XC Skiing at Iola Skate Park

Description

Iola Winter Sports Club is situated near Stevens Point, WI. It takes about 1hour 45 minutes to get there from Madison, but the conditions are perfect right now. Im hoping to run a trip with some Hoofers next week. 

The park has an old Norwegian style lodge at the start of the trails. When we go inside, we pay for entry to the park which is $10.00 for the day. I'm driving my car so there will be a tokenistic charge for fuel too. Its not a lot between everyone. At the lodge, there's a huge stove in the center of the room that blast out warm air - It's a rustic, but chilled out vibe. On site, a volunteer sells soup and stew (among other things) etc., which go down very well for a mere $2.00. Coffee, tea, candy etc., are an additional dollar. You dont need to purchase this, but its on offer if you want it. I would bring a snack with you for the course, such as: Nuts, Cliff bar etc.

There's facilities to change at the Lodge too if you are comfortable with doing so in the restroom. I leave my bag, boots, and coat tucked under the benches along the length of the room and its generally looked after and relatively safe. If you prefer, I can lock valuables in my car. 

Ski Park Website Iola: http://iolawintersportsclub.org/
Weather: https://www.wunderground.com/q/zmw:54945.1.99999?MR=1

Essentially, here's my plan:
I'll meet with folks at 08:00 to set up equipment.
08:30  - We will head to Iola. 
10:30 - We will Ski our preferred routes
13:30 - Meet in the lodge for a wee bit of banter and some food
14:00 - Ski another wee bit of the course
15:30 - Chill in the lodge, warm up
16:00 - On the road home
18:00 - Arrive ay Hoofers

Equipment: 
Ski's- Cross or Skate
Poles 
Boots

Clothing:
Baselayer thermal top 
Thermal bottoms
Mid Layer Fleece or Top
Windstopper or Fleece (like a belay jacket or equivalent)
Waterproof Jacket 
Pants - Waterproof preferably and cosy 
Thick socks (x 2)
Ski Gloves and a Mid-Layer glove (depending on conditions - You'll likely use the Mid-Layer glove only. )
Hat with fleece inner preferably
Buff (for your neck or an equivalent)
A winter running hood)
Sunglasses (if we get lucky)
Sun Lotion possibly for your face

ALSO: Spare clothes for changing into. 

Participants:

• You must be free of injury and reasoably fit (No doubts over ability)
• Can demonstrate good control on a pair of ski's (Preferably, have experience of skiing)

If you have any questions, shoot me an email. I'm not the fastest with responses, but I will try my best. 

Ross