First of all, thanks for the comments indicating that you fell these reports are valuable. I hope you have considered donating to BETA, betatrails.org. The annual DEC mud season advisory recommends staying under 2,500 feet, but trails such as the East Trail to Rocky Peak and Giant (at least as far as Bald Peak because it's south-facing) and the new East Trail to Mt. Van Hoevenberg are good choices for early season hiking. The Jay Range also is over 3,000 feet, but the sections that high are in the open, south-facing, and not likely to be impacted this early.
Get out, keep in shape, and we'll be back reporting with the first skiable snow next season.
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UPDATE 4/13/ 23:
For those who don't read the DEC weekly reports, there is still well over two feet of snow at Lake Colden. Higher up there are recent photos of trail markers at snow level or even below. There will be serious snow in the High Peaks for at least a month. Not necessarily skiable snow (Avalanche and Colden are no longer considered crossable), but snow deserving snowshoes for anyone venturing above about 2,500 feet. INTRODUCTION While this past winter hasn't exactly been ideal, we do still have a considerable amount of snow left in the woods as of the end of the first week in April. Actual surfaces conditions, of course, can change by the hour depending on the temperature. So, expect that surfaces will be hard if it's below freezing and soft if it's above freezing. If it's near freezing and sunny, the shade will likely be hard and the sunny areas will be soft. The forecast for Friday, 4/7 through Sunday, 4/9 indicate that surfaces will be hard much of each day, so spikes or snowshoes for a hike this weekend may be the best plan. Mt. Van Hoevenberg will continue grooming on the competition trails and most of the legacy trails on the cross-country side of the road. Otherwise, the only other groomed center that is still in operation is the Paul Smith's VIC that is reporting about half their system as fully open and half rated a caution. IF YOU HAVE FOUND THESE REPORTS TO BE USEFUL, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO BETA THAT HOSTS THIS WEBSITE CONDITION REPORT. LINK TO CONTRIBUTE ONLINE IS ON THIS WEBSITE. THANKS. JACKRABBIT TRAIL Longer sections (McKenzie Pass and Old Mt. Road) still skiable, but downhills will be fast if it's below freezing. First 300 yds of the trail in from McKenzie Pond Rd. require microspikes, but then there is still good cover. Whiteface Inn Lane start is still fully covered. ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER) https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/ 518-837-5047 CLOSED FOR THE SEASON Km Open and Groomed: Track Set: New snow: Packed Base Depth: Off Track New Snow last 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: . Remember that Cascade is now owned by the Adirondack Mt. Club. Ski shop open as usual, and ADK members ski free. SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW 10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Free for residents of the Tri-Lakes area. $15/day, $10/half-day for others. CLOSED . scottscobblenordic.com KM Open and Groomed: Track Set: New snow: Packed Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface conditions: Remarks: MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 30 Track Set: 30 New snow: Packed Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: Report says Porter Mt. Loops are open and groomed, but that the East Mt. Loop (needed to access Porter) is closed - go figure.) PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 40, but some rated as caution New Snow: Packed Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone closed DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 CLOSED Km Open: Track set: New Snow: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/ 518-359-8370 Km Open: Track set: New Snow: Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 40" as per DEC's Thursday, 4/6 report. 5-6' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth is now well above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on all other backcountry terrain. Ice on Lake Colden and Avalanche now rated as unsafe. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Likely still enough cover to be skiable on the hiking trail section. Otherwise, great conditions to the top of the ski trail. MARCY TRAIL: Finally fully skiable, bur hard and fast until temperatures at all elevations are above freezing. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable with finally all rocks fully covered. All trees have now been cleared. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable, but not much fun given all the traffic, thaw, and freezing since the last new snow. AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable all the way to Lake Colden, an finally true mid-winter conditions. Ice on Avalanche Lake or Lake Colden not longer considered safe. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: No current report HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed so far this winter and a report 3/21 says it has continued to be plowed. Should still be skiable. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Should still be skiable RAQUETTE FALLS: Should still be skiable. Corey's Rd not sanded, but drivable to the trailhead parking. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Still good cover. A few spots have been plowed for parking this winter. Please register if you ski there to help justify continued plowing. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Continued skiable. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: Still skiable to the lake. UPDATE 4/4/23
