Conditions 12/6/2013

• INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:  Before Thursday's thaw, We had 1-3" of snow in the Lake Placid area and more at Mt. Van Hoevenberg and to the west.  Unfortunately, the temperature hit 50 with a wind, and in the end only minimal new snow as the temperature cooled down. We'll try to see if any of the areas to the west that started with more snow might still be skiable, but for now don't count on any skiing this weekend.    
•      
• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
  •               Base Depth - 0-2"
  •               Surface Conditions -            
                         Km Open - 
                 Remarks -  
  
  BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 3-4"
                Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  ?
                Surface Conditions: wet powder
                Remarks:    Whiteface Highway not skiable as it was plowed earlier this week, and plowing will continue for another two weeks to allow for surveys of the planned repairs.
       Meadow Lane is still open and drivable, but it could be closed at any time.  Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden was safe to cross before the thaw, and probably will be again as soon as temperatures drop as the caretaker reported as much as six inches before the thaw.  Snowshoes not yet required, but may be helpful above 4,000 feet.  Traction aids definitely needed for any steep trail at any elevation.  
       While temperatures have moderated from the cold of the past weekend, definitely be prepared for winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
  
  
  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 -  
                  Inches New Snow - 
                  Surface Conditions -  
                  Km Open - 
                  Km Tracked -  
  •               Remarks - Closed Friday.  Could open on Saturday if we get a bit more snow.
  • 
         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 -     
                  Inches New Snow -
                  Surface Conditions - 
                  Km Open - 
                  Km Tracked - 
                  Remarks - Could be open for this coming weekend.  Ski shop op
    
             Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
  •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun.  rentals, 518-523-2551,
  • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                  Base Depth -  
                  Inches New Snow -
  •               Surface Conditions -  
                  Km Open -  
                  Km Tracked -
                  Remarks - Golf course skiable.  No grooming
  
             Paul Smith's VIC:
             15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                         Base Depth - 
                          Inches New Snow -  
                         Surface Conditions - 
                         Km Open - 
                         Km Tracked - 
                         Remarks - 
  
                 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 -
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface conditions - 
                          Km Open -  
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks -  
  
                   Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
               10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
               http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com