Ski Trail Conditions
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INTRODUCTION
We picked up 4 -5" of new, wet snow overnight. There may have been some sleet mixed in in some places, but not a significant amount. Grooming is in progress at the ski centers. Elsewhere, trail-breaking will be tough, and it remains to be seen what surfaces are like once it cools down. Some sun on Friday, but back to cloudy with a chance of more light snow on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday will be chilly with daytime highs only in the low 20s, but a bit warmer for Wednesday. Still, no thaw in sight, so better late than never, winter is really here - at least for now. JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections can now 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, and there may still be exposed roots under the thickest trees. The rest of the trail. McKenzie Pond to Whiteface Inn Lane is good skiing. The Old Mountain Road section is also good skiing with just a few areas where water in the trail requires a bit of maneuvering to avoid. 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: 4" Packed Base Depth: 6--8" Off Track 8-10" New Snow last 72 hours: 4" Surface Conditions: Packed wet powder Remarks: Entire system open with track set on most 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: 12 Remarks: All loops covered. Packing and track-setting in progress MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 50 Track Set: 15 New snow: 4" Packed Base Depth: 6-8" Off track: 8-10" New snow past 72 hours: 4" Surface Conditions: Packed wet powder Remarks: Today, Track set on the flats, East Mountain, and Inner Loopen, but competition trails remain closed due to taking down FISU Games equipment. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 40 Track set: In progress, but should have a good percentage track-set by Friday New Snow: 4" Packed Base Depth: 8-10" Off track: 12-15" New snow past 72 hours: 4" Surface Conditions: Packed wet powder Remarks: Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone is again open. Use requires a helmet and skins for climbing. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: 5 Track set: New Snow: 4" New snow past 72 hours: 4" Surface Conditions: Groomed wet powder Remarks: Lower mountain now open 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: 3 Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Again open with nice conditions on the golf course, but no report since the new snow.. BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 25" as of Thursday's DEC report 4-5' 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 other higher terrain, and good traction will be needed where there is ice under the new snow.. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Still enough cover to be skiable above the hiking trail, but probably still not enough to get there and back on skis. (Comment below says it's 'doable but adventurous'. Choose your own level of 'adventure' but the skiing above the hiking trail is good.) MARCY TRAIL: No specific ski report, but likely still pretty marginal up as far as Indian Falls. (One online report indicated that hikers bare-booted as far as Indian Falls. They probably shouldn't have done that, but it is an indication of still somewhat thin cover. Photos from the group showed more snow above, but the signs at the junction of the Slant Rock Trail are still well above the snow level. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. Usual thin areas likely covered as this wet snow fell without any significant wind. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, but still with caution. Most, but not all, rocks are fully covered. Also, some blowdown in the trail. One can now be mostly skied over. Another requires a short detour to get around. All others only partially block the trail. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Still not really skiable. AVALANCHE PASS: Finally skiable all the way to Lake Colden. (But a ski today indicates that we are 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 still need a bit more snow - but are still negotiable on skis. Reportedly, all but one of the downed trees have been cut out, and that one should be taken out by Wednesday evening. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed. All blowdown has been cut through. Thanks to those who did that work. A good base remained before the new snow, so skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, and the lakes are good skiing as well with no slush reported. 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: Last week, the local Forest Ranger reported 4-5" of new snow and said the skiing is "fantastic". Would be even better than that now. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 3-4" of packed base at the gate, and again skiable to the lake, but vehicular traffic may make the skiing a bit less enjoyable..
