Conditions 12/3/12

The first of December was covered with snow
And so were the ski trails at Paul Smiths and Van Ho
But the next day the warm winds they started to blow
And now we have bare ground for how long I don't know


                                       With apologies to James Taylor

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS: After a good day of skiing on Saturday, temperatures have warmed up with some rain showers, and what snow we did have is gone.  Monday will be in the 40s and Tuesday in the 50s before cooling off later in the week with some chance of snow showers.  Thus, I hope everyone got out and skied, as it looks like it will be a while before we can ski again.  Next update on Wednesday, 12/5 when we know if there is any snow possible by the weekend.

•   
  JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
                Base Depth -
                Surface Conditions -
                Km Open - 
                Remarks -
  
  BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 
                Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: less than 6"
                Surface Conditions: 
                Remarks:    Despite the two days of warm weather, there is considerable ice on all the hiking trails, starting about 3,000 feet.  Traction aids will thus practically be mandatory for any ascents of the higher peaks. Less than six inches of snow at 4,000 feet, so snowshoes are not yet required.  Nevertheless, be prepared for winter conditions on the summits and remember that it is dark before 5 PM.  
  
  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 - powder
                Km Open - 
                Km Tracked -
                Remarks -  
  
       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 -
  
       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 -             
                Inches New Snow -
                Surface Conditions - 
                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 -             
                Inches New Snow -
                Surface Conditions - 
                Km Open -
                Km Tracked -
                Remarks -       

           Paul Smith's VIC:
           15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-523-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                  Base Depth - 
                        Inches New Snow -
                       Surface Conditions -
                       Km Open - 
                       Km Tracked -
                       Remarks -