
On the Jackrabbit Trail, the Lake Placid side of Mackenzie Pass is pretty good skiing right now, but skiers should still use caution on the downhills. There's 4-5 inches of fresh snow on the crust leftover after the thaw above the Fallen Leaf Trail, and conditions are terrific. Approaching from the Saranac Lake side skiers will find 2-3 inches of dry snow on a minimal, icy base (with bare ground under the fresh snow in spots). It has been skied several times in the past few days...but conditions are still marginal on this side of the pass. These observations would indicate that the rest of Jackrabbit Trail will be in the same condition. Craig Wood, Lake Placid Club and Whiteface Inn golf courses will be fantastic skiing right now for those looking for a more casual outing.
Checking yesterday afternoon showed 2-3" of fluff on a surviving firm base of inch or so on the Fish Pond and Hays Brook truck trails. A very nice skied in track - especially on the Fish Pond Truck Trail. Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing is not quite ready for "prime time' but is has been skied. While not actually checked, these observations would indicate that the remote reports of snow depths at Newcomb would have both the Newcomb Lake and Moose Pond routes skiable as well.
The Whiteface Toll Road is in great shape at the moment...see photo below.
DEC reports 15 inches at the stake at the Lake Colden Outpost, and 5 inches of new snow over the past two days. We'll post an update on ice crossing conditions in the High Peaks later tonight or tomorrow.
Not a great winter when on President's Weekend we're still only able to report on skiing on what we have often called the "early-season favorites", but at least there is skiing and its going to be plenty cold this weekend to keep the snow we do have from melting.
XC Ski Area Conditions (click links)
Cascade XC Center
Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Paul Smiths VIC