Adirondack Ski Tours

The Whiteface Toll Road (beginner)
Start elevation   2620 ft
Highest point    4600 ft
Total gain          1980 ft
Round trip         10 miles
This beginner tour will teach you all the basic skills to be prepared and travel safely in the backcountry.  Learn what equipment is available and how to use it.  Topics that will be covered are efficient uphill travel, what to bring on a backcountry tour, planning and preparation, and what to do if things go wrong.  The Whiteface toll road follows a moderate grade up the north side of Whiteface Mountain and ends at the “castle” on the shoulder of the mountain.
Scheduled Dates:
December 26, January 1, 10, February 10, 13, March 21

Avalanche Pass   (beginner-Intermediate)
Start elevation   2179 ft
Highest point    3100 ft
Total gain          921 ft
Round trip         9 miles
This ski tour starts at the gateway to the High Peaks at the Adirondack LOJ.  Rolling terrain leads to scenic Marcy Dam.  For many Adirondack High Peak climbers this is the base of operations for winter accents.  From here the terrain gradually goes up until you get to Avalanche lean-to where you take a break and prepare for the steepest part of the tour.  As you crest the hill it levels out and traverses the base of one of the newest slides in the Adirondacks.  All your hard work will be rewarded as you take in one of the most spectacular views in the Northeast.
Scheduled Dates:
December 28, 31, January 4, 17, February 9, 14,
March 14, 16

Jack Rabbit Trail over McKenzie Pass to McKenzie Pond (Intermediate)
Start elevation 1970 ft
Highest point   2600 ft
Total gain        1000 ft
Round trip        10 miles
The Jack Rabbit ski trail extends from Paul Smiths, NY to Keene, NY at a length of 35 miles.  The section leaving the shores of Lake Placid to McKenzie Pond offers the best mix of terrain and turns.  This can be a casual day of skiing or for advanced skiers with a high level of fitness there is an opportunity for open glade skiing.
Scheduled Dates:
December 27, 30, January 11, 24, February 7, 15,
March 6, 15

Wright Ski Trail (Intermediate)
Start elevation   2179 ft
Highest point    4580ft
Total gain         2401 ft
Round trip      7 miles
Established in 1938 this is one of the few cut backcountry ski trail is the Adirondack Park.  It is a narrow windy trail that allows you to descend from the summit of one of the High Peaks.  Enjoy this classic Adirondack ski tour with open summits a winding trail and an opportunity to earn your turns.
Scheduled Dates:
January 3, 18, February 8, 16, March 17, 22

Mount Marcy (Advanced)
Start elevation   2179 ft
Highest point    5344 ft
Total gain          3165 ft
Round trip         15 miles
A ski decent of Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York, is a rewarding day in the Adirondack backcountry.  The challenge of this peak is the physical effort to summit; as well as the technical ability needed to safely negotiate the narrow trails on the decent.
Scheduled Dates:
February 21, March 9, 29

Slide Skiing (Expert)
The Adirondack Mountains are a premier ski destination for eastern backcountry skiers.  The Parks extensive trail system gives access to remote ski trails as well as natural slide paths.  These open slides are home to a hazardous mountain environment but a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience can be had.  Time on the slides is a great transition for people moving away from the resorts to the backcountry.  This terrain is for experts only.
Scheduled Dates:
February 22, March 8, 28