INTRODUCTION
 The past week has seen intermittent light snow that has added to what we already had. Snow is still thin in some areas, but all the groomed centers are in full or nearly full operation, and most of the popular smoother backcountry skis are in good shape. 
Saturday will be warm with temperatures in the mid-30s and some more snow, but it starts to cool off on Sunday with Monday through Wednesday only seeing highs just approaching 10. Still, no significant new snow, but so far every flake that falls will stay.

JACKRABBIT TRAIL
The McKenzie Pass Section: Now skiable from Whiteface Inn Lane, with most rocks are fully covered on the hill, and very good cover as one approaches the lean-to. With the new snow, the ski down toward the pond is possible, but caution would still be advised - especially as one approaches the bottom where the snow is not as deep. Enough snow  now at McKenzie Pond Road that it's possible to ski right from the road. Very thin at the start under the thick trees and at a few points getting to the road at about the half-way point, but otherwise finally skiable.  
Old Mountain Road Section: Still a bit thin, but fully skiable. Some lumps on the hills and watch the beaver areas for wet areas.
Paul Smiths Section: We now have reports that logging prevents a through ski from the VIC to Lake Clear. The section from the VIC to Rt. 86 has good cover and only a few trees down that can be gotten around or over. South of Rt. 86 it is good skiing for about 1.5 miles to where the logging starts and the skiing ends. Coming up from Lake Clear, the old trolley line under the power lines is skiable until one hits the active logging road. 
Other sections: No reports on the Craig Wood to Lake Placid Club section, but this section should be  skiable, although the steeper hills near the Lake Placid Club could still be a problem.

GROOMED CENTERS

        ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER)
         https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/   518-837-5047
           Km Open and Groomed:  15  Track Set:  15 
          New snow: 2"  Packed Base Depth: 4-7"   Off Track: 12"   
          New Snow last 72 hours: 7"
          Surface Conditions: Packed powder on hardpack.
          Remarks: All trails open. 

         SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER
         10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Trail fee of $15/day - $10/half-day. Residents of the Tri-Lakes area ski for free (Donations appreciated)       scottscobblenordic.com.
518-523-9811 or 518-523-3742
          KM Open and Groomed: 10  Track Set: 10k
         New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:  4"   Off track: 8"   
          New snow past 72 hours:  7"
          Surface conditions:     Packed powder 
          Remarks:  
          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
        https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/daily-update/   518-523-2811
          Km Open and Groomed: 50  Track Set: 25 km  
          New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:  3-5" on Legacy trails   Off track: 9" 
          New snow past 72 hours:  7"
          Surface Conditions:   Packed powder. 
         Remarks:  Set track on most of the Legacy trails  on south side (a.k.a. cross-country side). Most trails on the north side (a.k.a. biathlon side) also open but no track set. Porter Mt. Loops reported as open with set track, but in-person reports indicate otherwise.

​           PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
         https://www.paulsmithsvic.org/trailconditions/  518-327-6241
           Km Groomed and Open: 30 km  Track Set:  15 
           New Snow:  2" Packed Base Depth: 6-8"   Off track:  12" 
           New snow past 72 hours:  8"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder. 
​           Remarks:  Set track on the wider trails where the Pisten-Bully can be used. Other trails open but not necessarily freshly groomed.
            DEWEY MOUNTAIN:
           https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter  518-891-2697
            Km Open:  5   Track set: none
           New Snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth: 2-3"  Off Track:  
           New snow past 72 hours:  5"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
           Remarks: Lower mountain trails open on thin cover. Upper trails still closed.

           TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS
           https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/  518-359-8370
            Km Open: 10   Track set:   10
           New Snow:     Base Depth:      Off track:    
           New snow past 72 hours:  
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
​        Remarks:  The system mostly held a good base. No specifics on snowfall or overall snow depth, but the photos online indicate this remains the best groomed skiing in the area. 

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS
While not yet true mid-winter conditions, there is more skiing to be had than we've had yet this season, although caution still advised on any hills as not all hazards are 'guaranteed' to be fully covered.  Wednesday 1/15,  report from Lake Colden says 26" at the cabin. 

