The Lake Placid region of the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York was the place to be for snow-starved skiers this weekend. An early season snowstorm that hit Saturday night into Sunday left in its wake 6 inches of heavy wet snow and intermittent power outages.

Cross-country skiers lucky enough to be within driving distance of Lake Placid were treated to an unusual treat—the chance to ski on groomed trails in October. The state-operated nordic trails at Mount Van Hoevenberg celebrated the early snow with one of the earliest opening days on record, October 23. And, no longer a locals’ secret, the Whiteface Mountain Toll Road was a hot topic on social media.



Oops - we weren’t ready for this!

The October snow took us by surprise here at Adirondack Lifestyle HQ. Although autumn snow used to be a common occurrence in the Adirondacks, recent years have left fans of early-season sliding on snow with only roller skiing to appease their ski stoke. Ed and I grew complacent from years of sunny and warm fall weather that trickled into November. As a result, we lallygagged through this year’s early fall moderate cleanup weather, and summer’s outdoor accoutrements were treated to a cold and snowy coat. No matter, a coating of fresh snow makes everything look clean and pretty, even summer’s flower pots and trees that still bear the last remnants of foliage normal for this time of year.

New York State Police close Route 73 through the Cascades

Apparently, the snow also took motorists by surprise. State Police closed the section of New York Route 73 through the Cascade Lakes on Saturday night due to the several, “helpless” cars strewn across the highway. The weather forecasts call for another few days of winter-like weather in Lake Placid. Winter is clearly knocking on the door. Seriously, can you hear it? Adirondack roads do not tolerate complacency like my outdoor furniture does. Make sure you have good snow tires if you are headed to these mountains in the next seven months.

Despite the occasional inconvenience, snow is a great panacea. I had almost forgotten how much I love a fresh snowfall, probably because of last winter’s dearth. My memory was freshened this weekend when I felt the cold flakes on my face, saw those colorful, jewel-tinged sparkles created by sunlight on fresh snow, and smelled the unmistakeable fresh scent of wet snow on balsam. It brightens any day in the Adirondack Mountains and was my boost back into the Adirondack Lifestyle saddle. I’ve been away for good reasons. It was a very busy spring, summer, and early fall. I worked and played hard, and enjoyed every minute of life in the Adirondacks.

But, I’m back, and I look forward to sharing essays and photography that highlight life, work, natural beauty, mountain living, real estate, and the healthy Adirondack lifestyle.

Photographs by Edward and Joann Reed.