Christy's Motel - Old Forge, NY

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-28-12

2012-02-28T15:14:00.000-05:00

I went out riding last night and plan on being out there tonight again. Take a look at today's video, it says it all....The trails are SWEET! But don't include trail 5 in that. For some reason Jamie went on that last night and it was like always..... trash. The road riding we had this past weekend was short lived, as the sun has been in and out the last few days and the roads are toast again. Looks like a storm coming in for Wednesday and Thursday, but till it's on the ground it's only a prediction.

Here's Today's Video for.....

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-27-12

2012-02-27T16:13:00.002-05:00

At 4pm the temp is in the mid 30's and it was snowing an hour ago, but that has stopped now. This week looks like it's going to be a replay of the last two weeks. Good temps and forecast for the week and then who knows for the weekend. Let's hope the end of the week turns out like the last two, with snow on Saturday and good conditions. But like always, only time will tell!

Wes....Thanks for the video you did for all of us to enjoy this season! He and Brenda spent 21 days in the north country this winter, got riding in on most of those days and took the camera out just about every day. A few days it was pretty ugly, but they made the best out of it and enjoyed what was given to them.

Here's Today's Video for......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-26-12

2012-02-26T17:38:00.000-05:00

Another great weekend here in the north! We had snow most of the day yesterday and it made conditions the best they have been all season. Heck you could even road ride this weekend. The snow at first was heavy wet stuff and it put a good base on the roads. It's hard to believe but SnoFest is only two weeks away.

Here's Today's Video for......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-25-12

2012-02-25T16:25:00.000-05:00

Old Man Winter rolled into town yesterday and hasn't left yet. It's been snowing all day and we've had spells of high wind to go with it. How much have we gotten? Hard to say, as the wind has it piled up in some places that there's a foot or more and others there is only a few inches. All I can say it sure looks like winter this weekend and the conditions are the best they've been all season!

Here's Today's Video for.........

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-24-12

2012-02-24T17:17:00.001-05:00

This afternoon we had sleet, some R and at 5pm it's all snow and it's coming down hard. If it snows like this all night I'll be getting up extra early in the morning. This snow is the heavy wet stuff and it takes longer to clean up, than lake effect snow. Let's hope we can keep this trend going and we'll have riding well into March this year.

PS....We don't say that four letter R word on here in the winter.

Here's Today's Video for.......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-23-12

2012-02-23T14:17:00.000-05:00

We had heavy wet snow yesterday afternoon and into the night. When I got up this morning I'd give it 2 to 3 inches when it was all said and done. We've also had snow on and off this morning, maybe another inch or so. At 1:45pm the sun is starting to show from time to time, but there are clouds off in the distance.

I'd like to thank everyone for posting and sharing their time spent in the area and what you did. It's interesting, it can also give others thoughts on things to do, trails to ride and so forth. Some guests think a 45 mile day of riding is a great day and others don't think they had a good day till they hit 250 miles. It's all in the eye of you know who.....you.

Here's Today's Video for.......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-22-12

2012-02-22T16:01:00.002-05:00

This morning we woke up to 2" of new wet snow. I know big deal, but with the way this winter has gone, it is! At 3:30pm we have snow coming from the sky again. I would think that it's going to stay all snow into the night with it being this late in the day. But who knows for sure till it's all said and done. Things did get a little soft this afternoon as the sun was out for awhile, but we didn't really have much melting going on. Let's hope for a replay of last weekend, as that turned out to be a great weekend of riding. For any of you out there that has an interest in skiing. There is a big ski race at McCauley Mountain this weekend called the Kandahar.

Here's Today's Video for.......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-21-12

2012-02-21T16:40:00.002-05:00

At 4:30pm the temp is back down to freezing and it got up to 35 this afternoon. This morning we dropped down to zero and it looks like we will be cold tonight again. I'm liking the NWS forecast the best as they are calling for snow tonight. What else can I say. Everyone is out having fun and making the best of this weird winter that we are having. They all are saying the same thing, roads are toast and trails are in pretty good shape, except for trail 5.

