Brief report today folks.  Currently 40F and raining in the Lake Placid region.  Rain will continue, heavy at times, through Thursday with overnight temps staying above freezing.  Unfortunately this is going to severely diminish the snow cover on most of the un-groomed ski trails in the area.  Snow will likely survive at higher elevations so at least we'll keep some sort of base on the ground until the next snow storm.  Things will cool down again Thursday night with some snow showers forecasted for Friday, though no indication of any significant accumulation in the near future.  

As of yesterday Mt. Van Hoevenberg is reporting open and groomed skate and classic terrain on the flat trails.  See links on sidebar for conditions at other Nordic centers.

National Weather Service Forecast for Lake Placid, NY

We have a lot to be thankful for after a solid week of fantastic early season trail skiing in the region.  Most of the popular ski trails were skied frequently during the week.  Friday brought warmer temps and the occasional rain shower which left us with slightly diminished and very wet snow cover all along the Jackrabbit Trail corridor, however the skiing is still great for this time of year.  Looking ahead we are expecting a light dusting of new snow over the next few days but no significant accumulation and temperatures hovering around freezing until mid-week when things will warm-up again.  

National Weather Service Forecast for the Lake Placid region

UPDATE - This just in from Marcy Dam - skiers report doing the "one legged ski dance" on some sections of the trail with lots of rocks still poking through. Snow is wet and sticky and the trail saw a lot of foot traffic over the holiday week. About 12" deep off trail, noticeably colder & drier as you approach Marcy Dam.  Water crossings are still open and flowing hard.  Beyond Marcy Dam trails are passable but not recommended until we get more snow.

Jackrabbit Trail Conditions  
Keene/Rock & River to Cascade XC Ski Center - Not recommended, conditions marginal.  

Cascade XC Ski Center to Whiteface Inn Rd - a busy week at Cascade left a solid, packed powder base on the trails and skiers will find 4-6" of wet slushy snow with a good track all the way through to Whiteface Inn Rd.  Some walking required on Bird Song Way down to River Road.  

Whiteface Inn Rd to Saranac Lake (NCCC) - Probably your best bet for enjoying the Jackrabbit for the next few days.  Good coverage above Whiteface Inn Rd. and still 6-10" of wet snow higher on the pass.  Long downhill to McKenzie Pond turn-off is in great shape but use caution as some rocks and culverts will still be exposed.  Skiers - be advised on the Lake Placid side of McKenzie Pass there is a new owner of the private property that extends from just above the DEC trail register to the state line above Fallen Leaf Pond.  The owner uses an ATV on his property and skiers will likely encounter tire tracks on this portion of the Jackrabbit.  Also a reminder that there are several trails that leave the Jackrabbit and travel uphill into this property - these trails are posted and off-limits to skiers and hikers.  Please comply with all posted signs and respect the owners wishes.  

Saranac Lake (NCCC) to Paul Smiths VIC - 4-6" of wet, slushy snow.  Streams and other wet areas still not frozen.  Skiers may encounter blowdown, especially between Rt. 86 in Paul Smiths and Lake Clear.  Logging activity has concluded between Jones Pond Rd. and Rt. 86.  The railroad corridor is skiable.

**See links on sidebar for Nordic center conditions**

We were out until the wee hours last night sampling some of the finest ski conditions this region has seen since the 2014-2015 season (the views were incredible - see photo at left!) Skiers headed out this morning will find at least 6-8 inches of accumulation on trails at lower elevations in the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake area, with greater depths at higher elevations and on the golf courses.   Trail was broken from Peninsula Trails to the Placid lean-to on McKenzie Pass last night in full powder conditions.  The storm started with heavier wet snow on Sunday morning which did a nice job covering most of the roots and rocks, and was followed by drier powder snow as temperatures dropped....and its still snowing out there!

The Jackrabbit Trail will be skiable from the VIC in Paul Smiths all the way to Cascade XC Ski Center.  We can't recommend venturing any further south than that due to open water on beaver dam ponds (especially on Old Mountain Rd) and much lower snow accumulations as you head down the Cascade Pass hill.  Use caution on downhills as some rocks remain uncovered.

Many of the other popular routes were skied yesterday including Fish Pond Truck Trail, Connery Pond, Heaven Hill Trails and the Whiteface Toll Road.  The Marcy Dam Truck Trail is likely in great shape and other routes in the High Peaks may be passable but we haven't received any backcountry reports yet to confirm that...and remember that most of us were still wearing t-shirts outside on Saturday so be prepared to encounter early season conditions if venturing into the High Peaks.

*See the links on the right sidebar for conditions at local groomed Nordic centers*

Stay tuned for another update tonight.

Hard to believe it was in the 60s yesterday and now its snowing.  Hard.  

National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning until Monday, and forecasts 5-9 inches of accumulation in the Lake Placid region by Sunday night.  Snow will continue overnight and throughout the day on Monday.  Some projections call for a foot of snow by the end of the storm.  History has taught us to "wait and see" before we get too excited about snowy prognostications like that, but it sure seems like we'll be skiing by Sunday night.  The usual early season options will be in play including the Whiteface Toll Road and local golf courses.  Mt. Van Hoevenberg may open with this snow - stay tuned