2 Comments
THURSDAY SNOW UPDATE:
Yes, we picked up at least 4" overnight, so pretty much every popular trail will be skiable for the weekend. Pau Smith's VIC reports that the Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone is at last open again. All trails at the VIC are also open with track-setting in progress. Cascade Welcome Center is also fully open, but still no online report for Mt. Van Hoevenberg. More complete report later today. The National Weather Service has predicted 4-8" of new snow by Thursday at noon. Other weather forecast call for a bit more. However, after last week's disappointment with only about 2" in the Lake Placid area after an earlier prediction of 4-8", we'll just say what's predicted, but won't 'count our flakes until they fall....' The Weather Service also indicates that the snow could be mixed with sleet overnight, so it might take a day or so to fully determine what this storm has done regarding ski conditions. Nevertheless, even just 4" would bring every popular route except for Marcy and Wright Peak into good condition. See below for details. INTRODUCTION
While we still have a way to go to get to true mid-winter conditions, we have continued to pick up an inch or two here an there; and this has begun to add up. Furthermore, Wednesday night and Thursday will see some more significant snow, but so far no credible estimates of anything more than 3-4 more inches. Best news is that there is finally no thaw in sight. Better late than never, winter is really here - at least for now. JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections can now be skied, but caution is still required as the base on most sections is thin enough that rocks and roots present periodic hazards. Especially thin is the start of the trail to McKenzie Pond from McKenzie Pond Road. That section has been skied, but periodic roots - especially under the thickest firs - remain an obstacle. Once at the old road one mile in, the cover is sufficient. The rest of the trail. McKenzie Pond to Whiteface Inn Lane is good skiing. The Old Mountain Road section is good skiing with just a few areas where water in the trail requires a bit of maneuvering to avoid. 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: 12km New snow: 1-2" Base Depth: 3-4" Off Track 5-6" New Snow last 72 hours: 2-3" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Entire system open with track set on most 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: 12 Remarks: All loops covered and packed. Track-set on most trails MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: ? Track Set: ? New snow: 1-2" Base Depth: 3-4" Off track: 4-6" New snow past 72 hours: 1-2"" Surface Conditions: ? Remarks: Turns out very little grooming on Monday, 1/23 due to FISU clean-up. Today, Tuesday, the website conditions page is down, and no one answers the phone. Fortunately, there is great skiing elsewhere. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 35 Track set: 20 New Snow: 2-3" Base Depth: 5-6" Off track: 8-10" New snow past 72 hours: 3" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Most of the trails are now open and groomed, offering the most amount of groomed skiing in the area. Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone remains closed until more snow. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: 5 Track set: ? New Snow: Base Depth: 3" Off track: 5"? New snow past 72 hours: 3" Surface Conditions: Groomed wet powder Remarks: Lower mountain now open 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: 3 Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Again open with nice conditions on the golf course. BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 18" (estimated based on 12" last Thursday before the new snow)) 3-4' 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 other higher terrain, and good traction will be needed where there is ice under the new snow.. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Still enough cover to be skiable above the hiking trail, but still not enough to get there and back on skis. MARCY TRAIL: No specific ski report, but likely still pretty marginal up as far as Indian Falls. (One online report indicated that hikers bare-booted as far as Indian Falls. They probably shouldn't have done that, but it is an indication of still somewhat thin cover. Photos from the group showed more snow above, but the signs at the junction of the Slant Rock Trail are still well above the snow level. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. Usual thin areas likely covered as this wet snow fell without any significant wind. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, but still with caution. Not all rocks are fully covered. Also, some blowdown in the trail. One requires a careful step to get over. Another requires a short detour to get around. All others only partially block the trail. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Not really skiable. AVALANCHE PASS: Finally skiable all the way to Lake Colden. 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 still need a bit more snow - but are still negotiable on skis. Reportedly, all but one of the downed trees have been cut out, and that one should be taken out by Wednesday evening. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed. All blowdown has been cut through. Thanks to those who did that work. A good base remained before the new snow, so skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, but no report on the lakes. 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: Last week, the local Forest Ranger reported 4-5" of new snow and said the skiing is "fantastic". Would be even better than that now. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 3-4" of packed base at the gate, and again skiable to the lake, but vehicular traffic may make the skiing a bit less enjoyable.. INTRODUCTION - Now with updates to 5 PM, Sunday 1/22/23
While the skiing is still hardly ideal for mid-January, we did pick up some of what was promised with earlier forecasts. So far, it appears that this was again somewhat of a coastal storm with Keene receiving 4-5" while the Paul Smith's VIC only reports 3". The snow was wet and dense when it fell, resulting in better coverage than light fluff. Now that snow has dried out a bit and makes for nice packed powder surfaces where it has been either groomed or packed out. More snow possible this coming week with finally no thaw in sight. Better late than never, winter is finally here - at least for now. JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections can now be skied, but caution is still required as the base on most sections is thin enough that rocks and roots present periodic hazards. Especially thin is the start of the trail to McKenzie Pond from McKenzie Pond Road. That section has been skied, but periodic roots - especially under the thickest firs - remain an obstacle. No word on the condition of the hill above McKenzie Pond. 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: 12km New snow: Base Depth: 3-4" Off Track 5-6" New Snow last 72: 2-3" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Entire system open with track set on most 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: 12 Remarks: All loops covered and packed. Track-set on most trails MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 55km Track Set: 25 km on x-c side. No set track on the biathlon side. New snow: Base Depth: 3-4" Off track: 4-6" New snow past 72 hours: 2-3" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Fully open for recreational skiing as of Monday, 1/23. Track set on most x-c side trails including Porter Mt. All trails on the biathlon side are open, but no set track reported as of Sunday evening. . PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 30 Track set: ? New Snow: Base Depth: 4-6" Off track: 6-8" New snow past 72 hours: 3" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Most of the trails are now open and groomed. Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone remains closed until more snow. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: 5 Track set: ? New Snow: Base Depth: 3" Off track: 5"? New snow past 72 hours: 3" Surface Conditions: Groomed wet powder Remarks: Lower mountain now open 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: 3 Surface Conditions: Remarks: No current report BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 12" (as of Thursday before the new snow) 3-4' 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 other higher terrain, and good traction will be needed where there is ice under the new snow.. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Still enough cover to be skiable above the hiking trail, but still not enough to get there and back on skis. MARCY TRAIL: No report, but likely still pretty marginal at least as far up as the (now) 5-meter Bridge. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. Usual thin areas likely covered as this wet snow fell without any significant wind. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, but still with caution. Not all rocks are fully covered. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Not really skiable. AVALANCHE PASS: Finally skiable all the way to Lake Colden. Some rocks to avoid on the way to Avalanche Camp. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: According to a comment below, the first hills at the west end of Connery Pond require caution, but otherwise conditions are good to Whiteface Landing. No report on whether one can cross the pond to avoid those hills. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed. All blowdown has been cut through. Thanks to those who did that work. A good base remained before the new snow, so skiing is close to perfect to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, but no report on the lakes. RAQUETTE FALLS: No report, but might be skiable with caution. 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: Also a good base remains. The local Forest Ranger reports 4-5" of new snow and the skiing is "fantastic". AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 3-4" of packed base at the gate, and again skiable to the lake, but vehicular traffic may make the skiing a bit less enjoyable.. INTRODUCTION
While the skiing is hardly ideal for mid-January, the 2-3" of wet snow that fell after the rain has allowed most areas that had held onto some base to again be skiable. We did experience a bit more rain Tuesday night, but temperatures are falling, and there is hope for up to 8" of new snow by late on Friday. JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections can now be skied, but caution is required as the base on most sections is thin enough that rocks and roots present periodic hazards. Especially thin is the start of the trail to McKenzie Pond from McKenzie Pond Road. There may again be short, wet sections until the temperatures drop. And one it does drop, the hills will be very fast until we get more snow. 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: 5km New snow: 2-3" Base Depth: 3-4" Off Track 3-4" New Snow last 72 hours: 2-3" Surface Conditions: Groomed powder and granular Remarks: About 2/3 of the system is open with some track set where the base remains deep enough. Will be hard and fast until we get more snow. 