Whiteface Highway: As has been the case for nearly a month, the highway is fully covered, but many sections may be narrow or bare given the high winds. 
Marcy Dam, Truck Trail: Skiable with most, but not all rocks covered. Meadows Lane now blocked off for the winter. Park on the left to leave room for ranger vehicles with snowmobile trailers in the event of an emergency. 
Fish Pond Truck Trail:  Very skiable all the way to Fish Pond. Lake ice should be safe after the cold weather this past weekend, but slush may be an issue for the alternate return.
Hays Brook Truck Trail: Definitely skiable to both the Sheep Meadow and Grass Pond.  Parking lot now being plowed, We can hope that continues.
Newcomb Lake Road: As usual, the best skiing.  Only minor and easily circimventes blowdown on the road to Moose Pond.
Gulf Brook Road to Boreas Ponds: Good coverage and some broken track. Initially, North Hudson said they had no intention of plowing any parking at Gulf Brook, but as of Saturday, 1/11, there was still parking for a few cars at the base of the hill. No report whether the plowing has continued with the new snow this week. Parking on the shoulder is legal, just not all that desirable. Additionally, the Ragged Mt. Road parking was also plowed. This is the access to Hoffman Notch.
Avalanche Pass: Skiable past Marcy Dam, but still with a few rocks to dodge as far as Avalanche Camp.  With all the new snow, the pass is now in good shape.  Lake Colden now has 26" of snow.  Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable. Caution is always advised near the outlet to Avalanche Lake. If in doubt, take to the trail on the west side about 50 yards before the outlet and cross on the bridge. 
​Ausable Lake Road: With the new snow, now just barely skiable, but the area is still the "donut hole" as far as snowfall, so not the best choice for the weekend. 
Wright Peak Ski Trail:  Skiable after it diverges from the hiking trail, but very rough getting from the point where one joins the hiking trail to where the ski trail diverges.
Mt. Marcy Ski Trail:  A current report says not really skiable until the ski trail junction above 50-meter bridge and then many blowdowns from there to Indian Falls.  Above Indian Falls, plenty of snow, but a snowshoe trench  to deal with.

After a beautiful weekend of sun and warmer temperatures, the nice weather is predicted to continue through the week. A few snow showers here and there, but nothing significant enough to change the conditions reported below. There is still not a great base (at least at the lower elevations) for any of the rougher terrain, but all ski centers, the Jackrabbit Trail, and the backcountry tours on roads will remain in great shape.

The forecast says that Wednesday will be the coldest day with highs only in the mid-teens (but no wind this time) and then 20s on Thursday and Friday, warming to the mid-30s with some snow on Saturday. So far, this doesn't appear to be the start of a warming trend, as Sunday's temperatures return to the 20s.

Next update on Friday, 1/17 when we know what the groomed centers have been able to do with any new snow and more precisely what the weekend weather will be.

INTRODUCTION
As the wind howled and the temperature barely made it out of the single digits this week, we did manage to pick up 4-8" of new snow. Now with the wind finally predicted to drop and for temperatures to maybe reach 20 or even 25 this weekend, this is the time to get out and enjoy the snow.  And so far, no thaw in sight.
Given the continuous high winds this past week, it is also worth noting that there is a good possibility of fresh blowdown on both the Jackrabbit Trail and the backcountry routes. Reports welcome so we can work to take care of the problems. 

JACKRABBIT TRAIL
The McKenzie Pass Section: Now skiable from Whiteface Inn Lane, with most rocks are fully covered on the hill, and very good cover as one approaches the lean-to. With the new snow, the ski down toward the pond should be possible, but caution would still be advised - especially as one approaches the bottom where the snow would not be as deep. Enough snow (8-10") now at McKenzie Pond Road that it's possible to ski right from the road. Very thin at the start under the thick trees and at a few points getting to the road at about the half-way point, but otherwise finally skiable.  
Old Mountain Road Section: Still a bit thin, but fully skiable. Some lumps on the hills and watch the beaver areas for wet areas.
Paul Smiths Section: So far, no reports on exact conditions, but good snow from Lake Clear to the VIC.
Other sections: No reports on the Craig Wood to Lake Placid Club section, but this section should be  skiable, although the steeper hills near the Lake Placid Club could still be a problem.

GROOMED CENTERS

        ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER)
         https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/   518-837-5047
           Km Open and Groomed:  15  Track Set:  15 
          New snow: 2"  Packed Base Depth: 3-5"   Off Track: 12"   
          New Snow last 72 hours: 9"
          Surface Conditions: Packed powder on hardpack.
          Remarks: All trails open.  And the Full Moon Party tradition returns: Don't forget about our Wolf moon celebration and night skiing under the light of the full moon on Saturday 11th from 5pm to 9:30pm with a bonfire, music, food, and hot chocolate! All ages are welcome.

         SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW
         10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Trail fee of $15/day - $10/half-day. Residents of the Tri-Lakes area ski for free (Donations appreciated)       scottscobblenordic.com.
518-523-9811 or 518-523-3742
          KM Open and Groomed: 10  Track Set: not yet 
         New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:  3"   Off track: 8"   
          New snow past 72 hours:  6"
          Surface conditions:     Packed powder 
          Remarks:  May be able to set track tomorrow after the newly-packed snow firms up.

          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
        https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/daily-update/   518-523-2811
          Km Open and Groomed: 40  Track Set: 15 km  
          New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:  3-5" on Legacy trails   Off track: 9" 
          New snow past 72 hours:  7"
          Surface Conditions:   Packed powder. 
         Remarks:  Set track on the flatter Legacy trails plus Inner Loopen and East Mountain  on south side (a.k.a. cross-country side). Most trails on the north side (a.k.a. biathlon side) also open but no track set. Porter Mt. Loops reported good as far as jct. 42.

