Good News/Bad News Edition:  The Good News:  With more snow than expected this far north, the Whiteface Highway was definitely skiable today.  A bit thin and crusty at the start, but much better after the pump house at 3,000 ft. Pretty much good cover edge to edge due to wet snow and little wind.

The Bad News:  Work is ongoing to renovate the summit elevator.  This snow will likely be plowed off as of Monday morning and most weekdays throughout the winter.  A Friday night snow won't likely be plowed, so we'll try to keep on top of which weekends will be skiable - at least until there is other skiing available to report on.  Furthermore, the forecast for the coming week includes rain and temperatures around 50, so winter is note yet here to stay.

The Whiteface Highway today, Sunday, at 3,500 feet:
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The weather has remained cold all week with intermittent snow at the higher elevations.  Now 3-5" above 4,000 feet and considerable ice below that elevation.  Be prepared for winter conditions (minus the snowshoe requirement) on any of the higher (more than 3,000 feet) summits.  No report on the Whiteface Highway, but there is surely some skiing possible with a longish walk.  Any "ski-witness" reports would be appreciated.

Otherwise, check the BETA web site: www.betatrails.org lists work parties scheduled for November 4 and 11.  The 4th will be a blowdown sweep and drainage maintenance on the Old Mt.Road section.  The 11th will be a similar effort on the Whiteface Landing Trail from Connery Pond.  Contact BETA at betatrails@gmail.com for details.

​With the first cold weather and some snow up high, it’s time to start this season’s reports.  Upper part of the Whiteface Highway does have skiable snow, but the report notes that there is still ongoing elevator work at the summit.  The road will therefore be plowed during the week.  For now, just hope for Friday night snowfalls. We'll try to find out how long this procedure will continue.
 
Otherwise, the higher hiking trails will have ice in the trail tread.  Good traction, even this early in the season, will reduce the need to leave the “beaten path” and walk on the more fragile edges.  Definitely winter conditions on any exposed summit this weekend – be prepared.