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: 10 Track Set: 0 As of 1/18, skiers asked to stay off trails until it cools down. Trails have been groomed, and with luck Friday's snow will have the area back in full operation with track set. MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 15km Track Set: ? New snow: 2-3" Base Depth: 2" Off track: 4" New snow past 72 hours: 2-3" Surface Conditions: Groomed powder and granular Remarks: Now partially open for recreational skiing. Flat terrain on X-C side plus Main Street and East Hill. Another 7-8 km open on the biathlon side. Remaining area closed due to the World University Games or insufficient cover. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 20 Track set: 0 New Snow: 3" Base Depth: 4" Off track: 4-6" New snow past 72 hours: 3" Surface Conditions: Groomed granular Remarks: Freezing rain last night and a shift to flurries this morning. Trails are still in good shape with no new grooming. Best Conditions on Jenkins Mountain Trail, Skidder, Easy street, and Loggers Loop. ~01/18/23 09:50 am as posted by the VIC. Jenkins Mt. Backcountry Ski Zone closed until more snow. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: Track set: New Snow: Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: No skiing 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: Closed for now BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 12". 3-4' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are still required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth remains above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on other higher terrain, and good traction will be needed as the temperatures fall. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Still enough cover to be skiable above the hiking trail - at least once we get a bit more snow. MARCY TRAIL: Not really skiable until we pick up some more snow. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. Likely thin to bare at the usual windy corners. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable with caution. Not all rocks are fully covered. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Not really skiable. AVALANCHE PASS: Not really skiable. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: No current report HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed, and should be accessible even if the recent snow isn't plowed. All blowdown has been cut through. Thanks to those who did that work. A good base remained before the new snow, so skiing is reported as good. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, but just barely, even before this new snow, so likely skiable now. Lakes probably not skiable until we have a few cold nights. RAQUETTE FALLS: Not skiable GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: A good base at the trailhead, and more reported once past the initial climb. Good skiing with the new snow. A few spots have been plowed for parking. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Also a good base remains, but not much new snow unfortunately. Hard and fast in the hardwoods, and somewhat icy under the occasional thick pine. As little as 2" of new snow would make it good skiing again. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 1-2" of packed base at the gate, and again skiable to the lake. INTRODUCTION (with updates to 1/16)
While the skiing is hardly ideal for mid-January, the 2-3" of wet snow that fell after the rain has allowed most areas that had held onto some base to again be skiable. Furthermore, the forecast for next week has improved so that, even though daytime temperatures will be in the low to mid 30s, rain is no longer forecast - only a few snow showers. Update 1/16: Except the forecast has again suggested 'mixed precipitation' for Tuesday, but still says 70% chance of snow on Thursday. We'll see.... JACKRABBIT TRAIL All sections can now be skied, but caution is required as the base on most sections is thin enough that rocks and roots present periodic hazards. Especially thin is the start of the trail to McKenzie Pond from McKenzie Pond Road. Any of the short, wet sections are now frozen. Additionally, the beaver pond on the Lake Placid end of the Old Mountain Road section has re-frozen sufficiently to be crossed. 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: 5km New snow: 2-3" Base Depth: 3-4" Off Track 3-4" New Snow last 72 hours: 2-3" Surface Conditions: Groomed powder and granular Remarks: Things cooled down quite a bit overnight and surface conditions are considerably harder today. Be prepared to go fast on your skis! 80% of our trails are open for classic and skate. Track set in about 40% of the trails north of Jubin Brook. ~01/16/23 09:10 am as posted by Cascade. 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 free groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery . https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/high-peaks-mountain-guides-nordic-alpine-touring-tele-ntn-split-board 518-523-3764 KM Open and Groomed: 0 Track Set: 0 No base survived the thaw, so needs a bit more snow to be groomed. MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: 5km Track Set: ? New snow: 2-3" Base Depth: 2" Off track: 4" New snow past 72 hours: 2-3" Surface Conditions: Groomed powder and granular Remarks: Now open for recreational skiing, but only on about 5 km of the flat terrain due to the World University Games. