It looks like we may have finally crossed into the winter season...and not a day too soon, as my New Year's resolution was going to be "stop wearing flip flops in the winter and spend more time shoveling snow."
The National Weather Service is forecasting snow showers every day through Sunday night for the Lake Placid region. The old "foot of flurries" adage might well come into play this weekend.
The storm on Monday night dumped 4-6" of heavy, wet snow throughout the region, and was quickly followed by sleet, freezing rain, rain, and occasional snow showers over the past 3 days. The heavy snow proved beneficial to cross country ski centers in the region, and as of today Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Cascade XC Center and Dewey Mountain are all reporting skiable terrain, though its probably best for skate skiing or waxless classic gear at this point.
Since Tuesday morning we've received reports from people skiing the Whiteface Toll Road (not recommended until we get more accumulation and colder temps), the Peninsula section of the Jackrabbit, area golf courses, and even the new Cobble Lookout trail in Wilmington. At least one party managed a ski to Marcy Dam via the Truck Trail on Wednesday, and reported good coverage.
The next report will be published on Saturday, and will include the latest information on backcountry conditions in the High Peaks Wilderness. At this point all backcountry travelers should be equipped with skis or snowshoes and should be prepared to encounter full winter conditions on all trails, especially at higher elevations.
This is also the time of year when we start planning the annual Pool Party at the Crowne Plaza Resort. This family-friendly event will take place on January 24, and will include the bi-annual meeting of the members of Barkeater Trails Alliance-Adirondack Ski Touring Council.
Lastly, we'd like to close with a friendly public service announcement regarding uphill skiing (aka. skinning) at Whiteface Mountain:
With the lack of snow so far this season, and the growing popularity of backcountry skiing and splitboarding, increasing numbers of local and visiting skiers are taking advantage of Whiteface Mountain's uphill skiing (skinning) opportunities.
Over the past couple years there have been a number of incidents of skiers/splitboarders skinning-up or descending trails while the groomers are operating on a winch cable. Not only does this violate Whiteface Mountain's very reasonable uphill skiing policy AND interfere with the hard work of Whiteface groomers...it's also just plain dangerous (and frankly stupid).
"Dawn Patrol" is not a new thing...many folks have been doing it for years at Whiteface. It has become an important part of the ski season for many of us who are looking to stay in shape for backcountry missions when the real snow starts flying. No one wants to see these privileges revoked (and Yes it is a privilege, many ski areas across the country are not so progressive and forbid uphill skiing altogether).
Please see the Whiteface Uphill Skiing Policy below. Learn it. Love it. Live it. And help keep Dawn Patrol going for many years to come. Help spread the word by sharing this post. Thank you!
Whiteface Mountain - Winter Uphill Skiing Policy
The National Weather Service is forecasting snow showers every day through Sunday night for the Lake Placid region. The old "foot of flurries" adage might well come into play this weekend.
The storm on Monday night dumped 4-6" of heavy, wet snow throughout the region, and was quickly followed by sleet, freezing rain, rain, and occasional snow showers over the past 3 days. The heavy snow proved beneficial to cross country ski centers in the region, and as of today Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Cascade XC Center and Dewey Mountain are all reporting skiable terrain, though its probably best for skate skiing or waxless classic gear at this point.
Since Tuesday morning we've received reports from people skiing the Whiteface Toll Road (not recommended until we get more accumulation and colder temps), the Peninsula section of the Jackrabbit, area golf courses, and even the new Cobble Lookout trail in Wilmington. At least one party managed a ski to Marcy Dam via the Truck Trail on Wednesday, and reported good coverage.
The next report will be published on Saturday, and will include the latest information on backcountry conditions in the High Peaks Wilderness. At this point all backcountry travelers should be equipped with skis or snowshoes and should be prepared to encounter full winter conditions on all trails, especially at higher elevations.
This is also the time of year when we start planning the annual Pool Party at the Crowne Plaza Resort. This family-friendly event will take place on January 24, and will include the bi-annual meeting of the members of Barkeater Trails Alliance-Adirondack Ski Touring Council.
Lastly, we'd like to close with a friendly public service announcement regarding uphill skiing (aka. skinning) at Whiteface Mountain:
With the lack of snow so far this season, and the growing popularity of backcountry skiing and splitboarding, increasing numbers of local and visiting skiers are taking advantage of Whiteface Mountain's uphill skiing (skinning) opportunities.
Over the past couple years there have been a number of incidents of skiers/splitboarders skinning-up or descending trails while the groomers are operating on a winch cable. Not only does this violate Whiteface Mountain's very reasonable uphill skiing policy AND interfere with the hard work of Whiteface groomers...it's also just plain dangerous (and frankly stupid).
"Dawn Patrol" is not a new thing...many folks have been doing it for years at Whiteface. It has become an important part of the ski season for many of us who are looking to stay in shape for backcountry missions when the real snow starts flying. No one wants to see these privileges revoked (and Yes it is a privilege, many ski areas across the country are not so progressive and forbid uphill skiing altogether).
Please see the Whiteface Uphill Skiing Policy below. Learn it. Love it. Live it. And help keep Dawn Patrol going for many years to come. Help spread the word by sharing this post. Thank you!
Whiteface Mountain - Winter Uphill Skiing Policy
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