I spent this weekend by cross country skiing at both the Olympic Sports Complex Cross Country Ski Center at Mt. Van Hoevenberg and at Cascade Cross Country Ski Center in Lake Placid. Conditions were excellent at both places, despite the fact that the calendar claims it is late March.
Kendra and I followed up our good skis this weekend (she had skied at the Village of Tupper Lake Cross Country Ski Trails) with a trip to Cascade on Monday, and we found the set tracks to be fast. We cruised along on our usual route around the outer perimeter loop, and then re-looped the trails, enjoying how smoothly we glided along. The hills ? even the steep hills on the Cascade Trail - were well covered, and we rocketed down them, carrying our speed onto the flats. It did not feel like spring skiing.
We stopped to catch our breath here and there by listening to black-capped chickadees or by looking at the snowshoe hare tracks which trace necklaces through the firs and spruces, and then we were off again. After we were finished, I was chatting with the owner of Cascade and he was explaining how the same pocket of firs and spruces used by the hares at the center seems to act like a refrigerator, holding the snow, and keeping it cold and fast. He certainly seemed correct on this day.
The weather this week continues to look promising for more skiing, but there is a warming trend predicted as might be expected as we approach April. And so ski conditions throughout this week will likely vary depending on the time of day. They will go from soft and slower trails in the afternoon, to fast, glazed over conditions in the morning and evening shadows. Provided we continue to have cold nights to harden up the snow, the trails should remain in good shape so that cross country skiing can continue for a while longer.
But skiers should note that the ski centers will not remain open forever. Cascade is currently planning to have this coming Easter Sunday, March 31st be their final day of the season, although I'd love to see them extend that season since the snow is still so good. So there is no time to waste to get out and enjoy some great conditions if you want to get out on groomed trails and set track. Now is the time!
Source: http://www.lakeplacid.com/blog/2013/03/great-march-skiing-conditions
কোন মন্তব্য নেই:
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন