February 02, 2014

One Of Cross Country's Finest Trails

The “Avalanche Pass” trail ski simply should not be missed if the conditions are right during your visit to the Lake Placid Area. It is absolutely one of the finest ski experiences an intermediate level trail skier, or better can have in the High Peaks. I have called Lake Placid my home for over 10 years, and each year I make this trail ski several times. I especially enjoy it early in the spring right after daylight savings time adds an hour of daylight and the afternoon feels endless. 

A skier finishes the descent from the top of Avalanche Pass
A skier finishes the descent from the top of Avalanche Pass

I burst out of the Lake Placid Elementary School doors (I'm a teacher there) and into the sunshine, stop at home to quickly gear up and out the door I go. As I make the right hand turn onto the Adirondack Lodge Road the bright white peaks of Algonquin and Wright come into view and I can instantly feel the stress of the work day wash from my body. There is something about this route that is so enjoyable and so stress-free. Under the right conditions I can usually make it round trip with just enough time to get back to the car before dark. 

A satisfied skier reaches Avalanche Lake
A satisfied skier reaches Avalanche Lake

Trail Heads

There are two possible choices to start your adventure into Avalanche Pass. Skiers can either park their car at South Meadow Lane and ski on the wide-open Marcy Dam Truck Trail, or drive into the ADK Lodge Property and ski to the dam on the Marcy Dam Trail. The second is slightly shorter, a little more interesting, and does require a fee for parking.  Skiing on the “Truck Trail” while free of monetary charge does have a cost in that the route is a little longer, and can get monotonous on the return. 

Either route will take you past the High Peaks icon, Marcy Dam. Stop here for a moment to gaze at your route nestled in between Mt. Colden and Algonquin. The popular Marcy Dam spot has entered a new era in its history. The deluge of water that hit the area during Hurricane Irene washed the dam out, and the State agency that manages the area has chosen not to replace it. Eventually the once shallow pond behind the dam will begin to look like the surrounding forest and the landscape will be changed forever. 

 

Happy to reach Avalanche Lake
Happy to reach Avalanche Lake

As you continue to gain elevation you will pass Avalanche camps and eventually reach an area where the snowshoe and ski trails separate. If you are on skis be sure to take the "ski trail" as the snowshoe trail is completely impassable on skis. Be sure to take in the scenery on the way up. When your skis are pointed back towards the car you’ll be flying by so fast you won’t have time to look. 

To the Top

The final mile up to the pass is known affectionately as “misery mile.” It is the single steepest mile of the trip and can be unpleasant for inexperienced skiers. However, the reward when your skis glide out onto Avalanche Lake and look up the “trap-dyke” from the bottom will be worth it.   

A break in the sunshine at Marcy Dam (pre-Irene)
A break in the sunshine at Marcy Dam (pre-Irene)

Skiers have been known to use every type of ski equipment on the Avalanche pass trail, and they all work.  Experienced skiers who are familiar with the trail will often use cross-country racing gear, and first timers will sometimes take along heavy-duty Telemark or Alpine Touring Equipment with climbing skins.  I have found that the ideal set-up is a backcountry trail ski with a metal edge combined with some kind of leather boot. 

The route highlighted in blue
The route highlighted in blue

 

While this route is very popular, and no matter when you go you are likely to run into somebody, make no mistake you are in the wilderness here.  Skiers should always be prepared for inclement weather to roll in, and always let somebody where you’re going.  There is a caretaker’s cabin just beyond Avalanche Lake, on the shore of Lake Colden if there is an emergency at the turn-around point.  

Plan on the trip back to the car taking half as much time as the trip up.  Under the right conditions the majority of the way back to the car feels like standing on a moving sidewalk in the airport.  You are merely standing on your skis along for the ride.  Quite often at the end of my ski I will make a right hand turn out of the Adirondack Lodge Rd. and head to Cascade Ski Center’s restaurant/bar for some of their famous chili by the fire before heading home.  It is absolutely the perfect way to end the perfect High Peaks Ski Experience.  If you are looking for some professional guidance on your ski tour consider hiring an experienced guide. 

A skier finishes the descent from the top of Avalanche Pass
A skier finishes the descent from the top of Avalanche Pass
A satisfied skier reaches Avalanche Lake
A satisfied skier reaches Avalanche Lake
Happy to reach Avalanche Lake
Happy to reach Avalanche Lake
A break in the sunshine at Marcy Dam (pre-Irene)
A break in the sunshine at Marcy Dam (pre-Irene)
The route highlighted in blue
The route highlighted in blue

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