Had a request:
hi!.....wondering if you can mention on your blog if anyone found a camera and zip lock bag of registrations on trail 5 or 9...heading towards Stillwater today. Fell out of my son’s sled this afternoon. If found...please drop off at Daikers or call 516-680-5436. Would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Maureen

Here's Today's Video for.....

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-20-12

2012-02-20T16:12:00.002-05:00

Well the big holiday weekend is coming to a close. Today and tomorrow I think there is going to be above normal snowmobile traffic in the area. Because allot of people have been watching the forecast and they are hoping to get in a few more miles before the next spike in temps. Let's hope it doesn't really happen or at least it's not as high as they are calling for with limited or no R. The feedback I have gotten today is the trails are in pretty good shape after the weekend.

Here's Today's Video for........

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-19-12

2012-02-19T15:25:00.000-05:00

It's been a very busy weekend here in the north and if you've been watching the cams you know what I mean. The lake effect we got yesterday afternoon really helped with the conditions and it gave the groomers something more to work with. Traffic has been heavy this weekend with it being a holiday, but everyone seems to be having fun. Except maybe the guys that lost their keys and had to get a set cut so they could go home. The only problem is, the closest place to get them is in Utica.

Here's Today's Video for......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-18-12

2012-02-18T17:15:00.001-05:00

For those that rolled the dice and made the choice to come up this weekend, hit the lottery! We had lake effect move in this afternoon and we have gotten 4 to 6 inches of new snow so far. I'm not sure how far south the band is going. It would be nice if we got snow south of us, so people would be able to make it over to the Brantingham area.

Here's Today's Video for........

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-17-12

2012-02-17T16:37:00.000-05:00

You can tell it's Pres. weekend, because the people starting coming into town early this morning. The parking lot at Stillwater Hotel was as full as some Saturday's at lunch time today. Everybody took off this morning and I've only seen one group come back yet. They came in and told me they did 105 miles. Sorry everything is so late today, it's been a crazy day with everyone coming and going. Hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend!

Here's Today's Video......

I enjoy it too!

2012-02-17T09:01:00.001-05:00

There's nothing better than blasting into a corner and crossing the sled up as you go around it. But try to keep in the back of your mind, that this is going to be a long holiday weekend and if all the snow gets blasted into the woods the groomers can't bring it back. I'm sure some may say, I'm going to do what I want. But remember this....You'll only have yourself to blame the next time you come down that trail and the corner is bare.

Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-16-12

2012-02-16T14:53:00.002-05:00

At 3:00pm we have light snow coming down here in Old Forge and the temp is 33, for those of you that are wondering. (See pic below) What are we going to wind up with? Your guess is as good as any ones. Like always, it's going to be a matter of wait and see. So keep your fingers crossed and dance like no one is watching. Same thing this morning as yesterday morning. Some of the guests went out for a ride before checking out and everyone else left this morning for a day of riding and haven't returned yet.

I linked in the second webcam on top of McCauley last night at
http://www.oldforge.net/mccauleytop/cam2.html.
This new cam moves every five minutes to give you a different shot from the top of the mountain. One of the shots zooms in on North Street and on a clear day you can see people riding their sleds.

Here's Today's Video for........

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-15-12

2012-02-15T12:46:00.002-05:00

We woke up this morning to an inch or so of new snow and we've had snow in the air all morning. One of those snows, that at the end of the day you'll have another inch or two. I'll take what ever Old Man Winter wants to send our way, as long at it's FROZEN! Everybody came back with a smile on their face last night and they all headed back out this morning again. Even the guests that where scheduled to check out this morning, took a short ride before checking out. They said yes there is some ugly out there, but they don't regret coming up. Like I've been saying, there's riding to be had, it just may not all be picture perfect, like most of us are accustomed to seeing in Old Forge.

Here's Today's Video for.....

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-14-12

2012-02-14T16:19:00.000-05:00

First thing I'd like to talk about is the Anonymous posts. I set this blog up so it would be easy for everyone to post and give their thoughts about the conditions, by using the Anonymous post settings. The next level of settings would require you to set up an account and then post, which would be a pain and I don't think as many people would take the time or effort to post. There's nothing wrong with having some fun, but please no attacks and remember not every ones eyes are old.