​           PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
         https://www.paulsmithsvic.org/trailconditions/  518-327-6241
           Km Groomed and Open: 20 km  Track Set:  10 
           New Snow:  2" Packed Base Depth: 6-8"   Off track:  10" 
           New snow past 72 hours:  6"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder. 
​           Remarks:  There is now a current online report, but a phone call might be best to determine the exact conditions.
            DEWEY MOUNTAIN:
           https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter  518-891-2697
            Km Open:  5   Track set: none
           New Snow:  3"  Packed Base Depth: 2"  Off Track:  
           New snow past 72 hours:  5"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
           Remarks: Lower mountain trails open on thin cover.

           TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS
           https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/  518-359-8370
            Km Open: 10   Track set:   10
           New Snow:     Base Depth:      Off track:    
           New snow past 72 hours:  
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
​        Remarks:  The system mostly held a good base. No specifics on snowfall or overall snow depth, but the photos online indicate this remains the best groomed skiing in the area. 

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS
While not yet true mid-winter conditions, there is more skiing to be had than we've had yet this season, although caution still advised on any hills as not all hazards are 'guaranteed' to be fully covered.  Thursday, 1/9 report from Lake Colden says 22" at the cabin, but more snow Thursday night would have increased the depth. An additional note of caution about fresh blowdown given the high winds we experienced this past week.

Whiteface Highway: As has been the case for nearly a month, the highway is fully covered, but many sections may be narrow or bare given the high winds. 
Marcy Dam, Truck Trail: Skiable with most, but not all rocks covered. Meadows Lane now blocked off for the winter. Park on the left to leave room for ranger vehicles with snowmobile trailers in the event of an emergency. 
Fish Pond Truck Trail: No reports, but surely very skiable. Lake ice may be safe after the cold weather this past weekend, but definitely make your own assessment for the alternate return.
Hays Brook Truck Trail: Definitely skiable to both the Sheep Meadow and Grass Pond.  Parking lot now being plowed, We can hope that continues.
Newcomb Lake Road: As usual, the best skiing.  No report on any blowdown on the road to Moose Pond.
Gulf Brook Road to Boreas Ponds: Good coverage and some broken track. Initially, North Hudson said they had no intention of plowing any parking at Gulf Brook, but as of Saturday, 1/4, there is parking for a few cars at the base of the hill. No report whether the plowing has continued with this new snow. Parking on the shoulder is legal, just not all that desirable. Additionally, the Ragged Mt. Road parking was also plowed. This is the access to Hoffman Notch.
Avalanche Pass: Skiable past Marcy Dam, but still with a few rocks to dodge as far as Avalanche Camp.  With all the new snow, the pass is now in good shape.  Lake Colden now has overt 20" of snow.  Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable. Caution is always advised near the outlet to Avalanche Lake. If in doubt, take to the trail on the west side about 50 yards before the outlet and cross on the bridge. Also a report of a problem on Lake Colden near Beaver Point.
​Ausable Lake Road: With the new snow, now just barely skiable, but not the best choice for the weekend. 
Wright Peak Ski Trail:  Skiable after it diverges from the hiking trail.
Mt. Marcy Ski Trail: No report, but there likely needs to be more snow for the trail from Marcy Dam to the Phelps Mt. trail jct. to be easily skiable.  After that, the trail is definitely skiable

UPDATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON 1/5
 A surprise 3-4" of new snow on Saturday night has changed things for the better in most places.  The improved conditions are incorporated into the report below.
Although we could always again be surprised, so far the forecast does not call for any more snow that would make much of a difference on what is reported below. It will remain cold through the week, but warming to the low 20s by next Saturday.
NEXT UPDATE ON THURSDAY OR FRIDAY WHEN THE WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND IS MORE PRECISE.


INTRODUCTION
Do remember that, even though we had some pretty good conditions a few weeks ago, we're starting over so the usual early season cautions still prevail.

JACKRABBIT TRAIL
The McKenzie Pass section is skiable from Whiteface Inn Lane, with most rocks are fully covered on the hill. Very good cover as one approaches the lean-to. With the new snow, the ski down toward the pond could be possible, but caution would be advised - especially as one approaches the bottom where the snow would not be as deep. Enough snow now at McKenzie Pond Road that some have been brave enough to ski.  Old Mountain Road section is thin, but fully skiable. Some lumps on the hills and watch the beaver areas for wet areas. So far, no skiers on the Craig Wood to Lake Placid Club section, but this section should be at least barely skiable, although the steeper hills near the Lake Placid Club could be a problem.

GROOMED CENTERS

        ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER)
         https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/   518-837-5047
           Km Open and Groomed:  15  Track Set:  12 
          New snow: 4"  Packed Base Depth: 3"   Off Track: 10"   
          New Snow last 72 hours: 7"
          Surface Conditions: Packed powder on hardpack.
          Remarks: All trails open.  A few hills south of the brook reported as  'uphill only'.

         SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW
         10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Trail fee of $15/day - $10/half-day. Residents of the Tri-Lakes area ski for free (Donations appreciated)       scottscobblenordic.com.
518-523-9811 or 518-523-3742
          KM Open and Groomed: 10  Track Set: not yet 
         New snow:  4  Packed Base Depth:  3"   Off track: 8"   
          New snow past 72 hours:  6"
          Surface conditions:     Packed powder 
          Remarks:  May be able to set track tomorrow after the newly-packed snow firms up.

          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
        https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/daily-update/   518-523-2811
          Km Open and Groomed: 32  Track Set: 8 km  
          New snow:  4"  Packed Base Depth:  3-4" on Legacy trails   Off track: 7" 
          New snow past 72 hours:  7"
          Surface Conditions:   Packed powder. Good coverage on 2 km of competition trails
         Remarks:  Set track on the flatter Legacy trails on south side (a.k.a. cross-country side). Also open Inner Loopen and East Mountain plus some trails on the north side (a.k.a. biathlon side).

​           PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
         https://www.paulsmithsvic.org/trailconditions/  518-327-6241
           Km Groomed and Open: 12 km  Track Set:  10 
           New Snow:  5" Packed Base Depth: 6"   Off track:  10" 
           New snow past 72 hours:  8"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder. Additional 5 km of ungroomed trails also open. 
​           Remarks:  There is now a current online report, but a phone call might be best to determine the exact conditions.
            DEWEY MOUNTAIN:
           https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter  518-891-2697
            Km Open:  5   Track set: none
           New Snow:  3"  Packed Base Depth: 2"  Off Track:  
           New snow past 72 hours:  5"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
           Remarks: Lower mountain trails open on thin cover.

           TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS
           https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/  518-359-8370
            Km Open: 10   Track set:   10
           New Snow:     Base Depth:      Off track:    
           New snow past 72 hours:  
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
​        Remarks:  The system mostly held a good base. No specifics on snowfall or overall snow depth, but the photos online indicate this remains the best groomed skiing in the area. 

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS
Most of the popular backcountry skis managed to hold some base and benefited from Friday's snow. Caution still advised as not all hazards are fully covered. The new snow Saturday night was light, so be aware that those hazards may just be better disguised while still being dangerous. Thursday, 1/2 report from Lake Colden says 15" at the cabin, but it must be over 20" with this new snow. An additional note of caution about fresh blowdown given the high winds we experienced Wednesday, Thursday, and into Friday.

Whiteface Highway: As has been the case for nearly a month, the highway is fully covered, but some lower corners will be partially windblown clear, and as is often the case, the final Wilmington Turn is totally bare.

Marcy Dam, Truck Trail: Skiable, but there are still rocks that are disguised but not covered. Meadows Lane now blocked off for the winter. Park on the left to leave room for ranger vehicles with snowmobile trailers in the event of an emergency. 
Fish Pond Truck Trail: No reports, but surely very skiable. Lake ice may be safe after the cold weather this past weekend, but definitely make your own assessment for the alternate return.
Hays Brook Truck Trail: Definitely skiable to both the Sheep Meadow and Grass Pond. The only problem is that so far the Hays Brook parking has not been plowed, so 4WD is essential for that trailhead. 
Newcomb Lake Road: As usual, the best skiing and it is clear of blowdown. No report on any blowdown on the road to Moose Pond.
Gulf Brook Road to Boreas Ponds: Good coverage and some broken track. Initially, North Hudson said they had no intention of plowing any parking at Gulf Brook, but as of Saturday, 1/4,
there is parking for a few cars at the base of the hill. Those who did ski were able to drive up to the gate. No guarantee that this will continue, and parking on the shoulder is legal, just not all that desirable. Additionally, the Ragged Mt. Road parking is also plowed. This is the access to Hoffman Notch.
Avalanche Pass: Was reported as barely skiable past Marcy Dam as of Saturday. The new snow has improved it, and the pass is now in good shape.  Lake Colden now has at least 20" of snow.  Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable. Caution is always advised near the outlet to Avalanche Lake. If in doubt, take to the trail on the west side about 50 yards before the outlet and cross on the bridge. Also a report of a problem on Lake Colden near Beaver Point.
​Ausable Lake Road: Thin cover at the start, and not much more beyond, but just barely skiable.
Wright Peak Ski Trail:  ​Probably skiable after it diverges from the hiking trail.
Mt. Marcy Ski Trail: So far no report on how far one must walk past Marcy Dam before there is enough snow to ski. Before the thaw, it was skiable after the climb above 50-meter bridge, and that may still be the case.

