It's tough out there SE Iowa folks. But desperate times call for desperate measures. If you must get your glide on, try the Coralville rez. Not the trails or any land around it, but the rez itself. There's between 1 and 5 inches of sugary granular on it and of course the base is solid, as it is ice.
Downsides:
1) You've got to file your ferrules to dagger points to be able to pole on ice.
2) It's about as hilly as Bonneville.
Upsides:
1) It's skiing.
2) Absolute solitude.
Broke a classic track from near Mehaffy Bridge to near the Turkey Creek Marina and back, with a stopover to check out the Sugarbottom land area. Other classic skiers had tried the land at Sugarbottom, bless them. I do not recommend going that route. Thin as a St. Louis pizza. A skater left from Sugarbottom out toward Turkey Creek. I'd give conditions on that, but I don't understand what skate skiing is.
Disclaimer: It's ice and conditions change. Ski at your own risk. If you go into Turkey Creek, look out for both muskrat and beaver holes. Both live back there.
