February 12, 2014
The route to Whiteface Landing highlighted in blue
The route to Whiteface Landing highlighted in blue

Now that the days are getting longer I find myself more willing to venture out after a day of skiing at Whiteface Mountain or some other activity typically pursued earlier in the day. Cross country skiing to Whiteface Landing is a great way to soak up the last bit of daylight on some very moderate terrain with a very straightforward out-and-back route.

Getting there

This 6 mile round trip route has a high point in the middle, which gives you the feeling of skiing both up and downhill in both directions. The grade is mostly moderate and skiers of all ability levels will have a great time. The first half mile is covered on Connery Pond Road, which is not maintained during the winter months. As you reach the Connery Pond Preserve the route continues on the Whiteface Landing Trail. Please respect private property owners by staying on the trail for the first 3/4 mile. 

Parking along Rt. 86
Parking along Rt. 86

During the warmer months parking for the Whiteface Landing Trail is welcome at the intersection of Rt. 86 and Connery Pond Road or at the barrier found at Connery Pond Preserve. In the winter months Connery Pond Road is not maintained. As such, a trail has been established from the shoulder on Rt. 86 to Connery Pond Road in order to allow skier access from Rt. 86. This very short primitive access is not indicative of the trail condition along the much more well established trail to Whiteface Landing.  

Barrier at Connery Pond Preserve
Barrier at Connery Pond Preserve

You have arrived

Skiers will travel .6 miles on Connery Pond Rd. before reaching the barrier indicating the beginning of the Whiteface Landing Trail. It is here that skiers must be careful to stay on the marked trail, and resist the temptation to wander across private property to enjoy the view on Connery Pond. Roughly 3/4 of a mile beyond the barrier there is access to Connery Pond and skiers can enjoy the view there.  

Amazing views from Connery Pond
Amazing views from Connery Pond

Your next landmark will be the somewhat unsightly barrier indicating the trail's crossing into a Wilderness area. Beyond this barrier dogs must be leashed and cycling, among other vehicular traffic is prohibited. From here the trail gains some modest elevation to its highest point on the route. Skiers may want to take note of any hazards on their way up like rocks, or downed trees as you will pass these obstacles at a much faster speed on your return trip to the car. Once you reach the high point the trails descends at a very casual grade down to Lake Placid and Whiteface Landing.  

Wilderness Boundary
Wilderness Boundary

The moderate grade of the route makes any type of cross country ski and boot combo a good choice for a Whiteface Landing excursion. This is a very well traveled route, and while it does technically lie in a "wilderness area" I would venture to say that full wilderness travel precautions are probably not necessary. An extra jacket and some water ought to suffice. The flat terrain on Connery Pond Rd. is skiable with very little snow. As you progress further down to the trail there are more rocks and trees to cover, requiring more snow six inches or so in Lake Placid ought to make the trail very skiable.  

Fantastic Trail Skiing
Fantastic Trail Skiing

To get there from the center of town head past Bowlwinkle's as if you were heading out to Whiteface. Look for the trailhead sign to Connery Pond and Whiteface Landing on your left. If you cross the Ausable River or go past River Rd, you've gone too far. If you're unsure of trail conditions be sure to stop by one of Lake Placid's fantastic ski shops for more information.  

Trailhead sign indicating milages and where to park
Trailhead sign indicating milages and where to park
The route to Whiteface Landing highlighted in blue
The route to Whiteface Landing highlighted in blue
Parking along Rt. 86
Parking along Rt. 86
Barrier at Connery Pond Preserve
Barrier at Connery Pond Preserve
Amazing views from Connery Pond
Amazing views from Connery Pond
Wilderness Boundary
Wilderness Boundary
Fantastic Trail Skiing
Fantastic Trail Skiing
Trailhead sign indicating milages and where to park
Trailhead sign indicating milages and where to park

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