I saw the Highway Dept. hauling snow to North Street, my guess is they are starting to build the snow pile for the jumpers at SnoFest. The conditions overall are about the same. Trails are fair to good and the roads are toast. Everyone came back yesterday with a smile on their face and couldn't believe how good the trails are for the limited snow. Chris has some thoughts about the trail conditions and you can hear them in the video. But the end of his comment fades out for some reason. Must have something to do with the editing I did.

Here's Today's Video for.....

Old Forge, NY SnowmobileTrail Report 2-13-12

2012-02-13T16:10:00.002-05:00

It's 4pm and I haven't had any of the groups come back yet, that I'm able to find out how things are. So I'm guessing things can't be all that bad or they would on been back by now. I do know they headed for two different areas today. We picked up about two inches of new snow in the last 24 hours and it looks like snow on and off all week. Maybe Old Man Winter has a grip on us that is going to last more than a day or two. Sorry the report is so late. I got tied up with doing motel stuff.

Update: Just talked to the first group and they headed up to Moose River Plains. They said Moose River Plains was good and guess what....trail 5 wasn't anything to talk about.

Here's Today's Video for......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-12-12

2012-02-12T16:13:00.000-05:00

Had a few different groups head North to Raquette Lake yesterday and they all said the same thing. First part of trail 5 past the sand pit is ugly. They dropped down onto 4th lake at Daikers and bypassed 5 all together. By the end of the day yesterday I was getting reports that the trails where showing signs of wear and tare, but that is to be excepted on a Saturday. I saw on the trail cam that the groomers headed out this morning to do their thing. Yesterday Mike B. had the high mileage for the day at 170 miles and I think he also headed north for the day.

Here's Today's Video for.........

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-11-12

2012-02-11T15:21:00.000-05:00

I had Brad drop me an email and here is what he had to say about the plains:

We are up from rochester and rode the plains on Thursday. Getting up there on trail 5 was a task and they were hauling snow into the fx matts trail behind the ole barn. Once we got up into the plains it was pretty good. We rode all the way to the ranger station and then turned around. The indian lake side of the plains was smother than the inlet side but it all had good coverage and was in good shape with a few bare spots closer to the inlet side.

Everyone took off this morning and only two rooms have come back. I think they only came back to grab some lunch, as they headed back out again. There is snow in the forecast over the next few days. But like always who knows for sure what we'll get till it's on the ground, last night we got a dusting.

Here's today's Video for........

Old Forge, NY Trail Report 2-10-12

2012-02-10T14:51:00.001-05:00

At 1:45pm it's starting to cloud over. I just looked at the radar and it looks like something is starting to form north of here. All depends on which forecast you look at, they all are calling for snow, it's just a matter of how much. I included the video from Tuesday, that I forgot to download, in today's video. Some guests headed towards Brantingham yesterday to see how far they could make it. They ran out of snow just after the turn off you would take to go through confusion flats. As I've been saying, it is what it is, roads are toast, but there is trail riding to be had. They might not be perfect, but it's better than what most areas have to offer, nothing. If anyone has an update on Moose River Plains please post it or drop me an email so I can.

Here's Today's Video for........

DMV offers online registration

2012-02-09T21:21:00.001-05:00

In an effort to make it easier for snowmobile riders from other states to operate their sleds in New York, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has developed a new online transaction that will allow out-of-state snowmobilers to print temporary New York State registrations for snowmobiles that are currently registered in their home states.

I put a link on the Snow Cam page to the online site and
you can read all about it here
Read Press Release Here

Old Forge, NY Trail Report

2012-02-09T10:52:00.001-05:00

Went out riding last night and we went to Stillwater for dinner, put on 45 miles. Went up trail one to the new trail, then Stillwater road. One was fair , new trail was good and Stillwater road wasn't anything to take about and if it was day time we would of went up the flow. On the way back we took 1 to 2 to 29 to 3 back to 1 and they where all fair to good. The best way to explain the conditions is spring like riding conditions. Roads that are paved are toast, trails for the most part are in fair to good shape, with a bare spot here and there, with a solid ice base. It all depends on what you are looking to do. If you plan on doing a destination ride, you will be limited on where you can go. If your happy going to Stillwater or Beaver River and riding the Old Forge system you'll be able to put on a hundred miles. If you're up here riding now and have info on going other directions please post it or drop me an email so I can. What else can I say, it all depends on how bad you want to ride. Looks like snow the next few days and best I can tell it'll be off the lakes.

