While adding up the
non-production from Winter Storm Juno, the Snowmobile Trail Maintenance crews
have made the most of the recent meager snowfall. Although only traces have
been recorded, it’s been enough to resurface the trails and very cold
temperatures have frozen the base. When we report “up to five inches of base”,
that means several feet of snow has been compacted down into that solid base.
In spite of heavy weekend traffic, many of the trails are in good shape and
people who have been shut out in other areas are finding winter fun in the
Central Adirondacks. But don’t take our word as gospel: Check out our webcams
and also check out other local sources for trail conditions. Christy’sMotel.com
is one of the most dependable sources, with a highly reputable blog and videos
posted almost daily. The main trails are sporting snirt and showing wear and
tear. Outlying trails are holding up pretty well, and although temperatures are
below normal, the sun does damage by melting the top layers. That freezes
overnight, and the ice balls do little to lubricate the sliders. Most riders know
there is little to work with. What is here is much better than nothing.
Much better than most
is McCauley Mountain, which is featuring a full menu of fun for skiers and
snowboarders. Mac’s Back (above left) is open on the weekends, and frigid temps
make prime conditions for the snowmakers. The crews have piled on the snow and
groomed the slopes for maximum enjoyment. True to McCauley’s rep, portions of
some slopes have not been groomed, leaving fun bumps like those on the skiers’
right of the Sky Ride headwall, pictured above (right). As always, the
adventurous and conservative alike find downhill fun all the way from
McCauley’s summit. Many snowmobiling families have been finding alternative fun
at McCauley. The cross country trails are groomed daily with new grooming
equipment which lays down great tracks with any measurable amount of snow.
Bottom Line: Snow
sport fanatics are finding lots of fun in and around Old Forge, while waiting
for the next “Historic Nor’Easter.” Preparations are underway for the Old Forge
Winter Carnival, February 13-14-15.
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2015 Winter Carnival 