Some melting with the 60-degree temperatures on Saturday, and there will be some more by the end of the week; but still plenty of snow on most trails - especially the higher trails in the peaks. Cascade Welcome Center is apparently closed, but that's not reflected on their website. Mt. Van Hoevenberg is fully open with track set on all trails. Paul Smith's VIC has more yellow 'caution' trails than green 'fully open' trails, but still several more weeks of skiing there. Dewey Mt. is pretty much done for the season. Otherwise, all of the longer sections of the Jackrabbit Trail still have cover, although the Saranac Lake end of the McKenzie Pass section will be very thin by the coming weekend. We'll pass along the Thursday DEC update of snow depth at Lake Colden, but expect that it will still be well over three feet. Skis or snowshoes will be required for several more weeks at least. UPDATE 3/30/23 Still four feet of snow at Lake Colden, and Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden remain frozen. With the warmer temperatures caution definitely advised near any inlets or outlets, but these can still be easily avoided. INTRODUCTION As we approach the end of March, actual surfaces conditions can change by the hour. Unless we have an unexpected dump of new snow, expect that surfaces will be hard if it's below freezing and soft if it's above freezing. If it's near freezing and sunny, the shade will likely be hard and the sunny areas will be soft. The groomed centers will be evaluating on a daily basis what skiing they can offer, and when it's time to close for the season. We will cease those reports for the rest of the season, but will leave each area's website so it can be checked before you head out. Otherwise, there is now a good snowpack that will last in most places into April. The coming week, 3/27-31, will not see any significant loss of snow. Saturday, 4/1 is now predicted to be rainy with temperatures in the low 40s, but still no much loss of snow. Beyond that, who knows, but look for another update this coming Friday, 3/31, when we know what the following week might bring. JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections skiable, and all hazards are fully covered. Downhills will be fast - especially if it's below freezing. ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER) https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/ 518-837-5047 Km Open and Groomed: Track Set: New snow: Packed Base Depth: Off Track New Snow last 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: . Remember that Cascade is now owned by the Adirondack Mt. Club. Ski shop open as usual, and ADK members ski free. SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW 10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Free for residents of the Tri-Lakes area. $15/day, $10/half-day for others. . scottscobblenordic.com KM Open and Groomed: Track Set: New snow: Packed Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface conditions: Remarks: MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: Track Set: New snow: Packed Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: . PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: New Snow: Packed Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: Track set: New Snow: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/ 518-359-8370 Km Open: Track set: New Snow: Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 48" as per DEC's Thursday, 3/23 report. 7-8' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth is now well above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on all other backcountry terrain. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Finally, enough cover to be skiable on the hiking trail section. Otherwise, great conditions to the top of the ski trail. MARCY TRAIL: Finally fully skiable WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. New snow was somewhat wet and fell with very little wind, so all areas should be well covered. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable with finally all rocks fully covered. All trees have now been cleared. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable, and finally a viable, shorter option to the Truck Trail. AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable all the way to Lake Colden, an finally true mid-winter conditions. Ice on Avalanche Lake still crossable as of 3/23, but use caution at the outlet. If in doubt, take the trail on the west (right) side about 50 yds. before the actual outlet and use the bridge to cross the outlet. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Conditions are good to Whiteface Landing, and one can now cross the pond to avoid the initial hills. Those first hills are in good shape for those preferring not to cross the pond. One downed tree on the initial hills, but otherwise the trail is clear. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed so far this winter and a report 3/21 says it has continued to be plowed. Skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Very skiable on the truck trail to Fish Pond along with the side trails. Lakes are skiable as well. RAQUETTE FALLS: Skiable. Corey's Rd not sanded, but drivable to the trailhead parking. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Good cover, but no report on whether it is broken out to the ponds A few spots have been plowed for parking. Please register if you ski there to help justify continued plowing. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Near perfect conditions on that ski. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 5-6" of packed base at the gate, and skiable to the lake. Continued vehicular traffic as of 3/21, but still nice skiing. ADDITIONAL 3/24/23 UPDATE
