 Whiteface Inn Rd - December 2 |  Whiteface Inn Rd - December 5 |  McKenzie Pond Rd - December 5 |
After a few days of light snow in the region the ski trails are starting to rebound, albeit slowly. The new snow fell following a warm and rainy spell, which has left the ground soggy and standing or flowing water lurking just under a few inches of powdery snow. Looks are deceiving - see contrasting photos above.
Golf courses and other gentle terrain are the best places to ski at the moment, but watch for wet spots which will leave a frustrating glop on your skis. Some sections of the Jackrabbit will be skiable but can't be strongly recommended until we get more accumulation.
National Weather Service forecast for Lake Placid indicates more snow throughout the week, some of which will likely come-in wet and heavy due to daytime temps hovering in the mid-30s.
Backcountry Conditions -
Connery Pond - Whiteface Landing trail will be skiable but use caution on the downhills and ski carefully on the road in from Rt. 86.
Snow in the High Peaks but skiing not recommended on any ski trails until we get more snow.
Jackrabbit Trail Conditions
Keene/Rock & River to Cascade XC Ski Center - Not recommended, conditions marginal with open water persisting on the beaver dams on Old Mountain Rd.
Cascade XC Ski Center to Whiteface Inn Rd - Currently the best skiing can be found on this section though we still only have a 3-4 inches on bare ground/grass. Several parties have skied the Jackrabbit route through Craig Wood Golf Course. The trail is also skiable from Craig Wood to the Village of Lake Placid but use caution on downhills and watch for spots with thin cover. Peninsula Trail to Whiteface Inn Rd is also skiable, watch for wet spots on the golf course.
Whiteface Inn Rd to Saranac Lake (NCCC) - Mostly passable but not recommended until we get more snow. Open and flowing water persisting just under the snow surface after the warm and rainy weather last week. Only a few inches on the trail at McKenzie Pond Rd trail head. Rocks may appear covered but there's only a few inches of dry snow.
**Skier Advisory** On the Lake Placid side of McKenzie Pass there is a new owner of the private property that extends from just above the DEC trail register to the state line above Fallen Leaf Pond. The owner uses an ATV on his property and skiers should be aware that the owner may be using the vehicle on trail at any time and that you may encounter tire tracks on this portion of the Jackrabbit. Also a reminder that there are several trails that leave the Jackrabbit and travel uphill into this property - these trails are posted and off-limits to skiers and hikers. Please comply with all posted signs and respect the owner's use of his property. The use of this portion of the Jackrabbit Trail is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT, and we urge skiers to afford the new owner a level of respect when you are skiing the trail across his land (which is clearly marked with signage).
Saranac Lake (NCCC) to Paul Smiths VIC - 2-4" of snow on the trail. Streams and other wet areas still not frozen. Skiers may encounter blowdown, especially between Rt. 86 in Paul Smiths and Lake Clear. Logging activity has concluded between Jones Pond Rd. and Rt. 86.
**See links on sidebar for Nordic center conditions**
Golf courses and other gentle terrain are the best places to ski at the moment, but watch for wet spots which will leave a frustrating glop on your skis. Some sections of the Jackrabbit will be skiable but can't be strongly recommended until we get more accumulation.
National Weather Service forecast for Lake Placid indicates more snow throughout the week, some of which will likely come-in wet and heavy due to daytime temps hovering in the mid-30s.
Backcountry Conditions -
Connery Pond - Whiteface Landing trail will be skiable but use caution on the downhills and ski carefully on the road in from Rt. 86.
Snow in the High Peaks but skiing not recommended on any ski trails until we get more snow.
Jackrabbit Trail Conditions
Keene/Rock & River to Cascade XC Ski Center - Not recommended, conditions marginal with open water persisting on the beaver dams on Old Mountain Rd.
Cascade XC Ski Center to Whiteface Inn Rd - Currently the best skiing can be found on this section though we still only have a 3-4 inches on bare ground/grass. Several parties have skied the Jackrabbit route through Craig Wood Golf Course. The trail is also skiable from Craig Wood to the Village of Lake Placid but use caution on downhills and watch for spots with thin cover. Peninsula Trail to Whiteface Inn Rd is also skiable, watch for wet spots on the golf course.
Whiteface Inn Rd to Saranac Lake (NCCC) - Mostly passable but not recommended until we get more snow. Open and flowing water persisting just under the snow surface after the warm and rainy weather last week. Only a few inches on the trail at McKenzie Pond Rd trail head. Rocks may appear covered but there's only a few inches of dry snow.
**Skier Advisory** On the Lake Placid side of McKenzie Pass there is a new owner of the private property that extends from just above the DEC trail register to the state line above Fallen Leaf Pond. The owner uses an ATV on his property and skiers should be aware that the owner may be using the vehicle on trail at any time and that you may encounter tire tracks on this portion of the Jackrabbit. Also a reminder that there are several trails that leave the Jackrabbit and travel uphill into this property - these trails are posted and off-limits to skiers and hikers. Please comply with all posted signs and respect the owner's use of his property. The use of this portion of the Jackrabbit Trail is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT, and we urge skiers to afford the new owner a level of respect when you are skiing the trail across his land (which is clearly marked with signage).
Saranac Lake (NCCC) to Paul Smiths VIC - 2-4" of snow on the trail. Streams and other wet areas still not frozen. Skiers may encounter blowdown, especially between Rt. 86 in Paul Smiths and Lake Clear. Logging activity has concluded between Jones Pond Rd. and Rt. 86.
**See links on sidebar for Nordic center conditions**
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