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: 20 Track set: 0 New Snow: 3" Base Depth: 4" Off track: 4-6" New snow past 72 hours: 3" Surface Conditions: Another cold blue sky day here at the VIC. A mix of packed and loose granular as groomers work throughout the morning. Great Coverage on the trails with the best conditions found on Logger's Loop, Skidder, Easy Street, and Jenkins Mountain Road. Great day for skate or classic. ~01/16/23 09:06 am - as posted by the VIC, Remarks: DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: Track set: New Snow: Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: No skiing 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: Closed for now BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 12". 3-4' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are still required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth remains above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on other higher terrain, and good traction will be needed as the temperatures fall. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Still enough cover to be skiable above the hiking trail - at least once we get a bit more snow. MARCY TRAIL: Not really skiable until we pick up some more snow. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable starting at the Toll House. Likely thin to bare at the usual windy corners. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable with caution. Not all rocks are fully covered. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Not really skiable. AVALANCHE PASS: Not really skiable. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: No current report HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: The parking lot has been plowed, and should be accessible even if the recent snow isn't plowed. All blowdown has been cut through. Thanks to those who did that work. A good base remained before the new snow, so skiing should be good. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Skiable, but just barely, even before this new snow, so likely skiable now. Lakes probably not skiable until we have a few cold nights. RAQUETTE FALLS: Not skiable GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: A good base at the trailhead, and more reported once past the initial climb. Good skiing with the new snow. A few spots have been plowed for parking. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Also a good base remains, but not much new snow unfortunately. Hard and fast in the hardwoods, and somewhat icy under the occasional thick pine. Camp open this weekend for tours with warming in the "Studio" thanks the Adirondack Architectural Heritage AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 1-2" of packed base at the gate, and again skiable to the lake with the new snow. Rain started falling on Thursday afternoon and continued for much of the night. However, by 9 AM on Friday it had changed back to snow (heavy and wet falling at just above freezing) with the chance of picking up 3-5" by the end of the day. To a certain extent, we're starting over in the Lake Placid/Saranac Lake area, but Paul Smiths, Newcomb, and Boreas all managed to hold some base. Therefore, these areas should be pretty good skiing starting Saturday morning.
ADK's Cascade welcome Center reports all trails closed as of Friday morning, but that area should be able to reopen as of Saturday morning. Mount Van Hoevenberg remains closed, and will probably remain closed to public skiers until the end of the World University Games. Paul Smith's VIC still reported some trails open as of Friday morning, and should be able to get most of the system groomed and open by the end of the day on Saturday. Before the rain, Lake Colden reported 12" of snow, with variable amounts at higher elevations. Thus, with the new snow, skis or snowshoes will be required to be worn in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. We'll post an update on Saturday as soon as possible. Saturday will start off cloudy, but slowly clear by afternoon. Highs only around 20. Sunday will be clear with highs in the mid-20s. Next week will see highs just above freezing, and a chance for some more light snow. As of Tuesday afternoon, we are looking at an inch or snow on some firm base. ADK's Cascade Welcome Center has opened half their trail to skiing, but the cover is thin with no set track. Areas to the south including Boreas and Newcomb are reported to be quite good, and skied by many over the past weekend.
Looking ahead, we are again expecting some mixed precipitation on Thursday that will grade to rain for a while on Friday. Nothing that will reduce the base we have, but what skiing surfaces will remain is the question. Unfortunately, the longer range predictions for again warm weather next week. So, get out and ski Wednesday or Thursday, and then just sit back an hope for the best. UPDATE 1/5/23:
The thaw continued into Wednesday night with rain most of the night. It was a very cold rain, so not much additional melting. Temperatures will finally drop below freezing, and stay close to freezing through the weekend and into next week. Between Friday and Saturday, we may pick up an inch or so of new snow, but so far no real "game changer" is in sight. The only good news is that those places listed below with six or more inches of snow will still retain a base, so it won't take much more that two-three inches to get at least some of the gentler terrain back in skiable shape. Both Mt. Van Hoevenberg and Cascade are currently closed. The Paul Smith's VIC still reports that part of their system remains open, but indicates that surface conditions are 'variable' with some ice and some bare spots. So, it looks like the "wax of the weekend" will be Microspikes, and at least Sunday will be partly sunny. INTRODUCTION After another few days of warm temperatures and occasional rain showers, some skiable snow still exists in sufficient quantity to survive another two days of high temperatures in the upper 30s. After