Here Nordic and natural ice marathon skaters can inform each other about the continuously changing ice conditions on lakes in Massachusetts, and other nearby locations. Between frost, snow, thaw, and climate change the time window for any outdoor skating is limited, so fast communication is essential.

Reports can be read on the web without subscription. We hope you will subscribe and contribute your own reports about ice conditions. When posting, mention the subject: e.g., "ICE RPT: name of lake, nearest town, ____," so that readers can tell whether you are posting an ice report, planning a group skate, or ... whatever.

List subscribers have also access to the Files, Photos and Links on this site. There are files uploaded addressing the basics of safety, equipment, FAQ, places, etc. New subscribers should review these materials, some of which are auto-sent to new members.

We intend this list to complement, not supplant, existing resources. Thus the focus really is on ice conditions and get togethers for outdoor "Nordic" skaters living in the greater Boston area, and in other parts of MA if we find interested subscribers from other areas. Trips to skate in NH, VT, etc., are appropriate postings. A local pond with a small area shoveled for a family hockey rink is not.

Existing resources incl. (see 'Links' also):
VT skating: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VTNordicSkating/
Ice boating conditions throughout the Northeast: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceReports/

Outdoor skating can be hazardous. No posting on this list shall imply any guarantee of safety by the list organizers.

REMEMBER, EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY ON ICE!

There is always THIN ICE somewhere!

That said, Welcome!

Props to the two lists mentioned for some of the text above