- JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
- Base Depth - 2-10 inches
Surface Conditions -Wet powder and crust
Km Open - 35?
Remarks - Wet areas from McKenzie Pond Road to Saranac Lake, and thin conditions on the golf courses make some sections unskiable, but the rest of the trail has retained its cover and will be good again with 3-4" of new snow.
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 20 inches
Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 3 feet
Surface Conditions: Wet powder and crust
Remarks: Hiking trail from ADK Loj to Marcy Dam no longer skiable. Truck Trail is still mostly skiable. Avalanche Pass is still in good shape as far as the top of the pass, but many open drainages after that. Still some rocks to dodge between the dam and Avalanche Camp. Calamity Brook Trail has many long wet areas, and is not recommended for skiing. - Skiers and snowshoers were crossing both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden, but not recommended until it cools off, and then caution definitely required near inlets and outlets.
- Marcy now skiable above 50 meter bridge. Below that point, rock avoidance has been described as "technical". Wright Peak skiable above the junction with the hiking trail. Skis and snowshoes are still required in the High Peaks and needed elsewhere.
- Meadow Lane has been blocked off for the winter, adding 3/4 mile to approach of Marcy Dam.
- Otherwise, all the early season favorites including Connery Pond, Whiteface Highway , Newcomb Lake, Fish Pond, Raquette Falls, and Hays Brook have skiable cover, but will need some new snow to be much fun to ski. Down to about 10" in Newcomb, but Newcomb Lake Road remains very skiable and its gentle grades recommend it until we do get more snow. Should also mention that the Lake Road to the Lower Ausable Lake remains skiable but not the trail to Johns Brook Lodge.
X-C SKI CENTER CONDITIONS: (Groomed, trail fee required)
Mt. Van Hoevenberg X-C Ski Center: - 50km of trails, open daily, rentals, lessons, 518-523-2811, www.whiteface.com/activities/cross-country-skiing
Base Depth - 4-6" (packed)
Inches New Snow -
Surface Conditions - wet powder and granular
Km Open - ?
Km Tracked - ?
Remarks - No complete report as of 9AM Monday. With falling temperatures, the best skiing will be here on trails that have been tilled.
Cascade X-C Ski Center:- 20 km of trails with connection to 50km at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, open daily, rentals, lessons, restaurant, bar. 518-523-9605, www.cascadeski.com
Base Depth - 4-6"
Inches New Snow -
Surface Conditions - wet powder and granular
Km Open - ?
Km Tracked - ?
Remarks -
Lake Placid Club Nordic Center: (part of Lake Placid Crowne Plaza) - 10 km of trails, open holiday weeks and some weekends, rentals, 518-523-2556, www.lakeplacidcp.com
Base Depth - 0-4"
Inches New Snow -
Surface Conditions - wet powder and granular
Km Open -?
Km Tracked -
Remarks -
Whiteface Club Nordic Center: - 10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. (daily during holiday weeks), rentals, 518-523-2551, www.whitefaceclubresort.com
Base Depth - 6"
Inches New Snow -
Surface Conditions - wet powder and granular
Km Open -
Km Tracked -
Remarks - We'll see what they report on Wednesday
Paul Smith's VIC:
15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
Base Depth - 6-8" (packed) (14" off trail)
Inches New Snow -
Surface Conditions -wet powder and granular
Km Open - 15
Km Tracked -15
Remarks - Conditions above are as of Sunday. Still should have good cover, just less.