On New Year's Eve we picked up an inch or so of heavy, wet snow, but not much more since then. Mt. Van Hoevenberg now reports 10 km of skiing on the loops with man-made snow and the flattest of the legacy trails. Cascade and Dewey Mt. remain closed, although Cascade may have a better report later today.  The Whiteface Highway again has cover right from the Toll House, but the high winds expected today could make that a less than ideal choice for those looking for an easy outing. The winds will die by Saturday. Then it will just be cold.
There is still the possibility of a significant amount of snow later today, but over the years we've learned not to count our flakes until they fall. Stay tuned.
UPDATE THURSDAY EVENING 
After a few more flurries today, the Lake Placid area has 3-5" of dense snow on the ground. Cascade Welcome Center is again open for skiing on the 10 km of trails north of the brook. Mt Van Hoevenberg has rolled even more of their terrain on the south side (formerly x-c side) to include InnerLoopen and East Mt. loops.  
In the backcountry, Lake Colden reports 15" of snow, so quite a bit of melting in the past week. Marcy Dam Truck Trail is skiable with caution as the surfaces will be fast, and not all rocks are fully covered. Doubtful that it's possible to ski beyond Marcy Dam. Newcomb Lake Road to Camp Santanoni should also have held some base, so that remains a good option for the weekend.
Looking ahead, while Vermont still has "Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings posted, this area has been "downgraded" to a "Hazardous Weather Outlook" and only an inch or so more snow overnight.  After tomorrow, the high temperatures will only be in the low teens through the end of next week, and there may be a few show showers to help improve the surfaces. No major snow, but at least we're not going to lose what we have. 

UPDATE MONDAY AFTERNOON 12/30: The forecasts said we'd only see 40s, but Sunday night the temperatures climbed into the 50s with some wind, so more melting than initially expected. Still expecting cooler temperatures starting on Wednesday and even a few snow showers, but not enough to get us back to where we were a few days ago. There is some indication that at least the first two weeks of January will be consistently cold, but so far no indication of whether that will translate into any snow.  As of Monday, the only x-c skiing is about 3 km of man-made snow  on the competition trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. 

POSTED SATURDAY, 12/28: The latest forecasts are unanimous that we will have rain and temperatures in the 40s both Sunday and Monday and the warmth will continue into Tuesday.  This pattern appears to be coming in as a temperature inversion, so no guarantee how much of the rail will fall as snow at the higher elevations..
​Then it will start cooling down on New Year's Day with a high only around 20 by Friday. Unfortunately, so far only a few snow showers predicted as it cools down.  This warm spell won't likely  melt all of the snow, but surface conditions will not be ideal after it cools down. The exception will be the groomed centers - assuming they have held a base.
We won't try to provide daily reports of the melt, but will see what is left as of New Year's night and go from there. 

UPDATES 12/24&25:
We did manage to pick up the promised 3-5" of new light snow on Monday night. This should allow more terrain to be opened at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Dewey Mt., and Scotts Cobble.  (The other groomed centers were all pretty much fully open already.) And now most of the Jackrabbit Trail will also be skiable, although the report on McKenzie Pass down to the Pond and out to the road indicated that it's skiable, but just barely.
Based on the other two comments on this report, we were too pessimistic about Avalanche Pass. Sounds as though there are still a few obstacles, but doable getting to the good conditions up on the pass. 
​And while not directly ski-related, the Garden parking in Keene Valley is plowed and sanded. The hiking trail is not yet skiable.
As of Thursday, 12/26 it appears there is no new snow coming, just a slow melt starting on Saturday. Next update on Monday or Tuesday 12/30-31 when we can assess what is still skiable after two days of 40 degrees and rain. Sorry!

INTRODUCTION
The ski centers made good use of the 2-4" of light snow that fell on Thursday, and now we can look forward to another 3-5" on Monday night into Tuesday. The trend in the forecast is downward as far as snowfall is concerned, so we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to see how much actually falls.
After three cold days and nights, Tuesday through Thursday will be in the 20s with sunshine Christmas day and Thursday. Sunshine continues for Friday and Saturday with temperatures inching into the 30s. Then Sunday threatens some rain with a high of 40. Continued warm on the following Monday, but no additional rain. It doesn't appear, at least this far from those forecasts, that we will lose much of the snow, but the surface conditions will not be quite as good.
JACKRABBIT TRAIL
The smoother sections such as River Road to the Lake Placid Club and Craig Wood to Birdsong Lane remain skiable. Also some of the Paul Smiths section between the VIC and south of Rt, 86. Lumber operations will likely prevent a through ski to Lake Clear Jct.  
The  Old Mountain Road is now skiable although the rougher sections still demand caution as not all rocks are fully covered. No report on the new section north of Scotts Cobble.
McKenzie Pass section is skiable from Whiteface Inn Lane, and good as one approaches the lean-to. According to one comment on this report the descent to McKenzie Pond was skiable but was "lumpy" with early season hazards such as rocks and water bars. 

GROOMED CENTERS

        ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER)
         https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/   518-837-5047
           Km Open and Groomed:  15  Track Set: Approx. 15 
          New snow: 5"  Packed Base Depth: 5"   Off Track: 8"   
          New Snow last 72 hours: 7"
          Surface Conditions: Packed powder on hardpack with still a few thin spots.
          Remarks: All trails open.

         SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW
         10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Trail fee of $15/day - $10/half-day. Residents of the Tri-Lakes area ski for free (Donations appreciated)       scottscobblenordic.com.
518-523-9811 or 518-523-3742

          KM Open and Groomed: 8  Track Set: not yet 
         New snow:  1"   Packed Base Depth:  2"   Off track: 3"  
          New snow past 72 hours:  4"
          Surface conditions:  Packed powder with thin spots  and some areas blown clear    
          Remarks:  
          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
        https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/daily-update/   518-523-2811
          Km Open and Groomed: 40  Track Set: 5km  
          New snow:  5"  Packed Base Depth:  5" on Legacy trails   Off track: 8" 
          New snow past 72 hours:  7"
          Surface Conditions:   Packed powder with now fewer thin spots. Good coverage on 2 km of competition trails
         Remarks:  Most Legacy trails on south side (a.k.a. cross-country side) open, but not Porter Mt. Some trails on the north side of the road (a.k.a. biathlon side) but not Perimeter or Three Trails. 

​           PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
         https://www.paulsmithsvic.org/trailconditions/  518-327-6241
           Km Groomed and Open: 30 km  Track Set: none reported    
           New Snow:  5" Packed Base Depth: 6"   Off track:  10" 
           New snow past 72 hours:  8"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder. Considerable grooming as of Monday, but not on some of the narrower trails. 
​           Remarks:  There is now a current online report, but a phone call might be best to determine the exact conditions.
            DEWEY MOUNTAIN:
           https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter  518-891-2697
            Km Open:  5  Track set: none
           New Snow:  1"  Packed Base Depth:   Off Track:  
           New snow past 72 hours: 3"
           Surface Conditions: 
           Remarks: Lower trails  open with thin spots.

           TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS
           https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/  518-359-8370
            Km Open: 10   Track set:   10
           New Snow:  3"   Base Depth:  6"    Off track: 10"   
           New snow past 72 hours: 5" 
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
​        Remarks:  The system mostly held a good base. The entire system has been groomed and remains the best groomed skiing in the area. 

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS
Most of the popular backcountry skis managed to hold some base and benefited from Friday's snow. Caution still advised as not all hazards are fully covered. The new snow will be light, so be aware that those hazards may just be better disguised while still being dangerous. Thursday, 12/26 report from Lake Colden says 25" at the cabin.

Whiteface Highway: As has been the case for nearly a month, the highway is fully covered.

Marcy Dam, Truck Trail: Skiable with thin spots for the first two miles. Rocks disguised but not covered. Meadows Lane now blocked off for the winter. Park on the left to leave room for ranger vehicles with snowmobile trailers in the event of an emergency. 
Fish Pond Truck Trail: Also skiable although the hill at two miles will require caution. Lake ice may be safe after the cold weather this past weekend, but definitely make your own assessment for the alternate return.
Hays Brook Truck Trail: Definitely skiable to both the Sheep Meadow and Grass Pond. The only problem is that so far the Hays Brook parking has not been plowed, so 4WD is essential for that trailhead. 
Newcomb Lake Road: As usual, the best skiing. No report on the road to Moose Pond. There is good cover, but there may be downed trees. 
Gulf Brook Road to Boreas Ponds: As of the afternoon of 12/25, no parking has been plowed and no ski tracks heading in. We'll try to convince North Hudson that this is a resource they should support with at least a bit of plowing, but no guarantees. UPDATE:  Two communications on 12/25 and 12/27 with North Hudson unfortunately seem to indicate no plowing of that parking this winter.
Avalanche Pass: Now skiable past Marcy Dam thanks to Monday's new snow. Lake Colden now has 25" of snow.  Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable. Caution is always advised near the outlet to Avalanche Lake. If in doubt, take to the trail on the west side about 50 yards before the outlet and cross on the bridge. 
​Ausable Lake Road: According to a report on this page, it required about 1/2 mile of walking past the gate, and then a further bit of walking to ski to the lake. The new snow should make it all skiable.
Wright Peak Ski Trail:  ​See comment below. We can expect these conditions to continue until we have considerably more snow.
Mt. Marcy Ski Trail: Similar conditions to Wright Peak being very bony up to 50-meter bridge and up the steep just above, but then good cover the rest of the way.

