corn snow on a firm to icy base that made for good skating. Several new small whales of manmade snow were made on Monday night - they have not been spread, but are still quite skiable - you won't even notice two of them. There are still icy spots on the start hill, but other segments are very good, though softening as the temps rise. Striding tracks are old and icy.

Photos:

(John McCarthy)

Skied the man-made loop under the lights at 8pm. Groomer was out scratching the surface. Deck was firm and icy, especially on the flat sections. We need some natural snow to cover the icy base.

(Dan Ellerkamp)

It was very icy when I arrived at 11:30am with a temperature of 33 degrees. The downhill at the top of summer stage climb was very icy so most skiers were only doing the flat loop starting at the center. At 1pm, they groomed the trails which made the ski conditions much better with only a few icy spots. Even at 40 degrees, ski conditions can be ok with the hardpacked 2 foot base.

Photos:

(Don Howell)

Temps in the 40's on Saturday barely made a dent in the solid base on the manmade snow loops. Great conditions for skating - a loose layer of granular powdery snow on a solid base - a little icy in spots. A set of double striding tracks around the various loops. Although there are many skiers on the trails, the width of the manmade snow base allows for very comfortable skiing for for everyone from novice to expert.

(John McCarthy)

I had a very nice ski this morning at Lapham Peak! Used my good skis and although a bit slow conditions were well covered with many folks out enjoying the trails today.

(Charlie Ritter)

At 34 degrees (9am), the skiing was very good with a hard packed surface with enough loose snow for edging. Left at 11:30am at 45 degrees and the glide was a little slower but still good and enjoyable. Many skiers were enjoying the spring like conditions for skating and classical.

Photos:

(Don Howell)

Skiers in southeast Wisconsin are so fortunate to have the manmade snow at Lapham. Conditions this morning were as good as it gets. Excellent skate lanes, a double set of striding tracks. No ice. Mild temps, sun, no wind. We'll see what tomorrow brings, but there's sufficient depth of dense, clean manmade snow to last a while.

Photos:

(John McCarthy)

Best skating conditions this season. The manmade loop and loop up to magic carpet and down has been spread for 1.2K skiing.
Arrived 9am at 26 degrees and left at 11am at 32 degrees and conditions were still good.

(Don Howell)

A beautiful morning ski on the manmade loops. Whales on the balance of the north loop have been spread, resulting in three interlinked loops (pond, tail end, and north) and about 1.5 km of snow covered and groomed trails. Work was starting on spreading the whales in the "Nordic Playground" area. All trails were freshly groomed for skating, with a flat, firm deck; and a double set of striding tracks was set around the main loop. Very nice. Best time to ski is going to be in the morning, as recognized by the many skiers out enjoying the trail today.

Photos:

(John McCarthy)