Here's Today's Video for......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report

2012-02-08T15:24:00.001-05:00

I have video of the trails from yesterday, but some fool forgot to download it off of the camera before he sent it back out today. So I have something different for you to look at today. The reports I am getting from guests, is the same as it has been the last few days. Black top roads are toast and the trails are in fair to good shape, except trail 5, like always. Everyone has been getting out of the motel by doing the snow bank bounce, as I call it. I'm headed out for a ride tonight and I'll be able to give you a first hand report tomorrow. Like I said yesterday spring time conditions in February...go figure.

Here's today's Video for....

Old Forge, Ny Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-02-07T17:15:00.001-05:00

What a winter!! I don't want to sound like doom and gloom with my report. I just want everyone to understand that you are locked into trail riding and if you are planning on road riding, don't. I have had two different groups just come in and tell me the trails are good. Well let me take part of that back, they said trail 5 isn't good, go figure. Both groups also told me they say the groomers out.

Here's today's video........

Old Forge and Snowmobiling

2012-02-07T10:14:00.000-05:00

I'd like to address a subject that keeps coming up here ~ Old Forge and snowmobiling.

I too, at one time thought that the area existed just for snowmobiling, until I returned during the other seasons of the year. The Old Forge area has been a vacation destination for over one hundred years, long before snowmobiling.

Old Forge has seasonal businesses like The Enchanted Forest/Water Safari, Old Forge Lake Cruises, cabin colonies or the gift shops on Main Street, that close for the winter.

Will Old Forge fall off the face of the earth without snowmobiling? No. Will some businesses? Maybe. If you're a snowmobile dealer or parts store, you'd better believe you're going out of business without snowmobilers. Places like Stillwater Hotel, the Stillwater Shop or Norridgewock in Beaver River which was established in 1911, all riding destinations, would most likely feel the impact more so than say, a restaurant here in Old Forge. Snowmobile patrons are a big part of their business base. Would they go out of business? I don't know, I can't speak for them, but I'm sure they'd feel the impact. I can speak for Christy's Motel, would I go out of business without snowmobiling? No. Would I notice a difference in the bottom line? All depends on the year, this winter I'll be happy to break even and other winters I've made a few bucks after all the bills where paid. Summer is the strongest season for me, but that doesn't mean winter isn't an important part of the puzzle.

The fact is, snowmobiling and all tourism has an impact on everyone that lives, owns property or runs a business in the Town of Webb. Every cent that is spent here helps support our local economy and the sales tax money that is returned to the town helps by reducing property taxes. It AFFECTS ALL OF US, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, some more than others and if you think any differently you are a fool.

Please no personal attacks on people/businesses or I'll delete the post.
Can we all play nicely on the snow pile now?

Old Forge, Ny Trail Report

2012-02-06T15:51:00.001-05:00

You'll hear in the video that the temp is 38 degrees at 3:45 in the afternoon and that's better than it's been the last few weeks, before we would of had R with it. Looks like some snow over the next few days, so keep your fingers crossed and dance faster. The temps are sure going to be cold enough for snow, let's just hope there is some moisture to go with it.

Today's Video......

Old Forge, Ny Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-02-05T14:30:00.000-05:00

We dropped down to four below this morning at 6:30am. As I'm typing the sun is out, with a passing cloud that is dropping light snow and it's a beautiful winter day. I don't think anyone was sorry they came up this weekend. Traffic was light by what I was seeing on the cams around town and up at Stillwater. Conditions aren't great, but your able to ride.

Today's Video......