Wednesday, temperatures do cool down, but so far only the possibility of a few snow showers to cover up the remaining crust. Areas that have managed to preserve a base will only need an inch or two to be acceptable skiing, but we'll just have to see. Meanwhile, a mostly "windshield" survey of the likely local areas has provided the basis for the report below. And for the next two days it will be mostly "spring" conditions with firm surfaces in the morning followed by softer "corn" conditions. JACKRABBIT TRAIL Based on an initial survey, no section can be recommended for skiing. There is continuous snow leading up from Whiteface Inn Lane, but cover will be thin - at least until the top of the initial climb. The Paul Smiths section has some cover for a short distance leading away from the VIC, but soon becomes pretty much unskiable past White Pine Camp Rd.. The good news going forward is that a collective effort by BETA and several adjoining landowners has solved the landowner problem on the connection between Craig Wood Golf Course and ADK's Cascade Welcome Center. 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: Base Depth: Off Track New Snow last 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: No trails open as of 1/6. For the future 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 free groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery . https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/activities/high-peaks-mountain-guides-nordic-alpine-touring-tele-ntn-split-board 518-523-3764 KM Open and Groomed: 0 Track Set: 0 MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions 518-523-2811 Km Open and Groomed: Track Set: New snow: Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: Closed for recreational skiing as of 1/6. Likely trying to salvage something for the upcoming World University Games. PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: https://trailhub.org/ts/AJqsdStcVzW7Mjrr4MJh 518-327-6241 Km Open: Approximately 15 Track set: ? New Snow: Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Spring surfaces Remarks: Report for 1/6 indicates 'variable conditions' with some bare spots and some ice. Still, about half of the system remains skiable. DEWEY MOUNTAIN: https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter 518-891-2697 Km Open: Track set: New Snow: Base Depth: Off track: New snow past 72 hours: Surface Conditions: Remarks: No skiing 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: Closed for now BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow depth at Lake Colden: 10". 3-4' above 4,000 feet Skis or snowshoes are still required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth remain above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes still advisable on other higher terrain, and good traction will be needed as the temperatures fall. WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL: Still enough cover to be skiable above the hiking trail - at least once we get a bit more snow. MARCY TRAIL: Not really skiable until we pick up some more snow. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: As of 1/6, there is spotty, but still skiable, cover at the Toll House. Likely bare areas at the usual windy corners. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Maybe still marginally skiable. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Not really skiable. AVALANCHE PASS: Not really skiable. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: No current report HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: As of 1/6, still some base left, and the trail remains skiable to both the Sheep Meadow and Grassy Pond. The parking lot is plowed. All blowdown has been cut through. Thanks to those who did that work. A final newer piece of blowdown near the Sheep Meadow taken care of today. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: 6" of base at the trailhead. No additional information, but likely good skiing with a few more inches. RAQUETTE FALLS: Not skiable GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: 8" of base at the trailhead, and a few spots have been plowed for parking. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: 7" of base remain, so good skiing again with a bit more new snow. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: 3-4" of packed base at the gate. Skiable although fast on the steepest hill. The previous report (12/26, updated 12/27 and 28) provides a good overview of what we had to ski on before the thaw set in today. Today's highs were around 50 - even a bit higher than predicted. There's plenty of base, so the skiing is not going to immediately disappear, but conditions will slowly deteriorate with light rain showers forecast for Friday through Sunday. Then a bit cooler Monday and Tuesday as both days will start below freezing before warming to the upper 30s. Then Wednesday will again hit 50, before cooling to the upper 30s on next Thursday. Groomed centers will be able to continue grooming and most terrain should remain open. Paul Smith's VIC has the most cover, and should come out of this thaw with the most skiing remaining.
Otherwise, good to see all the comments as well as encountering many skiers on the trails the past few days. All adhered to the Adirondack skier's adage, "Ski it while you can." THIS REPORT WILL NOT TRY TO DETAIL EVERY BIT OF SKIING AS CONDITIONS SLOWLY DETERIORATE OVER THE COMING HOLIDAY WEEKEND. USE THE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE GROOMED CENTERS AND LOOK FOR A SUMMARY OF WHERE CONDITIONS ARE COME 1/2/2023. |
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
January 2023
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