INTRODUCTION
Most areas kept at least some base, and the 2" of light snow that fell on Thursday is very welcome.  Nevertheless, there are still thin spots on all trails that are otherwise skiable, so use caution on any downhills as a fall could be painful on the hard ground. Perhaps another inch or so Friday night, and then cold (highs only around 10 on Sunday) for the rest of the weekend. Slowly warming up next week, but more snow possible on Monday. So far, no threat of rain or even above freezing temperatures through Christmas Day.
Next update on Monday when we have a better idea on possible snowfall and how much it will actually warm by the end of the week.
JACKRABBIT TRAIL
The smoother sections such as River Road to the Lake Placid Club and Craig Wood to Birdsong Lane remain skiable. Also some of the Paul Smiths section between the VIC and south of Rt, 86. Lumber operations will likely prevent a through ski to Lake Clear Jct.  The Keene end of  Old Mountain Road is marginally skiable from Rock and River, but improves as one goes higher, but the final stretch to the top of the pass is still not quite ready. Lake Placid end as far as the very first beaver meadow is skiable, but the climb to the beaver pond needs more snow to cover the rocks. No report on the new section north of Scotts Cobble. McKenzie Pass section also marginally from Whiteface Inn Lane, but better as one approaches the lean-to. Descent to McKenzie Pond still not ready, and there is no base at all starting in from McKenzie Pond Road. 

GROOMED CENTERS

        ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER)
         https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/   518-837-5047
           Km Open and Groomed:  10  Track Set: Some where possible   
          New snow: 2"  Packed Base Depth: 3"   Off Track: 5"   
          New Snow last 72 hours: 2"
          Surface Conditions: Packed powder on hardpack with thin spots.
          Remarks: Northside trails open as of Friday.  No base survived on most of the trails south of the brook  

         SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW
         10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Trail fee of $15/day - $10/half-day. Residents of the Tri-Lakes area ski for free (Donations appreciated)       scottscobblenordic.com.
518-523-9811 or 518-523-3742

          KM Open and Groomed: some  Track Set: not yet 
         New snow:  2"   Packed Base Depth:  1-2"   Off track: 3"  
          New snow past 72 hours:  2"
          Surface conditions:  Packed powder with thin spots  and some areas blown clear    
          Remarks:  Definitely skiable with some grooming but limited on the upper course. More cover on the lower course.
          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
        https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/daily-update/   518-523-2811
          Km Open and Groomed: 11  Track Set: none reported   
          New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:  2-3" on Legacy trails   Off track: 3" 
          New snow past 72 hours:  2"
          Surface Conditions:   Packed powder with thin spots except good coverage on 2 km of competition trails
         Remarks:  Most Legacy trails on south side (a.k.a. cross-country side) open, but not Porter Mt. No trails on the north side of the road (a.k.a. biathlon side) reported open as of Friday. 

​           PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
         https://www.paulsmithsvic.org/trailconditions/  518-327-6241
           Km Groomed and Open: 10 km  Track Set: none reported    
           New Snow:  2-3" Packed Base Depth: 3-4"   Off track:  6" 
           New snow past 72 hours:  2-3"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder. Some grooming as of Friday with more possible over the weekend.
​           Remarks:  No current online report, but a phone call determined that they held onto most of their base.

            DEWEY MOUNTAIN:
           https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter  518-891-2697
            Km Open:  ?  Track set: none
           New Snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:   Off Track:  
           New snow past 72 hours: 2"
           Surface Conditions: 
           Remarks: Lower trails may be open with this 2" of new snow.

           TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS
           https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/  518-359-8370
            Km Open: 10   Track set:    Some 10
           New Snow:  2-3"   Base Depth:  5"    Off track: 10"   
           New snow past 72 hours: 2" 
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
​        Remarks:  The system mostly held a good base. The entire system has been groomed and is the best groomed skiing in the area. 

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS
Most of the popular backcountry skis managed to hold some base, but exact surface conditions will be variable.

Marcy Dam, Truck Trail: Skiable with thin spots for the first two miles. Rocks disguised but not covered. Meadows Lane now blocked off for the winter. Park on the left to leave room for ranger vehicles with snowmobile trailers in the event of an emergency. 
Fish Pond Truck Trail: Also skiable although the hill at two miles will require caution. Lake ice no yet safe for the alternate return.
Hays Brook Truck Trail: Definitely skiable to both the Sheep Meadow and Grass Pond. The only problem is that so far the Hays Brook parking has not been plowed, so 4WD is essential for that trailhead. 
Newcomb Lake Road: As usual, the best skiing. No report on the road to Moose Pond. 
Gulf Brook Road to Boreas Ponds: No report of condition or parking availability.
Avalanche Pass: Not yet skiable past marcy Dam. Lake Colden had 14" of snow before Thursday's new light snow, so definitely still more than the 8" that requires skis or snowshoes. Avalanche Lake was being crossed a week ago. The thaw may have changed that for a few days, but the very cold temperatures this weekend should make both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden crossable. 
​Ausable Lake Road: Probably will require about 1/2 mile of walking past the gate, but then skiable to the lake.

BRIEF THURSDAY EVENING UPDATE:
We have picked up 1-2" of new snow over the past 24 hours. The forecast calls for perhaps another 1-2" Friday. Then it is just quite cold over the weekend with highs around 10 degrees. The temperatures moderate into next week to a high around freezing by Christmas day.  Unfortunately, no more new snow to go with the cold temps. The only good news is that this cold snap, with not much snow on the ground, might just freeze up all the little seeps that can ruin the conditions on even a trail with adequate snow.  More complete report tomorrow, Friday, when the ski area operators can report what they can open with this limited new snow.