Old Forge, Ny Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-02-04T13:40:00.000-05:00

About 10 pm last night the forecast was changed from flurries to 1 to 3 inches. We got and inch for sure, maybe two. Not allot, but enough to keep your sled running cool and lube the slides. I had to walk out to the trail cam last night and the trails are in better shape than you may think. No it isn't up to the standards you would think of for Old Forge. Almost everywhere has an ice base, from the R we have had over the course of the weird winter. After this last round of melt and freeze people have been out riding and breaking it up some, that there is ice pellets on the trails. The people that did come up this weekend, hoping that we did get some snow, lucked out. They all left this morning and not one of them have returned yet. I sent the camera out with one of the groups and I should have video for you tomorrow.

On another note: Joe O, you called the other day and wanted me to return your call. But you never left a number for me to call you back at.

Here's Today's Video......

Old Forge, Ny Snow Report

2012-02-03T15:33:00.001-05:00

Trail conditions are just like beauty, it's all in the eye of the beholder. Had two different groups in yesterday morning. One group sent out a rider to check on the trail conditions. The verdict was a no go and they went home. The other group went out and one person in that group returned. He rides a 4 stroke and there wasn't enough loose snow to keep it cooled down. But the rest of that group stayed out and put on 65 miles. No that isn't big miles by no means, but they had fun and got to go to Big Moose Station for lunch.

A few inches will give us enough to get out there riding again. No it won't be great, but at least we'll be riding. Cross your fingers and hope for one of those weather man mistakes of "Sorry we didn't see that one coming" lake effect events.

It looks like I'm going for a walk. The trail cam went off line this morning and I'm guessing the system shut itself down. Cross your fingers for me that's all it is.

Here's Today's Video.......

Old Forge, Ny Trail Report

2012-02-02T13:06:00.001-05:00

The warmth of yesterday is gone, everything is freezing back down and all we need now is a little snow on top of the ice base. Yes a foot would be nice, but with the way this winter has gone so far a few inches will do. Would a few inches make it perfect...no. But at least we'll be able to ride again.

Today's Video..........

Old Forge, Ny Snow Report

2012-02-01T15:01:00.005-05:00

Jamie and I went out riding last night and we had good conditions. Today it can't even be called poor, in my book. Is it over for the season, as some people have talked? I would say no, we have a long time before Old Man Winter gives up his hold on the north country. I just wish he would drink some Ensure and get some mussel back in his grip. These roller coaster weather patterns are getting to everyone. Forecast is calling for temps to drop and all we will need is a little snow on top after everything is frozen back down.

Update: 5:30pm Temp has dropped to 32. Let the freezing begin.

Let me clear up some misunderstandings about my report for today. We did not lose the base on the trails. The base we have is solid ice from all of the freeze and thaws that we have had this winter. The snow on top of the base took a beating from the R last night. Things are starting to freeze back down at 6pm as the temp has dropped below freezing and all we'll need is some snow on top of the base to be able to ride again. Will it be perfect conditions? Who knows, but at least it will be something to ride on, most areas have nothing.

Here's Today's Video......

Old Forge, Ny Trail Report

2012-01-31T16:40:00.006-05:00

First thing that I would like everyone to note is the temp from the wunderground.com site is incorrect. I have emailed them three time now about it and they haven't fixed the problem yet or told me what to do to fix it. I have had a feed going to them for years and a few weeks ago it stopped reporting the correct temp.

OK for the report, everything has been great up until the warmth of today and it is making the trails soft. Let's cross our fingers that the forecast is correct and this will be short lived and the temp. will drop back down tomorrow night. On the second video, advance it to about 1 minute 30 seconds and play it from there, you can see how the RR tracks looked yesterday. Make sure you look at the end of the second video and see what not to do when riding the RR tracks.

Update: It's 10:30 pm and I just got back from a ride to Stillwater. Overall I'd give the trails a good rating with a few fairs and found them to be in better shape than I thought they would be. There are a few corners that could use some snow on the inside, but what else is new. Groomers are out doing their thing and the temp was holding right around 35 to 37 in the woods.

Update: Wed. 8:30am This weather _____ ! ! You fill in the blank with as many words as you would like.

