LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1513784
LOCALadk 48 An early morning pre-dawn walk re-ignites the sens- es, and the wonder of stillness and crunch of snow underfoot are simple pleasures of the moment. After breakfast,a stop in at the High Peaks Information Cen- ter is a must for current weather and trail conditions, as well as wax, gear, snacks or souvenirs. Once you begin the return ski, weariness and muscle stiffness melt away as the effort pleasurably unwinds. Roughly 2.5 miles of undulating trail tempo warm up your press and swoop rhythm with the terrain on the approach to reach Marcy Dam. The view and sun-drenched open- ness offer a perfect first stop to stretch and peel off layers. The climb out is a moderately difficult ascent up Marcy Brook to the split for the ski-only or snow- shoe trail sections where the pitch rears upward the last 400 feet. Either route is challenging, requiring some combination of sidestepping or herringbone technique to crest the top. Skiing down through Av- alanche pass is a fun, inspired ski through trees and tight rock walls to Avalanche Lake. There the walls of the shoulder peaks can fiercely direct wind "right up the gut," so layer adjustment may be needed to tra- verse back across the Lakes to the Flowed Lands. This glorious aspect of your tour up high in the expanse of the High Peaks is a stunning experience of horizon and depth, managing effort and glide, visual overload and wonder of beauty around. Once back into the trees on the Upper Works Trail, the net elevation descent is a pleasurable, moderate- ly technical ski with challenge for every skier level stretched over the long run-out back to the Upper Works Trailhead. Long gliding descending through flowing turns and rolling terrain highlight the differ- ence of tempo and tone versus the previous day's rela- tively shorter, steeper descent to Marcy Dam and ADK Loj. The final push ends with a series of short climbs back to your vehicle to top off your effort. It is a sat- isfying thing to sign out your party in the High Peaks Wilderness register as you conclude your Adirondack High Peaks Ski Through. If this sounds like an adventure for your winter buck- et list, here are some tips on gear reqirements and information on the ADK Loj: Above: The team skis across Avlanache L ake. Right: Skiing along the Flowed L ands. Opposite: Epic scenery along the slopes of Mt. Colden.