Monday night into Tuesday was temperatures in the low to mid 40s with significant winds to accelerate the melt.  Not all areas are totally bare, but much less snow than over this past weekend. None of the groomed centers report any skiing, although Tupper Lake should have survived with a good base. Likewise, so far we can't recommend any section of the Jackrabbit Trail. While we will be checking as temperatures cool and we even pick up an inch or so of snow, the only skiing we can, at the moment, promise for the coming weekend will be the Whiteface Highway, which still has a good base right from the Toll House.
And for anyone contemplating a High Peak, there will still be enough snow above 2,500 feet to require snowshoes. As of this past weekend, Avalanche Lake ice was being crossed, but no one should assume that it is still safe - especially at the outlet where it's advisable to go right 50+ yards from the outlet, gain the hiking trail, and cross the outlet on the bridge.
​Stay tuned, we'll have a hopefully more optimistic report by Thursday. 

INTRODUCTION
Some rain Wednesday, heavy at times, reduced the snow depth, but didn't eliminate it in most of the Tri-Lakes area. And with 2-4" of new snow on top of a now very firm base, skiing continues this weekend.  Looking ahead, however, it seems that we're in a cycle where, 'If it's raining, it must be Tuesday' with no clear forecast for new snow for the same recovery we had this past week.  As always, 'stay tuned'.
JACKRABBIT TRAIL
The smoother sections such as River Road to the Lake Placid Club and Craig Wood to Birdsong Lane remain skiable. Also some of the Paul Smiths section between the VIC and south of Rt, 86. Lumber operations will likely prevent a through ski to Lake Clear Jct.  Parts of the Old Mountain Road were skiable last weekend, but not so much this weekend. McKenzie Pass section still not quite ready yet, and it appears to be quite thin starting in from McKenzie Pond Road. 

GROOMED CENTERS

        ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER)
         https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/   518-837-5047
           Km Open and Groomed:  1  Track Set:   
          New snow: 2"  Packed Base Depth: 4"   Off Track: 5"   
          New Snow last 72 hours: 2"
          Surface Conditions: Packed powder on hardpack with thin spots
          Remarks: Northside trails open as of Friday, more might be open Saturday. 

         SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW
         10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Trail fee of $15/day - $10/half-day. Residents of the Tri-Lakes area ski for free (Donations appreciated)       scottscobblenordic.com.
518-523-9811 or 518-523-3742

          KM Open and Groomed:  10 Track Set: not yet 
         New snow:  2"   Packed Base Depth:  2-3"   Off track: 4"  
          New snow past 72 hours:  2"
          Surface conditions:  Packed powder with thin spots  and some areas blown clear    
          Remarks:  Definitely skiable, but limited on the upper course. More cover on the lower course.
          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
        https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/daily-update/   518-523-2811
          Km Open and Groomed: 2  Track Set: none reported   
          New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:  2-3" on Legacy trails   Off track: 8" 
          New snow past 72 hours:  2"
          Surface Conditions:   Packed powder on competition trails
         Remarks:  Back to just a few km on the competition trails.
​           PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
         https://www.paulsmithsvic.org/trailconditions/  518-327-6241
           Km Groomed and Open: ?  Track Set: none reported    
           New Snow:   Packed Base Depth:   Off track:  
           New snow past 72 hours:  
           Surface Conditions:  
​           Remarks:  No current online report, but their base should have survived that thaw. We'll try to get more information by phone.

            DEWEY MOUNTAIN:
           https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter  518-891-2697
            Km Open: 5  Track set: 
           New Snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:   Off Track:  
           New snow past 72 hours: 2"
           Surface Conditions:  packed powder with thin spots
           Remarks: Lower trails open with caution advised.

           TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS
           https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/  518-359-8370
            Km Open: 10   Track set:    Some 10
           New Snow:  5"   Base Depth:  10"    Off track: 15-20"   
           New snow past 72 hours:  No specific report of total snow - just three another dose of lake effect snow
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
​           Remarks:  The system entire system has been groomed. 

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS
Most of the popular backcountry skis managed to hold some base, but exact surface conditions will be variable.
The Marcy Dam, Fish Pond, and Hays Brook truck trails remain very skiable. Meadows Lane is now blocked off for the winter, adding a mile to the ski to Marcy Dam. Last week, the hiking trail to Marcy Dam was reported as skiable, but not likely now. The only problem is that the Hays Brook parking has not been plowed, so 4WD is essential for that trailhead. Newcomb Lake Road was good last weekend and remains good this weekend. No information on Gulf Brook Road to Boreas Ponds. Lake Colden had 15" of snow before Thursday's new light snow, so definitely still more than the 8" that requires skis or snowshoes. Still not likely enough cover to ski past Marcy Dam. Ausable Lake Road probably will require about 1/2 mile of walking past the gate.