Some rain and temperatures above freezing have caused Cascade Welcome Center to close their trails until the temperature drops. Mt. Van Hoevenberg reports no grooming for Thursday to preserve the base, but expect to have most of the area groomed for Friday. Paul Smith's VIC fully open. UPDATE AS OF 3/22/23 Just as the calendar says it's spring, the conditions are definitely ' spring conditions'. We expect daytime temperatures to be above freezing, but the nights to be below freezing. So, hard and fast in the morning with softer conditions later in the day. Best skiing surfaces will still be at the groomed centers, but there is still good cover on all sections of the Jackrabbit Trail and on all popular backcountry routes. The forecast through the weekend and into next week seems to indicate this pattern will continue. Therefore, no further update until either there is more snow, or the weather forecasts indicate a major meltdown. At the point of a major meltdown, we'll probably just leave it to the die-hards to know from experience where there is still snow. INTRODUCTION As of Thursday the snow had dried out somewhat from how wet it was when it fell on Tuesday, but on Friday there was just enough rain to make for somewhat icy surface conditions. The rest of the weekend will see temperatures at or below freezing, so the best skiing will be at the groomed centers which are reporting good condition after today's grooming. There is a chance of snow new snow on Sunday, which will help mitigate the current somewhat icy surfaces. Next week warms up a bit, and with this current snowpack we can look forward to a long stretch of spring skiing. JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections skiable, and all hazards are fully covered. Downhills will be fast 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: 15km New snow: 0" Packed Base Depth: 8-10" Off Track 15-18" New Snow last 72 hours: 1" Surface Conditions: Groomed granular Remarks: Entire system open with track set on all trails. Remember that Cascade is now owned by the Adirondack Mt. Club. Ski shop open as usual, and ADK members ski free. SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW 10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Free for residents of the Tri-Lakes area. $15/day, $10/half-day for others. . scottscobblenordic.com KM Open and Groomed: 15 Track Set: 15 New snow: 0" Packed Base Depth: 8-10" Off track: 10-12" New snow past 72 hours: 1" Surface conditions: Groomed granular Remarks: MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 55 Track Set: 45 New snow: 0" Packed Base Depth: 10-12" Off track: 15-20" New snow past 72 hours: 1" Surface Conditions: Groomed granular Remarks: Track set on most trails. Porter Mt. not groomed on Saturday, but track is set on all the other Legacy trail and the competition trails. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 40 20 km of set track New Snow: 0" Packed Base Depth: 15-20" Off track: 20-25" New snow past 72 hours: 1" Surface Conditions: Groomed granular on the wider trails. Remarks: Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone is again open. Use requires a helmet and skins for climbing. Conditions are reported as variable, i.e. fast where it has been skied, heavy where not. Wider trails groomed and track-set with the big groomer. Narrower trails packed or skied-in, but not track-set. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: 15 Track set: ? km New Snow: 0" New snow past 72 hours: 0" Surface Conditions: Granular Remarks: Entire area open 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: 0" Base Depth: 6-8" Off track: ? New snow past 72 hours: 1" Surface Conditions: Groomed granular Remarks: Saturday's report is that the groomer has been able to produce a surface that is almost powder after Friday's rain. BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: No detailed reports available as of Saturday morning. Lower elevation trails will be fast and crusty. It may have been snow up higher. Snow depth at Lake Colden: 57" as per DEC's Thursday, 3/16 report. 7-8' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth is now well above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on all other backcountry terrain. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Finally, enough cover to be skiable on the hiking trail section. Otherwise, great conditions to the top of the ski trail. MARCY TRAIL: Finally fully skiable WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. New snow was somewhat wet and fell with very little wind, so all areas should be well covered. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable with finally all rocks fully covered. All trees have now been cleared. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable, and finally a viable, shorter option to the Truck Trail. AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable all the way to Lake Colden, an finally true mid-winter conditions. Ice on Avalanche Lake crossable, but use caution at the outlet. If in doubt, take the trail on the west (right) side about 50 yds. before the actual outlet and use the bridge to cross the outlet. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Conditions are good to Whiteface Landing, and one can now cross the pond to avoid the initial hills. Those first hills are in good shape for those preferring not to cross the pond. One downed tree on the initial hills, but otherwise the trail is clear. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed so far this winter. Local Forest Ranger says it has continued to be plowed. Skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Very skiable on the truck trail to Fish Pond along with the side trails. Lakes are skiable as well. RAQUETTE FALLS: Skiable. Corey's Rd not sanded, but drivable to the trailhead parking. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Good cover, but no report on whether it is broken out to the ponds A few spots have been plowed for parking. Please register if you ski there to help justify continued plowing. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Near perfect conditions on that ski. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 5-6" of packed base at the gate, and skiable to the lake. Continued vehicular traffic as of 3/16, and reportedly nice skiing. INTRODUCTION
