In the High Peaks the Wright Peak, Avalanche Pass, Lake Arnold and Mr. Van ski trails are all highly recommended. Skiers will find perfect packed powder tracks and bountiful powder on the edges of all trails. The Lake Colden caretaker reports 60 inches at the DEC outpost stake. Skiers are urged to use caution when venturing above tree-line. Abundant new snow and heavy winds on Sunday and Monday will have virtually erased previous hiker/skier tracks near and above tree-line, making navigation more difficult especially if visibility is low. Additionally, natural and human triggered avalanches are now more likely on steeper slopes and slides.
The Jackrabbit Trail has excellent coverage and all major sections are now well-tracked. Skiers heading out on the Old Mountain Rd section this week and especially this weekend are urged to use the temporary parking area on Alstead Hill Rd, just before reaching the normal parking area at Rock & River. The temporary parking area was created by the Town of Keene at the request of the owners of Rock & River, in anticipation of a very busy President's Day weekend. If you are skiing the Jackrabbit Trail, please follow the parking signs that are now installed.
The National Weather Service forecasts 2-6" of new snow accumulation between Wednesday morning and Thursday morning, with a possibility of 1-3" during the day on Thursday. Then, sunny with warmer temperatures in the 30s and low 40s throughout the holiday weekend.
Upcoming Events:
Feb 24-26 - Lake Placid Nordic Festival and Lake Placid Loppet
Feb 25 - Annual BETA Ski Movie Fundraiser - "Monumental" - a film celebrating the history of backcountry skiing in our greatest National Parks
Feb 25 - World Snowshoe Championships in Saranac Lake
March 3-5 - Mountaineer's Backcountry Ski Festival
March 5 - Wooden Ski Rendezvous at Cascade XC Ski Center
March 12 - Whiteface Ski Mountaineering Classic