Finally at least some new snow

2/15/2024

Predictions early in the week were for nothing more that snow showers on Friday and Saturday. Now, we have a "Winter Weather Advisory" for the High Peaks and Tri-Lakes, but as of this evening only 1-3" is forecast for Lake Placid. This is clearly a rapidly changing forecast with much greater amounts predicted for areas west of here. So what actually happens in anyone's guess.

Unfortunately, your usual reporter will be away this weekend in Minneapolis to watch the World Cup X-C races. While that seems to be a "legitimate" excuse to be gone at this time of the ski season, I didn't believe any substitute reporter was needed until this most recent forecast. What can be said is that conditions will improve for the weekend on any trail that still managed to hold onto a base. Tuesday night saw an unexpected 1-2", and another 1-3" on Friday will further improve conditions.

On the Jackrabbit Trail, both the Keene side of the Old Mountain Road section and the Lake Placid side of the McKenzie Pass section retained a base and will be great skiing by Saturday. The Marcy Dam Truck Trail will be improved, but not that good. Boreas and Newcomb will be great with just the little new snow.

Otherwise, check the links on the groomed centers for the latest on their reports; and feel free to comment on whatever you find when you ski this weekend.

14 Comments

Trail Conditions 101

Trail 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.

Always plan ahead for your outing, be prepared with proper clothing, equipment, maps and emergency supplies, and check local weather conditions as well before departing on your trip.

Maps - don't leave home without them!

For trails in the High Peaks Wilderness area, we recommend purchasing the High Peaks Adirondack Trail Map from the Adirondack Mountain Club.

For trails outside of the High Peaks area, we recommend purchasing the Lake Placid & Saranac Lake Winter Trails Map from Green Goat Maps, which covers the Jackrabbit Ski Trail and other adjacent ski touring opportunities.

Jeremy

2/16/2024 06:42:53 pm

Wright peak still not skiable below the ski trail turnoff. Above is pretty friggin sweet.

Karen Kleinschmidt

2/17/2024 07:35:27 am

Do you mean that the Loj to Marcy Dam is still not skiable? I was hoping to ski into Avalanche Lake on Monday from South Meadow or the Loj. Thanks

Danny

2/17/2024 03:58:28 pm

The Algonquin Trail to the base of Wright Peak Ski Trail is not really covered enough to ski.

From the Loj to Marcy Dam is skiable with the fresh snow, though coverage is still very lean and lots of hazards present. South Meadow would be the way to go!

jeremy utz

2/18/2024 08:24:12 am

I was referring to the section of the algonquin trail below the Wright ski trail. I skinned old marcy dam trail to old mac. That had fine coverage. I would take the truck trail for avy pass.

Mike Salnick

2/17/2024 11:21:53 am

Also wondering about condition of truck trail -> avalanche lake for Sunday morning…thanks!

2/17/2024 04:03:54 pm

Lots of skiers headed out that way today based on the cars at South Meadow. Conditions on the road itself are probably 4 inches of powder on top of rutted ice. The truck trail itself will have some hazards present but likely improving the closer you get to Marcy Dam. The pass itself should have great coverage and some fresh snow from this storm with a slight refresh overnight (maybe an inch?)

Ian Ellbogen

2/17/2024 03:34:31 pm

Whiteface toll road a good 8" of fluffy powder.
Best run of the year.

Susan C

2/18/2024 07:09:53 am

Trail to Boreas Ponds is broken. Went 2/17 roadside parking avail for 4 cars max, but not plowed. Fresh 6-7 inches of dry powder, beautiful. Only one other skied 2/17, he did not sign in-please sign in to encourage plowing-thanks

Erik D

2/18/2024 07:24:40 am

Good coverage on Mtn Road on 2/17 with only a few minor hazards visible...

Andrew

2/18/2024 09:59:51 pm

South Meadows to Marcy Dam is in great condition (2/18). It will only get better after the snow tonight.

2/19/2024 09:18:43 am

Folks skied Raquette Falls Saturday and said great coverage except for the very end closest to the falls, some rocks present on the last few hills.

Daniel McCue

2/19/2024 07:56:51 pm

Hoffman Notch trail from Blue Ridge Road to Big Marsh is in good shape… a little wetter in spots than last year but very skiable… parking lot is freshly plowed, I drove up to Boreas parking lot out of curiosity… as noted in an earlier comment parking lot hasn’t been recently plowed…with no recent plowing there was 1 car plus a DEC truck taking up the available space.

2/19/2024 11:11:34 pm

Feb. 19. Skied to Avalanche Lake from South Meadow. Conditions were very good in the morning. Heading back to our car in the afternoon the truck trail was a little skied off, but still good. With an inch or two of new snow it should be glorious again.

2/20/2024 12:33:54 pm

Does anyone know if the Hayes Brook Parking area is plowed? Thanks!

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