The new snow fell with temperatures near freezing on Tuesday and was consequentially pretty wet, but as of Thursday the snow has dried out somewhat and is now pretty much powder - if somewhat dense powder. Friday may see a bit of rain, but no significant rain, and the weekend will see temperatures at or below freezing. Next week warms up a bit, but with this current snowpack we can look forward to a long stretch of spring skiing. JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections skiable, and all hazards are fully covered. 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: 15km New snow: 1" Packed Base Depth: 8-10" Off Track 15-18" New Snow last 72 hours: 15" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Entire system open with track set on all trails. Remember that Cascade is now owned by the Adirondack Mt. Club. Ski shop open as usual, and ADK members ski free. SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW 10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Free for residents of the Tri-Lakes area. $15/day, $10/half-day for others. . scottscobblenordic.com KM Open and Groomed: 15 Track Set: 15 New snow: 1" Packed Base Depth: 8-10" Off track: 10-12" New snow past 72 hours: 15" Remarks: MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 55 Track Set: 40 New snow: 1" Packed Base Depth: 10-12" Off track: 15-20" New snow past 72 hours: 15" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Track set on most trails except for most of Porter. as of Thursday afternoon. That may change by the weekend. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 40 20 km of set track New Snow: 1" Packed Base Depth: 15-20" Off track: 20-25" New snow past 72 hours: 18" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone is again open. Use requires a helmet and skins for climbing. Wider trails groomed and track-set with the big groomer. Narrower trails also groomed. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: 15 Track set: ? km New Snow: 1" New snow past 72 hours: 8" Surface Conditions: Packed Powder Remarks: Entire area open 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: 1" Base Depth: 6-8" Off track: ? New snow past 72 hours: 10" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 57" as per DEC's Thursday, 3/16 report. 7-8' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth is now well above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on all other backcountry terrain. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Finally, enough cover to be skiable on the hiking trail section. Otherwise, great conditions to the top of the ski trail. MARCY TRAIL: Finally fully skiable WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. New snow was smoewhat wet and fell with very little wind, so all areas should be well covered. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable with finally all rocks fully covered. All trees have now been cleared. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable, and finally a viable, shorter option to the Truck Trail. AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable all the way to Lake Colden, an finally true mid-winter conditions. Ice on Avalanche Lake crossable, but use caution at the outlet. If in doubt, take the trail on the west (right) side about 50 yds. before the actual outlet and use the bridge to cross the outlet. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Conditions are good to Whiteface Landing, and one can now cross the pond to avoid the initial hills. Those first hills are in good shape for those preferring not to cross the pond. One downed tree on the initial hills, but otherwise the trail is clear. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed so far this winter. Local Forest Ranger says it has continued to be plowed. Skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Very skiable on the truck trail to Fish Pond along with the side trails. Lakes are skiable as well, May be some intermittent areas of slush, but no recent report.. RAQUETTE FALLS: Skiable GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Good cover, but no report on whether it is broken out to the ponds A few spots have been plowed for parking. Please register if you ski there to help justify continued plowing. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Near perfect conditions on that ski. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 5-6" of packed base at the gate, and skiable to the lake. Some vehicular traffic as of 3/10, but no recent report. Tuesday's storm did not disappoint with 6"-15" falling depending on location. Keene and Lake Placid received 10" -15" as did Tupper Lake. Only 6-8" in Saranac Lake, but enough that Dewey Mt. is fully open. Paul Smith's VIC reports 18" of new snow with grooming in progress today, Wednesday 3/15.