Today we have two videos..The Trail Report and Ditch "N" Joe

Old Forge, NY Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-01-30T14:19:00.000-05:00

It would be really nice if the spike on Wednesday didn't happen. But I guess that's asking for to much this winter. Think about it, a week of winter weather and nothing but cold and snow. The people that are in town now are enjoying this last round of snow with good conditions. I've started a new saying for this winter "Ride It While We Got It" Maybe I should put it on T shirts and sell them.

Today's Video......

Old Forge, NY Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-01-29T14:47:00.001-05:00

As reported before we got about 3/4 of a foot last night and it's snowing again as I'm typing at 2:30pm. There is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 4 PM this afternoon to 10 am EST Monday and it is calling for 3 to 8 inches of snow with the highest accumulations across northern Herkimer County (Old Forge). Like always when it's on the ground I'll let you know. The rooms I have in left this morning and I haven't seen them since. I have the cam out with one of the groups and I'll have video of what it's looking for tomorrows video.

Update on Anonymous from this mornings post. I'm still waiting for them to show up. Hope they show up soon or I could be telling stories. With it snowing again and the snow from last night, hopefully it won't be long before we have a foot or more of snow on the ground and the 3/4 of a foot I reported before won't be the truth.

Here's today's video.......

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2012-01-29T08:54:00.001-05:00

OK.......Who's going to be the first to complain that you can't see, because the trail camera is covered with SNOW? We got about 3/4 of a foot over night from lake effect. More updates later.

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2012-01-28T14:37:00.002-05:00

There are a few people out riding and giving it the good old college try. Conditions aren't anything to write home about by any means. By the reports I am getting it's icy and we need snow to get things back into shape. Let's hope we get the snow they are calling for tonight and tomorrow. Next on my list for today, is go up to McCauley Mountain and reset the system for the trail cam. Yes I said McCauley, the trail cam is done by wireless, the link starts at McCauley and is around 5 miles long.

Update: I checked the cams just before I was ready to head up to McCauley and they where back online. Come to find out the DSL at McCauley has been down for over a day. Not all of the cams are hard wired into the internet and with that in mind the least little thing can cause problems.

RPM Snowmobile Rental located on Rt 28 just as you come into Old Forge caught on fire this morning and by what I heard burnt to the ground. I just hope that no one was hurt. You can replace buildings, sleds and material items, but not people.

Today's Video......

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2012-01-27T05:55:00.000-05:00

Last night we had a shot of snow and we picked up a quick 2 inches. But at 5:30 this morning we have R coming out of the sky. The group that is in put on a hundred miles yesterday and had a good time. They are going to be disappointed this morning when they get up and see the R. This sure is going to be a winter to put in the record books.

Here's Today's Video.....

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2012-01-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

We got about an inch of snow yesterday and it looks like snowmobile country again and not just a big skating rink outside. But the conditions still aren't anything to write home about. The group that you see in today's video saw less than 12 sleds all day yesterday when they where out riding. I just looked at the forecast again, just like I am sure all of you are doing and it has changed again. Why do I even look anymore? By the information I have the Zippy Ride and Pond Hockey are on as scheduled and you can check with the Inlet Information Center for any updates.

Here's Today's Video......

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2012-01-25T15:18:00.000-05:00

Well I'm sure everyone has noticed by now that the R of Monday didn't do us any favors, never changed over to snow at night and stayed R till early Tuesday morning. We got a dusting to an inch after it changed over during the day yesterday. I had someone ask if there is enough to maybe get some riding in and I really can't say for sure. I have some guests in now that went out to give it a try and I'll be able to let you know later how it really is. I would have to guess it's limited, but they left 4 hours ago and haven't returned yet. Wait a minute, that could be a good thing or not so go. I'll let you know.

Here's Today's Video for......

Old Forge, NY Report

2012-01-24T10:58:00.002-05:00

Well we got precipitation yesterday but not in the form that we needed it to be. The R started just after I posted the report and it never changed over to snow like it was predicted to do. One of the guests that checked out today has a neat system for hauling his sled. I'm sure some of you have seen them before but there isn't much else to report on. Here is a link to the site for it www.liftallandtoyrack.com

Here's Today's Video......

Old Forge, NY Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-01-23T13:55:00.001-05:00

Well the warm up is here and so far no R, not even a drizzle. It looks like it will be short lived and back down below freezing tonight with snow back in the air. I have a few rooms in, one came back a short time ago and the other is still out riding.

