January 28, 2015

         

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.

2015 Winter Carnival          February 13, 14, 15          Come celebrate Valentine's Day weekend with three days                of fun-filled events for the whole family at the 2015 Winter Carnival! Friday February 13 CRAZY 12 FRIDAY!   All Day: $12 lift tickets and lunch specials Downtown Old Forge All Day: Specials in Old Forge shops and restaurants 6:45 p.m. - Valentine's Parade on Main Street 7:00 p.m. - Bonfire, night skating, hot cocoa and doughnuts at the outdoor skating rink (bring your own skates) Saturday February 14 Happy Valentine's Day!   10:00 a.m. - 15th Annual Kiwanis Winter Sports Challenge - 6K snow shoe race, register here 5:00 p.m. - Dinner by Last Run Cafe 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Night Skiing on Playmate 6:00 p.m. - Live music by Joe Bolton and John Christy in the chalet 7:00 p.m. - Coronation of the King and Queen, Torchlight Skiing, Daredevil Jumpers and Fireworks! 8:00 p.m. - Community Sweetheart Dance in the chalet     Sunday February 15 12:00 p.m. - 61st Annual Snowflake Derby (registration at 9:00 a.m.) 3:00 p.m. - Cardboard Sled Race    OLD FORGE  LOVES VALENTINE'S DAY!    Don't forget to "Like" McCauley Mountain Ski Area on Facebook for up-to-the-minute trail reports, information and more!

1/19/15

Watching the Weather Channel, you'll hear "Blizzard" and "Winter Storm Warning". That's what we call winter, and we know it means fun in the North Country. The snowmobile trails are in fair condition. Riding was great going into last weekend, but heavy traffic and a warm-up Sunday took a toll. Cooler temps and a little snowfall helped slightly, but the trail maintenance crews will have a big job when they get the groomers out.

Although the area has not been treated to Buffalo-style dumps of snow, we've been receiving snow with very cold nighttime temperatures. Exactly what the trail doctors ordered for a solid base frozen in on the snowmobile trail system, and folks have been streaming into the Old Forge Visitor Information Center to get their trail permits.

The Webb Trail System is famous for interesting, scenic riding which families and everyone can enjoy. It's a little more technical riding, winding through pine groves along rivers and up to mountaintop vistas.

Riders are anxious to get out on the trails, and every snowfall amps up the excitement, with the knowledge that trail maintenance crews will be working. Everyone is reminded that lapses in attention and judgment have consequences. Fortunately, the operator of this sled got away with serious, but non life-threatening injuries. Trail riding here requires a different mentality than open-field riding. Terrain, visibility, conditions and traffic are some factors which take on added importance here. 

Those frigid temps have paid dividends at McCauley Mountain as well, and snowmakers have been working hard. This Kurt Gardner photo transports everyone into the magical world of skiers and snowboarders, who know that behind the frosty image is the heat of anticipation and excitement. The snowmaking and grooming crews at McCauley create an incredible product for snow-sliding customers. Even when nature seems to boycott ski areas, McCauley offers great skiing. Previously, McCauley was one of the five ski areas open in New York, which has more ski areas than any other state.

Great features at McCauley Mountain include top-notch grooming, designated bump runs and glades for intermediates and experts, double black diamond runs, and easier trails from the summit. Yes, at McCauley newer and more conservative skiers are not relegated to the bottom of the mountain. The easier trails from the top give those skiers and snowboarders views to the High Peaks from up in the skiers' alpine world. McCauley is home to two Olympic skiers, John "Louie" Ehrensbeck and Hank Kashiwa. Louie is at McCauley almost every day at his "Louie Olympic Tune" business. Many other young skiers have grown up on McCauley's diverse terrain, and have gone on to compete with the U.S. Ski Team.