The snow fell pretty much at freezing, so it is wet and dense and will make for heavy trail breaking. The cross-country centers will be grooming during the day. Look tomorrow for a more complete report on how much has been groomed. We will also pass along reports of which trails have been broken out - giving credit when we can to those who did the work. Going forward, Thursday will continue cloudy with a bit more snow. Friday will see temperatures rise to near 40 and possibly some light rain, followed by cooler temperatures on Saturday and Sunday. We'll have to wait until Monday to see any of that March sunshine. As of Sunday morning, 3/12, there is a now the possibility for some significant new snow on Tuesday into Wednesday. Temperatures will start above freezing on Monday and then cool to just below freezing on Tuesday. Given how close the temperatures will be either side of freezing, we're not making any hard and fast predictions on total snowfall or its consistency. Stay tuned for later updates. Meanwhile, the conditions reported below remain valid.
INTRODUCTION (Data below updated to 3/9)
5-7" of new snow last weekend, and skiing is great. Weather this weekend will hover around freezing with maybe a bit of new snow, but not much sun in the forecast. Next week could see some warmer temperatures, but for now, come ski it while you can. JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections skiable and broken out. All hazards are fully covered. Still somewhat thin at the start of the trail to McKenzie Pond from McKenzie Pond Road, but that's the only caveat to the Jackrabbit report. 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: 15km New snow: 2" Packed Base Depth: 5-7" Off Track 12-14" New Snow last 72 hours: 2" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Entire system open with track set on all trails. Remember that Cascade is now owned by the Adirondack Mt. Club. Ski shop open as usual, and ADK members ski free. SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW 10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Free for residents of the Tri-Lakes area. $15/day, $10/half-day for others. . scottscobblenordic.com KM Open and Groomed: 15 Track Set: 15 New snow: 2" Packed Base Depth: 3-4" Off track: 7-10" New snow past 72 hours: 2" Remarks: MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 55 Track Set: 55 New snow: 1" Packed Base Depth: 8-9" Off track: 10-12" New snow past 72 hours: 1" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: NCAA Collegiate Championships 3/9 and 3/11. All competitions are on the competition trails, so all "legacy" trails (the only ones suitable for actual 'recreational' skiing) are open for all. A bit of maneuvering required to go from the lodge to those trails, but entirely doable and volunteer stewards will guide you. And the races are fun to watch with competitors who were recently racing in the World Nordic Championships in Planica, Slovenia are also racing here. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 40 20 km of set track New Snow: 1" Packed Base Depth: 12-15" Off track: 15-20" New snow past 72 hours: 1" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone is again open. Use requires a helmet and skins for climbing. Wider trails groomed and track-set with the big groomer. Narrower trails also groomed. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: 7 Track set: 5 km New Snow: 1" New snow past 72 hours: 1" Surface Conditions: Lower trails groomed with track set in most places. Upper trails still ungroomed but skiable. Remarks: 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: 1" Base Depth:3-4" Off track: ? New snow past 72 hours: 1" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 46" as per DEC's Thursday, 3/9 report. 5-6' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth is now well above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on all other backcountry terrain, and good traction will be needed where there is ice under the new snow.. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Finally, enough cover to be at least skiable on the hiking trail section, but a few obstacles still exist on the hiking trail portion. Otherwise, great conditions to the top of the ski trail. MARCY TRAIL: Maybe still a bit marginal up as far as "50-meter" bridge, but good skiing from there to Indian Falls and beyond. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. A few thin areas on the lower parts, and icy at the Wilmington Turn, but otherwise covered edge to edge all the way to the Castle. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable with finally all rocks fully covered. All trees have now been cleared. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable, and finally a viable, shorter option to the Truck Trail. AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable all the way to Lake Colden, an finally true mid-winter conditions. Ice on Avalanche Lake crossable, but use caution at the outlet. If in doubt, take the trail on the west (right) side about 50 yds. before the actual outlet and use the bridge to cross the outlet. Only a few rocks close to Marcy Dam to avoid on the way to Avalanche Camp. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Conditions are good to Whiteface Landing, and one can now cross the pond to avoid the initial hills. Those first hills are in good shape for those preferring not to cross the pond. One downed tree on the initial hills, but otherwise the trail is clear. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed so far this winter. Local Forest Ranger says it has continued to be plowed. Skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Very skiable on the truck trail to Fish Pond along with the side trails. Lakes are skiable as well, May be some intermittent areas of slush, but no recent report.. RAQUETTE FALLS: Skiable GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Good cover and broken out to the ponds A few spots have been plowed for parking. Please register if you ski there to help justify continued plowing. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Near perfect conditions on that ski. And final "open house" this weekend, March 11-12. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 5-6" of packed base at the gate, and skiable to the lake. No vehicular traffic as of 3/8, but that could change. UPDATE 3/3/23:
As of Saturday morning we have picked up 5-8" of new - somewhat wet and dense - snow. This is the low end of the initial prediction but it will improve the skiing everywhere. The trail breaking won't be too difficult on any of the ungroomed trails, but we'll still try to pass along information about which trails have been skied. UPDATE 3/2/23: This morning, we had a few hours of above-freezing temperatures and some light rain. This will put a bit of crust on the snow, as temperatures cool this afternoon and evening. And now we have the possibility of another 6-10" of new snow Friday night and into Saturday. Stay tuned. Additionally, the Thursday DEC conditions report says there are now 45" of snow at Lake Colden. Yes, finally mid-winter conditions. INTRODUCTION Since the nice new snow last weekend, we have seen temperatures fluctuate between a bit above freezing and a bit below. On Tuesday afternoon, there was even a bit of freezing drizzle that left a very light crust, but by any measure we now have the best conditions of the season. All groomed centers are again in full or nearly-full operation. Backcountry trails have continued to pick up small but steady amounts of new snow, and most are now fully skiable. The DEC has issued an avalanche warning given that this new snow has fallen on a hard, frozen base. and can easily slide off. Beyond that, this report will not specifically assess the danger on any particular slide. Thursday, 3/2, may see a bit more mixed precipitation, but that shouldn't affect the ski conditions; and Friday night into Saturday may see a few more inches of new snow. Then the weather remains moderate with daytime highs near to, but not above freezing. Can you ask for anything more? JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections can again be skied, all hazards are fully covered, and all sections have been broken out. Still somewhat thin is the start of the trail to McKenzie Pond from McKenzie Pond Road where there wasn't much base left, but that's the only caveat to the Jackrabbit report. 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: 15km New snow: 2" Packed Base Depth: 5-7" Off Track 12-14" New Snow last 72 hours: 2" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Entire system open with track set on all trails. Remember that Cascade is now owned by the Adirondack Mt. Club. Ski shop open as usual, and ADK members ski free. SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW 10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Free for residents of the Tri-Lakes area. $15/day, $10/half-day for others. . scottscobblenordic.com KM Open and Groomed: 15 Track Set: 15 New snow: 2" Packed Base Depth: 3-4" Off track: 7-10" New snow past 72 hours: 2" Remarks: MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 55 Track Set: 55 New snow: 2" Packed Base Depth: 8-9" Off track: 10-12" New snow past 72 hours: 2" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 40 20 km of set track New Snow: 3" Packed Base Depth: 12-15" Off track: 15-20" New snow past 72 hours: 3" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone is again open. Use requires a helmet and skins for climbing. Wider trails groomed and track-set with the big groomer. Narrower trails also groomed. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: 7 Track set: 5 km New Snow: 2" New snow past 72 hours: 2" Surface Conditions: Lower trails groomed with track set in most places. Upper trails still ungroomed but skiable. Remarks: 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: 2" Base Depth:3-4" Off track: ? New snow past 72 hours: 2" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 37" as per DEC's Thursday report. (We'll update when the Thursday, 3/2, report is released. 