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.