The ski resorts have closed in the Adirondacks and the backcountry season is winding down, but hard-core skiers can still find snow on Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York State.
I skied Marcy twice this month, on Sunday, April 9, and Friday, April 22, starting at Adirondak Loj both times. On the first trip, we were able to ski the entire trail, except for one short section--in all, about seven miles of skiing. On the descent of my second trip, I got in 4.2 miles of continuous skiing from the summit and a bit more after a short walk. I had to carry my skis the 2.3 miles from Marcy Dam.
Here's what you can expect to find:
Loj to Marcy Dam (2.3 miles): Unskiable. Most of the trail is muddy.
Marcy Dam to 2nd Phelps Brook crossing (1.2 miles): Most of this remained skiable, but the snow is melting fast, and boulders are reappearing. Snow bridge at first crossing is gone. The lower parts of this trail will soon be unskiable or offer marginal skiing.
Phelps Brook to summit (3.9 miles): Plenty of snow. As of Friday, there were no open brooks on the skier's bypass below Indian Falls, the snow bridge over the brook at falls was intact, and the last signpost on the Marcy cone was still mostly buried (only the top foot was visible). I expect diehards will be able to ski this stretch for a few weeks more, but they'll have to carry their skis 3.5 miles on the ascent and on the descent.
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