We started the week by picking up another 4-6" of new snow on Sunday night and Monday night at lower elevations. As of this morning it is snowing steadily. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday covering the entire North Country. "Moderate to heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are expected in Advisory areas with 6 to 10 inches in the warning with localized higher amounts possible."
UPDATE 12/13/17
Total snowfall amounts varied from 3-7" as predicted, but today's windy conditions may skew what actually sticks around. Nevertheless, we seem to be on our way to a good Christmas for skiing. Hayes Brook Truck Trail was definitely skiable on Monday before the new snow, so that's surely in good shape by now. A few new trees down, but we should be able to get them cleared fairly soon. Weather will remain cold through Friday before starting a slow warm-up with temperatures in the low 30s on Monday and Tuesday.
GROOMED AREAS REPORTING SO FAR:
Mt. Van Hoevenberg: 6" of snow and 6 km open with 1 km of set track on the Mini Loop.
Tupper Lake Golf Course: 1-4" packed base and 5 km open.
On Monday afternoon we did some recon on the trails around Lake Placid Most had enough snow cover to make them passable but remained quite thin with almost no base. Conditions will improve steadily throughout the day on Tuesday and overnight. Wednesday will be a great day for skiing in the region.
The Jackrabbit Trail on either side of McKenzie Pass is still very thin and cannot be recommended yet, although we did see one lonely track heading toward McKenzie Pond. Not enough snow yet to cover the rocks in most places. We skied the first 1/2 mile above Whiteface Inn Rd yesterday and spent most of the short trip dodging rocks and wet spots. The Peninsula Trails section is a little better but nothing to brag about. Golf courses are still the better option for Tuesday.
On South Meadow Road the snow has barely covered the sand/dirt. Skiing might be possible by the end of the day on Tuesday on South Meadow Road and the Marcy Dam truck trail.
Heaven Hill trails in Lake Placid are mostly skiable, with caution, especially on the main trail from the parking lot (still some gravel poking through).
Trails in the Paul Smiths area are the best bet for today. Fish Pond and Hayes Brook truck trails are reported to be in great condition. The Paul Smiths section of the Jackrabbit Trail should also be in decent shape.
Photos below are from Monday, December 11. We're out in the woods again today checking conditions and will post another update late tonight or Wednesday morning. Stay tuned....
 Jackrabbit Trail at McKenzie Pond Rd, 12/11/17  South Meadow Rd at intersection w/ Adirondack Loj Rd, 12/11/17 |  Jackrabbit Trail at Whiteface Inn Rd, 12/11/17  Big Field Loop at Heaven Hill Trails, Lake Placid. 12/11/17 |
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