So far this winter, the conditions have been better for the ice climber rather than the skier. By Thanksgiving, it was still fairly warm and rainy. Many hikers would slosh and slog through the November muck up the John’s Brook trail, but soon run into snow and ice above 3200′. By late November, the cold settled in and snow has since covered the ground. The week of December 12 – 16, it warmed up and rained, ruining all snow and ice conditions. Usually, the higher elevation and proximity to the storm track enables the Lake Placid area to accumulate @ 8″ more snow than in Keene Valley.

Two days of warm temperatures and rain with a sudden freeze has developed some rare ice climbing. The Eagle slide on Giant was climbed on Nov. 29 and the entire slope was covered with two inches of ice. The Emperor slabs at Chapel Pond iced up for the first time in eight years, enabling ascents from Dec. 7 to the 11. This was a real treat. None of the lakes have frozen, so climbs like Chouinard’s Gully and Cascade Waterfall will have to wait till Christmastime. Much ice has been found on the North Face of Pitchoff Mountain.

By late November, the skiing has been improving rapidly, until the rains of Dec. 12 16. The combination of snow, ice, and rain will form a solid base when the cold returns, and even three inches of snow will produce great skiing. The most popular local areas have been from ADK Loj to Marcy Dam and Avalanche Pass. Mt. Van Hoevenberg has been open since Dec. first. The Ausable Lakes will have to wait until January. It promises to be a snowier winter, so at least this year we can all get in some skiing. For those not familiar with local ski tours, you may be interested in Tony Goodwin’s book. Also, starting in the next issue, we will describe various enjoyable ski trails.

Hopefully we will soon get more snow for all avid snowshoers. There is not yet enough snow to really tromp around. By January, conditions will have improved for some dynamite trekking.