The Jackrabbit Ski Trail is passable in most locations. At lower elevations on either side of Mackenzie Pass and from Whiteface Club to Cascade sections, skiers will find 1-2 inches of new snow covering the hard crust that formed after the rain event last week. Beginner and intermediate skiers should use extreme caution on downhills as many rocks are still lurking under the surface. At higher elevations on the pass the trail is in great condition with 3-4 inches of snow covering the crust, but caution is still needed on the downhills. The Old Mountain Rd section has the least coverage and should probably only be attempted as an out and back from the Rock & River trailhead.
Local BETA members report good conditions on the Connery Pond Ski Trail. Newcomb has about 6" of snow with some crusty base underneath. The preparations for this weekend's Santanoni open house mean there is a snowmobile track in the center of the road with a skied-in track on each side for most of the way to Camp Santanoni. Definitely great skiing. Fish Pond Truck Trail has been skied but "dust on crust" conditions remain.
The High Peaks have about 6-12 inches of snow, with the hard rain crust underneath. Skiing is possible below and above Marcy Dam, but with caution on downhills and well-traveled trails due to ice and barely covered rocks. There's 12 inches at the stake at the Lake Colden Interior Outpost and skiers are likely to encounter deeper snow drifts in some locations at higher elevations.
National Weather Service forecast for Lake Placid
XC Ski Area Conditions (click links)
Cascade XC Center
Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Paul Smiths VIC
Upcoming Events
Jan 16-18 - Winter Weekends at Great Camp Santanoni
Jan 17 - Sunday Ski & Music at the VIC (Paul Smiths)
Jan 23 - Cascade XC Center Full Moon Party
Jan 24 - SAVE THE DATE - BETA-ASTC 24th Annual "Ski & Swim" Pool Party (3pm-6pm) and Bi-annual Meeting (2pm-3pm)