Minnewaska and Mohonk trails are open for skiing, although rock skis are recommended. Shawangunk Nordic Ski Association intends to have River-to-Ridge trail packed as well.

One area in southern Vermont barely got the ‘No Skiing’ sign taken up and hadn’t yet put trail markers out, but got the priorities right:

How’s the skiing in general?

Ski season is definitely ON.

However, due to the lack of base in most areas, trails can be considered best suited for rock skis. Lack of depth may also prevent tracksetting, but that just makes it a more ‘artisinal’ form of classic striding. Therefore, a bit of grading on the curve when it comes to trail hazards.

Pretty much as predicted, yesterday’s snowstorm hit a swath running northwest frrom the Catskills through the Berkshires and southern Vermont, to most of New Hampshire and interior Maine. As a resulrt, Pineridge, near Albany and often outside the heavier snowfall, is open. So are some of the spots in teh Berkshires and southern Green Mountains. The Adirondacks and Northeast Kingdom were left out of the nor-easter, but a few lucky parts got some lake effect snow over the past several days.

This post is about conditions for Dec. 3 2025 and forecast for the next few days. See jump links to Conditions and Forecast. Hit up ‘State of the touring centers‘ or in the menu above for reported conditions as of today. Snow depth graphic below:

The snow depth map above shows wide coverage, with the largest area showing the ‘3.9-9.8’ inch coloration, with the area along I-84 and the Hudson Valley showing ‘2.0-3.9’ inch depths. Of course, the difference between 4″ and 9″ is pretty huge when it comes to trail grooming outcomes. But hey, that’s what you get at this scale.

Forecast

From Central New York and the Tug Hill to Northern Vermont there will be blowing lake effect snow and gusty winds, Thursday. Scattered lake effect and blowing snow/snow squalls may go as far south as the Albany area and southern Vermont. 3-6″ of snow could accumulate in the north country. Colder air arrives Thursday afternoon and temperatures will drop to their coldest of the season throughout the northeast, with single-digit to below zero temps likely Thursday night for inland areas.

Drier weather arrives Friday and stays for a day or so before snow showers in the north return with a system from Canada on Sunday. Temperatures for the weekend will remain below normal for the region. Weak ‘clipper systems’ may bring some additional snow showers early next week.

Northern areas of NY State and New England: [AI generated summaries]

• Mountains: Highs mostly in the teens–low 30s, lows often single digits or below zero. Frequent snow showers, especially Thursday, Saturday, and Wednesday.
• Lowlands: Highs upper 20s–40s, lows teens–20s. More variability with occasional rain/snow mix.s.

Southern regions and NYC metro: [AI generated summaries]

• Inland (MA, NH, CT, NY, NJ parks): Highs mostly in the 20s–30s, lows single digits to teens. Frequent snow showers Thursday, Saturday, Tuesday night into Wednesday.
• Coastal (NYC, Long Island, Boston): Highs upper 30s–40s, lows mid‑20s–30s. More rain/mix events, especially Tuesday and Wednesday.