December 12th, 2023

INTRODUCTION
 Despite the previous report that we would wait until the weekend for another report, actual reports and on-site checks indicate that the rest of this week will be a good time to get out and ski.

Colder temperatures Wednesday and Thursday, but warming as of Friday. Again, the possibility of rain over the weekend, but in the end last weekend set us up for some good conditions this week.

JACKRABBIT TRAIL
         Sections between Keene and as far as McKenzie Pass (above Whiteface Inn Lane) have enough cover to be traversed on skis; but no specific reports as there are likely still some wet areas. Past the top of that pass toward Saranac Lake likely not enough to ski just yet.  Additionally, the heavy wet snow has brought down some trees and branches that will take a week or so to fully clear.


        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: 8  
          New snow: 2"   Packed Base Depth: 3-4"   Off Track 5-6"   
          New Snow last 72 hours: 9"
          Surface Conditions: Packed powder
          Remarks: Great early-season conditions
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: ? 
         New snow: 2"   Packed Base Depth:  3-4"  Off track: 5-6" 
          New snow past 72 hours: 8"
          Surface conditions:  Packed powder          
          Remarks: 

          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
         https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/nordic-sliding-centers/conditions   518-523-2811
          Km Open and Groomed: 15  Track Set: ?  
          New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth: 3-4"  Off track: 5-6"  
          New snow past 72 hours:  8"
          Surface Conditions:     Packed Powder
         Remarks: 1.5 km of the competition trails plus the flatter "Legacy" trails and InnerLoopen and Ladies 5km . Unconfirmed report of grooming on the Perimeter Loop on the Biathlon side.  

​           PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
            https://www.paulsmithsvic.org/trailconditions/,518-327-6241
           Km Open:  15   Track set: 0    
           New Snow: 3"  Packed Base Depth: 3-4"   Off track: 6-8' 
           New snow past 72 hours:  2"
           Surface Conditions:   Packed powder
​           Remarks:   

            DEWEY MOUNTAIN:
           https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter  518-891-2697
            Km Open:  8  Track set: ? 
           New Snow:  2"  
           New snow past 72 hours: 6"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
           Remarks: Lower mountain trails 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: 2"    Base Depth: 3-"4    Off track: 5-6"   
           New snow past 72 hours:  7"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
​           Remarks:  

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:

                 Snow depth at Lake Colden:  No current report, but likely 2' based on neighboring trail condition reports. 
                3-4' above 4,000 feet 
                Skis or snowshoes are required by regulation in the High Peaks as the snow depth is now above the 8" threshold. Snowshoes or skis still advisable on all other backcountry terrain - especially above 3,000 feet. 

WRIGHT PEAK SKI TRAIL:  Not yet skiable

MARCY TRAIL:  Not yet skiable 

WHITEFACE HIGHWAY:  Skiable starting at the Toll House.  Some bare areas due to wind, but otherwise fully covered.

MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL:  Skiable with caution as many rocks remain a hazard. Downed trees may be an issue

HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Not skiable.

AVALANCHE PASS: Not skiable past Marcy Dam, but skiable higher up on the pass. Avalanche Lake is being crossed, 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:  No report, but likely not quite ready to be skied.

HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL:  No specific report, but the Paul Smith's VIC report indicates enough snow to ski this trail.

FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL:  No report, but possibly skiable.

RAQUETTE FALLS:  Not likely skiable.   

GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS:  Good cover (6-8" as of last week) with another 3-4" over the past weekend. Some plowed parking as of last Thursday. We can hope that will continue  Please register if you ski there to help justify continued plowing.

NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Good conditions last week, and likely continued good with another 4" reported from the weekend storm.

AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: Likely not quite ready to ski yet.