Swinging temps to freeze and melt snow: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3 2024

Uh-oh. Warning signs of spring have been sighted: Maple sugaring has started. NWS issues snowmelt flooding warnings (although with the thin snowpack it's not much of a warning). Mud season alerts. Volunteer-groomed and shoestring-budget trail operations are winding down for the season. Prospect Mountain is still decent, as are other trails with daily grooming. The …

Continue reading Swinging temps to freeze and melt snow: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3 2024

Sugaring season begins: XC skiing for Feb. 24 weekend and next week

Get it while you can, because warm weather and rain are coming. The sap is starting to run (photo from website of The Pitcher Inn) No word from Minnewaska in the last week, but it's doubtful they have managed to keep the Upper Awosting trail groomed without any significant s nowfall. Next nearest places are …

Continue reading Sugaring season begins: XC skiing for Feb. 24 weekend and next week

Maximize the minimums: XC skiing for the week of Feb. 19 2024

High Point is the best bet close by to NYC. Upper Awosting trail at Minnewaska is on life support, attended to by groomers, but it's still skiable. If the ever-reliable Prospect Mountain is too routine, head to the Tug Hill areas or the southern Adirondacks. The Osceolas as well as Lapland Lake and Garnet Hill …

Continue reading Maximize the minimums: XC skiing for the week of Feb. 19 2024