Winter in the Catskills; Who's getting stoked?

[TrunksWD]

That will be great. I have yet to snowshoe in the Catskills. All the winter peaks I've hiked were done last year (plus the 1this year) and all you really needed last winter were crampons. I never saw more than a foot of snow all of last winter.

[Sam]

Hey yall,

Broke trail up to Balsam Lake Mountain and Graham yesterday. Was using MSR EVO Ascents w/ tails for the way up and just the shoes on the way down. Low ceiling all day so now expansive views. The immediate views of the snow covered Balsams and Shrubbery were very nice. Good day out!

Sam

[mike]

Winters finally here. I haven't had a chance to do some real hiking in quite a while. My knee has been bothering me and so much end-of-year stuff at work. Hopefully, I will get out soon. Glad you had fun.

[Sam]

Yeah the knees seem the to be the achilles heel for hikers. Went up Balsam Cap and Friday with a nice group of people today. Lots of snow and nice weather for the most part. Loving the winter so far!

[daveoleary]

How much did it snow up in the mountains so far, and how much is on the ground? From weather.com it looks like there was some snow in Tannersville last week, so I assume there is still some on the ground further up around Black Dome / Blackhead. Also wondering how icy it is . . . again basing on temps at lower elevations it looks like there was likely thawing and freezing over the past few days. I hope to do some hiking (either blackhead or slide or maybe somewhere else) this upcoming weekend. I'm guessing not enough snow yet for snowshoes and forecast shows cold and clear through the weekend. Any reports from the area are welcome.
thanks,
dave

[Sam]

Hey Dave,

Snowshoes are going to be a must in most places that you venture to. The snow is a foot plus wherever you go for the most part. Also it's polite to use snowshoes when there is more than 8" of snow on the ground, so the trail doesn't become an ice skating rink. I would go prepared for winter conditions, especially for Black Head. The drill is usually to bring micro spikes, crampons, and snow shoes when you're going to be climbing peaks this time of year. Don't underestimate the modesty of these peaks. I've been up WHP, Graham/Balsam Lake Mountain, Bearpen/Vly, Balsam Cap, and Friday over the past ten days or so and wore snow shoes for three of the outings. The more prepared you are, the better time you will have!

Best Wishes (Happy New Year)
-Sam

[mike]

Snow levels are 1-3' in the Catskills. Snowshoes would be strongly recommended.

[daveoleary]

Thanks, this is what I needed to know - I wasn't sure whether there is 2-4" or 8-12" in most places. Too little snow is pretty tough on snowshoes with some of those rocky catskills trails. thanks and happy hiking

[SNEAKers]

I'm stoked that you guys like hiking in the winter because I get to see some trip reports showing conditions I refuse to hike in! I really dislike the cold no matter how many layers I have on and am counting the days until its hot again...

[Sam]

That's too bad Sneakers! Hiking in the winter is where it's at. Missing out on a lot dude. Got a while before spring rolls into the North East. Good way to stay in shape year round.