5-6' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth is now well above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on all other backcountry terrain, and good traction will be needed where there is ice under the new snow.. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Again, enough cover to be very skiable above the hiking trail. Some obstacles still exist on the hiking trail portion. One report said that section was skiable, "...because I'm young an foolish...." Another said, "...perfectly negotiable with the right equipment." MARCY TRAIL: Still a bit marginal up as far as "50-meter" bridge, and icy for the steep just above, But good skiing from there to Indian Falls and beyond. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. Usual thin areas likely covered as previous wet snow fell without any significant wind. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable with finally all rocks fully covered. All trees have now been cleared. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable, and finally a viable, shorter option to the Truck Trail. AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable all the way to Lake Colden, an finally true mid-winter conditions. Ice on Avalanche Lake crossable, but use caution at the outlet. If in doubt, take the trail on the west (right) side about 50 yds. before the actual outlet and use the bridge to cross the outlet. Only a few rocks close to Marcy Dam to avoid on the way to Avalanche Camp. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Conditions are good to Whiteface Landing, and one can now cross the pond to avoid the initial hills. Those first hills are in good shape for those preferring not to cross the pond. One downed tree on the initial hills, but otherwise the trail is clear. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed so far this winter. Local Forest Ranger says it has. Skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Very skiable on the truck trail to Fish Pond along with the side trails. Lakes are skiable as well, May be some intermittent areas of slush, but not recent report.. RAQUETTE FALLS: Skiable with mayber caution on any downhill under thick hemlocks that have blocked the snow. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Good skiing with the new snow. A few spots have been plowed for parking. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Near perfect conditions on that ski. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 5-6" of packed base at the gate, and skiable to the lake. No vehicular traffic as of 3/1, but that could change. Quick Saturday afternoon update:
Mt. Van Hoevenberg is now reporting all trails open and track-set. Dewey Mt. now has groomed most trails. Tupper Lake has groomed their 8" of new snow. The other areas were already reporting full operation. Warmer today than originally predicted (15-20 rather than 10 for a high). Forecast for Sunday says highs in the upper 20s, and then low 30s for the rest of the week with some new snow on Tuesday. We can only hope that these predictions hold up. Ski it while you can! INTRODUCTION Yes! The forecasts were right and we picked up, depending on location, 6-10" of nice dry snow. All groomed centers are again in full or nearly-full operation with grooming ongoing during the day. Some backcountry trails only had limited base left, but most managed to survive the thaw and are again good skiing. We'll update those reports as we have a chance to check out those trails. The DEC has issued an avalanche warning given that this new snow has fallen on a hard, frozen base. and can easily slide off. Beyond that, this report will not specifically assess the danger on any particular slide. Friday and Saturday will be quite cold with overnight temperatures below zero and daytime highs only 10 on Friday and 15 on Saturday. Sunday will be near freezing as will the first days of next week, but so far no thaw in sight . JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections can again be skied, and most, if not all hazards are fully covered. Still somewhat thin is the start of the trail to McKenzie Pond from McKenzie Pond Road where there wasn't much base left. We'll pass along reports as the various sections are broken out, but experience as of Thursday afternoon indicates that this light snow is easy for making tracks. As of Thursday afternoon, the Old Mt. Road section has been broken out. Less snow (3-4") on the Lake Placid end, but fully skiable end to end. 