Lake Placid Ski Weekend

Hi Hikers,
I'm heading to Lake Placid for a weekend of winter fun. Depending on conditions, any combination of backcountry cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, resort cross-country, or even snowshoeing is possible, but I'm aiming for:

• Downhill skiing at Whiteface on Saturday
• Backcountry XC skiing (with the Appalachian Mountain Club) on Sunday

Two important notes:

1. Winter trips are always difficult to plan due to varied conditions and plans might change at the least minute. Just bear that in mind. However, as of Feb 9th, conditions are the best they've been in years! (See bark eater ski conditions for updates.)
2. I screen all participants for weekend trips. If you are interested, RSVP and shoot me (Andre) a message. As with all of Hiking & Nature's trips, this is not a guided or paid trip. It is a social trip for outdoor enthusiasts, and I want to check that everyone has accurate expectations.

Trip Details:

• Schedule: Plan to arrive Friday night for a full day of activities Saturday and a half day Sunday before driving back.
• Cost: Attendees are responsible for their own lodging, food, transport, and other costs.
• Lodging: TBD. Tmax Hostel by default ($32/night for bunk rooms). There is potential to book a house or condo if a good deal on a refundable option becomes available.

Required Gear & Skills for BC XC:

• Solid expert resort XC skills: Backcountry trails can be much steeper and narrower than resort blacks. They are ungroomed (or even unbroken) and may contain unbridged stream crossings, blowdowns, and other backcountry hazards.
• Backcountry cross-country gear: BC XC skis with metal edges are required, with a backcountry boot and backcountry binding (for example: Fischer Traverse 78 Crown). Skins are highly recommended.
• Layered winter clothing suitable for temps in the single digits: Wicking base-layer top and bottom; insulating top layer (usually fleece); windbreaker/softshell jacket; insulated water-resistant pants; waterproof shell pants and jacket; big puffy jacket; warm and water-resistant gloves and mittens (two pair); face protection; winter hat; headlamp; gaiters; chemical hand and foot warmers.