It’s a mild, cloudy day in the High Peaks Wilderness, with high temperatures in the mid-20s at lower elevations.

Here is the conditions report for Wednesday, December 24:

Sunrise is at 7:31 a.m., and sunset will be at 4:22 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook. Several inches of snow are expected through 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Summits will experience sustained wind speeds from 13–42 mph (21–68 km/h). Ambient temperatures will range from 10–13ºF (-12.2 – -10.5ºC) with wind chill values as low -9ºF (-22.7ºC).

Make sure to check to mountain point forecast before departing for your trip.

Exposed skin can become frostbitten extremely quickly at these temperatures. Reference the National Weather Service’s Wind Chill Chart to see how quickly frostbite could begin.

Visibility is around 1 mile.

There is approximately 8 inches of snow at the Van Hoevenberg Trailhead next to ADK’s High Peaks Information Center. As of Wednesday, December 10, there is 25 inches (64 cm) of snow at the Lake Colden Interior Outpost.

As a reminder, all visitors to the High Peaks Wilderness Eastern/Central Zone must use snowshoes or skis when snowpack exceeds 8 inches (20 cm) on or next to the trail.

Water levels are average to below average for this time of year. Hikers have had mixed success crossing Indian Pass Brook the last few days, with reports of thin, deceptive ice and knee-deep water. Water levels will often be higher toward the end of the day than they are in the morning on days that warm above freezing.

Mike has now groomed roughly 4 km of ski trails! This includes Easy Side Drive, Northwoods Loop, Mr. Van back to the Education Yurt Village, Rimrock, the campground loops, and the connections across Loj Road.

Check out our TrailHUB map to view the latest conditions of the Heart Lake ski trails.

ADK is recommending all hikers heading to high elevations go prepared with all winter preparedness essentials.

Hikers should now have clothing and gear for hypothermic conditions:

1. Hat
2. Gloves (multiple pairs and options)
3. Balaclava
4. Plastic Eye Protection (no metal glasses or exposed metal jewelry)
5. Non-cotton base layers
6. Fleece or wool mid-layer
7. Windproof shell
8. Non-cotton socks
9. Insulated boots (preferably with removable liners if out for a multiday trip)
10. Occlusive for exposed skin (i.e. Vaseline, Dermatone)
11. Sleeping bag and insulated pad
12. Emergency shelter
13. Extra headlamp with additional batteries
14. Liquid fuel stove
15. Chemical handwarmers

In addition to winter preparedness essentials, hikers should pack the Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation: Map, compass, GPS
2. Sun protection: UV index of 1, low risk
3. Insulation: Non-cotton base and mid-layers that can be easily removed and replaced. Summits are now regularly dipping to below 0ºF.
4. Illumination: At least one dedicated light source and at least one backup light source. Consider switching to lithium batteries, which perform better in cold weather.
5. First-aid: Check expirations and customize to your needs.
6. Bathroom kit: Trowel for lower elevations and waste alleviating gel (WAG) bag for higher elevations.
7. Emergency shelter: Prepare to be out overnight, regardless of your itinerary.
8. Water filtration and purification methods: Carry at least two liters.
9. Nutrition: High-calorie snacks and extra meals for emergencies.
10. Repair kit and knife: Be prepared to fix your gear.

• The barriers are in place at the beginning of Meadow Lane, off of Adirondack Loj Road. The campsites and trails remain open to the public, but all vehicles must park at the Meadow Lane pull-off.
• The Bog River Trail from the Route 421 trailhead near Bog River Falls to the Goodman Bridge (0.1-mile) has been opened after the successful construction of an accessible parking area, accessible trail, and maintenance of the Goodman Bridge.
• The hiking trail through Avalanche Pass is currently impassable. Routes impacted by closure include the Lake Colden area from the Adirondak Loj and loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden, and Mount Marcy back to the Adirondak Loj through Avalanche Pass. The Avalanche Pass Trail is closed until further notice. The Lake Arnold Trail is now open and passable. Visit this page for further updates.
• The Clear Pond gate to Elk Lake is closed to Public Motor Vehicles and will not reopen until after mud season in the spring of 2026. Hikers will need to park on the west side of the Elk Lake Road approximately 2.3 miles south of the summer trailhead.
• Personal floatation devices are required to be worn on all vessels underway as of November 1. 
• Three primitive campsites around Marcy Dam have been closed, and the rest of the sites are being designated with numbers.
• The gate on Corey’s Road has not yet closed for the season, allowing closer access to the Seward Range.
• Five new tent sites have opened at Follensby Clear Pond, and five existing sites have been closed.
• The Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to has burned down (Lake George Wild Forest). The entire site is closed (no camping or campfires) until further notice.
• Gore Mountain is off the Adirondack Mountain Club Fire Tower Challenge list as of Monday, November 10 until further notice. This is due to the mountain not allowing uphill travel during ski season.