- INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
- As of Wednesday morning we can finally see some hope of improvement. A bit of new snow overnight will be followed by some more this afternoon. Significant lake effect snow predicted for Tug Hill and Watertown with lesser amounts making it to the Lake Placid area. 2-3" possible on Thursday with more on Thursday night and Friday. So far not the 5-6" really needed to cover up all the frozen ruts, but stay tuned.
- After cold temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday, it will again warm up with temperatures now predicted to be just above freezing by next Saturday and maybe some freezing drizzle before again cooling down on Sunday and more light snow possible.
- The only good that may come out of this thaw is that it will "reset" the process of ice formation on area lakes. We thus may get some good thick ice before the next big snow, and this will minimize the chance of slush under the snow on lakes.
- Base Depth - 4-8" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
- Surface Conditions - Frozen Granular
- Remarks - Peninsula and Fawn Ridge sections cleared of blowdown, and coverage is near 100%. Trail above Whiteface Inn Lane has washouts in the first half mile, but then has good cover and has been cleared to the lean-to and the top of the pass.
- BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 10"
Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 15" - 20"
Surface Conditions: Frozen Granular- All popular backcountry routes were skiable, but now only the gentler terrain can be recommended after the thaw. Trail to Marcy Dam from the Loj described as a "frozen sidewalk with muddy areas." Truck trail better, but not much. Caretaker reported walking as much as skiing to get to the Colden cabin on Sunday, Well, you get the picture.
- Wright Peak and Marcy were skiable, but definitely need a lot of new snow to again be skiable. For hikers, Marcy Brook at Indian Falls is probably "out" and could be difficult to cross.
- The Calamity Brook Trail was skiable, now too rough - especially at the beginning.
- Road to Newcomb Lake still skiable, but just barely. Hills going to Moose Pond will be fast.
- Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing remains skiable but fast on the downhills
- Lake Colden remains crossable, but avoid all inlets and the outlet. Avalanche Lake can be crossed, but there was open water at the edges and at the outlet, so the trail is the safer choice. Old Norse proverb: "Praise not the ice until it is crossed."
- Whiteface Highway requires walking to get to the snow, and is then crusty and fast above.
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- 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 (packed) - 2-5" - Off track snow depth - 6"
Inches New Snow -
Surface Conditions - Frozen Granular with a light coat of powder
Km Open - 45
Km Tracked - 25 - Remarks - New set track on the flatter terrain. All but Ladies 5 km reported as skiable. Some bare spots
- 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(packed) - 3" - Off track snow depth - 5"
Inches New Snow - 1
Surface Conditions - Frozen Granular with a light coat of powder
Km Open -15
Km Tracked - 15
Remarks - Ski shop open daily. Bar and restaurant open weekends and Christmas week.
Whiteface Club Nordic Center:- 10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
- www.whitefaceclubresort.com
- Base Depth (packed) -
Inches New Snow - - Surface Conditions - Frozen Granular
Km Open - 7
Km Tracked -
Remarks - Open and reporting fast conditions but no evidence of much grooming. - Lake Placid Club Nordic Center - Open for Christmas week 12/26-1/4
- 15 km of trails 518-523-2556
- Base Depth (packed) -
Inches New Snow - - Surface Conditions -
Km Open -
Km Tracked -
Remarks - Closed. Still cover in the wooded areas below Rt. 86.
Paul Smith's VIC:
20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
Base Depth (packed) - 2-4"- Off track snow depth: 4"
Inches New Snow
Surface Conditions - Frozen Granular
Km Open - 15
Km Tracked -
Remarks - 12/30 report says trail not recommended for skiing. Esker and Loggers reported as closed. Area could benefit from lake effect snow on Wednesday and Thursday.
Dewey Mountain - Saranac Lake
13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697 http://www.deweymountain.com
Base Depth (packed) -
Inches New Snow -
Surface conditions - Frozen granular
Km Open -- Km Tracked -
Remarks - 12/29 report says lower trails are fast but skiable. Upper trails closed until we get more snow.
Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course
http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com- Current report: "The Grinch stole our snow."
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Much colder on Tuesday morning, but no new snow, so conditions as reported on 12/28 remain pretty much the same. Best skiing remains at the groomed centers with Mt. Van Hoevenberg now reporting 40 km open with 25km of new set track on the cross-country side and old set track on the biathlon side. Cascade continues to offer 15km of good groomed skiing.
Lake ice is again firm with Avalanche and Lake Colden again crossable - just be cautious at the Avalanche Lake outlet. Mirror Lake is good for skating, so other lakes should be safe as well - just stay well away from any inlets or outlets. The temperatures finally dropped below freezing on Sunday night with a dusting of new snow overnight. Not enough new snow to change the conditions as reported below. Cold through Friday and then warming up to the low 30 on Saturday and Sunday, but no significant new snow is forecast for this area.
Best skiing remains at the groomed centers with Mt. Van Hoevenberg reporting 50 km open and 30 km set track on the cross-country side including the Porter Mt. Loops.
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Trail ConditionsTrail conditions are updated frequently during the season, but always check local weather conditions as well before departing on your trip. LOCAL INFORMATION
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