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: 15km New snow: 7" Packed Base Depth: 4-6" Off Track 10-12" New Snow last 72 hours: 7" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Entire system open with track set or being set on all trails. Remember that Cascade is now owned by the Adirondack Mt. Club. Ski shop open as usual, and ADK members ski free. SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW 10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Free for residents of the Tri-Lakes area. $15/day, $10/half-day for others. . scottscobblenordic.com KM Open and Groomed: 15 Track Set: 15 New snow: 7" Packed Base Depth: 3-4" Off track: 7-10" New snow past 72 hours: 7" Remarks: No current report, but the smooth golf course terrain should allow the area to be fully open. MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 50 Track Set: 30 New snow: 7" Packed Base Depth: 6-8" Off track: 10-12" New snow past 72 hours: 7" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: One part of the online report says all trails rolled with track set on the cross-country side and the competition trails. The trail by trail report indicates only that the biathlon side trails are open but not groomed. We'll check back later today. Eastern Collegiate championships on Friday and Saturday. Lake Placid Loppet on Sunday. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 40 20 km of set track New Snow: 8-10" Packed Base Depth: 10-12"" Off track: 15-20" New snow past 72 hours: 8-10" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone is again open. Use requires a helmet and skins for climbing. Wider trails groomed and track-set with the big groomer. Narrower trails being groomed during the day. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: Track set: New Snow: New snow past 72 hours Surface Conditions: Lower trails groomed with track set in most places. Upper trails still ungroomed but skiable. Remarks: TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/ 518-359-8370 Km Open: Track set: New Snow: 8" Base Depth: ? Off track: ? New snow past 72 hours: 8" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: New snow has been groomed. Good conditions for Saturday's "Brewski" event. BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 37" as per DEC's Thursday report 5-6' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth is now well above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on all other backcountry terrain, and good traction will be needed where there is ice under the new snow.. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Again, enough cover to be skiable above the hiking trail, but probably still not enough to get there and back on skis. MARCY TRAIL: Still likely somewhat marginal up as far as Indian Falls. Good skiing above Indian Falls. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. Usual thin areas likely covered as previous wet snow fell without any significant wind. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, but caution is still advised as the recent thaw exposed some of the rocks that will not be fully covered by this light snow. Also, some blowdown in the trail. One may again require stepping over. Another requires a short detour to get around. All others only partially block the trail. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable, but the Truck Trail remains the better choice. AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable all the way to Lake Colden, but still not at true mid-winter conditions as a few rocks are still exposed and there are dips for stream crossings. Ice on Avalanche Lake crossable, but use caution at the outlet. If in doubt, take the trail on the west (right) side about 50 yds. before the actual outlet and use the bridge to cross the outlet. Still some rocks to avoid on the way to Avalanche Camp. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Conditions are good to Whiteface Landing, and one can now cross the pond to avoid the initial hills. Those first hills are finally in good shape for those preferring not to cross the pond. One downed tree on the initial hills, but otherwise the trail is clear. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed so far this winter. Hope that continues. Skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Very skiable on the truck trail to Fish Pond along with the side trails. Lakes are skiable as well, but some intermittent areas of slush may be present. RAQUETTE FALLS: No specific report, but it should be skiable with caution on any downhill under thick hemlocks that have blocked the snow. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Good skiing with the new snow. A few spots have been plowed for parking. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Near perfect conditions on that ski. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 3-4" of packed base at the gate, and again skiable to the lake, but vehicular traffic does make the skiing a bit less enjoyable.. |
Trail Conditions 101Trail condition reports are posted frequently during the ski season. The Adirondack backcountry can be a hard place to predict with weather and trail conditions that often change rapidly. We can't offer the same detailed descriptions of trail conditions as groomed nordic centers. Archives
April 2023
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