Update: I guess I should of kept my mouth shut. Just after I posted today's report this afternoon the R started. But I wouldn't through in the towel just yet for this upcoming weekend. Forecast is calling for temps to drop tonight and back to winter the rest of the week. Maybe it'll be just like last week and everything will come together just before the weekend and the riding will be good. So get dancing and cross what ever you got!

Today's Video.....

Old Forge, NY Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-01-22T15:59:00.002-05:00

I would say that everyone had a good time that came up this weekend. The temps stayed well below freezing all weekend and people started riding on the lakes. Now we just have to cross our fingers that Mondays spike won't last long or not happen at all. Today I have two videos for you. Jason got a GoPro for Christmas so I have some of his video also.....enjoy.

Snowmobile Trail Report - Old Forge, NY

2012-01-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

There has been a light snow in the air all day today and it's one of those snows that by the end of the day you will have an inch or two on the ground. What can I tell you about the conditions besides everyone left this morning and no one has returned yet. I think that all by itself says it all.

Here's today's video for.......

Old Forge, NY Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-01-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

You can really tell people are itching to ride. Guests starting showing up this morning at 8:30 am. I was still out shoveling the sidewalks from the snow last night and didn't even have the office open yet. They unloaded and went out for a ride and returned later on in the morning to check in. Conditions sure have gotten better in the last day and everyone that is here this weekend is going to have the best riding we have had this season.

Here's today's Video.....

Old Forge, NY Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-01-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

It sure has been an interesting winter so far. I'm amazed how it all turned out after the R we had on Tuesday. The base really didn't melt down that much and when the cold front went by it turned everything we had into a super hard snow pack and ice. We then got an inch or two of snow on top of it. I would say we are almost in better shape now than before the warm up and R. Go figure!

Here's Today's Video........

Old Forge, NY Trail Report

2012-01-18T16:20:00.001-05:00

OK.....Just had a guest come in that has been riding Old Forge for many years. I asked him point blank "How is it?" He said he has seen it allot worse with more snow than we have now, spots are icy, but he and his daughter are having a good time. I said this once before this season and I am going to say it again. I really don't like it when the conditions are like this. No different than beauty is in the eye of the beholder....so are trail conditions. Are conditions that great that you are busting at the seems and thinking to yourself OMG I can't wait to get out and ride....not really. But you are at least able to ride. It's your call.

Here's Today's Video........

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2012-01-17T13:58:00.001-05:00

We had about an inch of new snow over night and then it changed to light R. All the forecasts are still predicting for it to change back to winter and snow. As I'm writing a few sleds just cut through the motel lot on their way to the gas station. They must be in the hard core group of riders. It's one thing to be out riding and get caught in the R, but to go out in it is another thing.

Update: The light R of today didn't really take that much away, if any. As I am still able to see some of the new snow from this morning. Still calling for the temps to drop like a rock tonight and I just say something in one of the forecasts that looked very good to me. Like always we'll just have to wait and see. But I wouldn't through in the towel just yet for this upcoming week.

Today's Video......

Old Forge Trail Report

2012-01-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

I don't know about any of you, but I'm getting a headache from looking at the forecast for tomorrow. It seems like everytime you look it changes and no two of them are the same. That can be a good thing, because when they are different most times it means it's still up in the air. When all of them are the same that is what we're going to get. So cross your fingers it's all snow or sleet and NO R and we'll have a good week of riding after tomorrow.

Today's Video.......

Old Forge, NY Trail Report

2012-01-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

I would say that everyone had a good weekend except for the guest that went out in the ambulance Saturday morning. He's OK, but he sure was walking slow when I saw him this morning and let me say he looked better than the sled does. There wasn't allot of people in town this weekend and that always seems to be the case when the snow gets here late in the week. Keep your fingers crossed that this winter trend keeps going.

Today's Video.....

Old Forge, NY Trail Report

2012-01-14T13:39:00.000-05:00

Did you notice that? I called it a trail report. Still isn't what it has been in years past, but we are getting there.

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words yesterday!

Today's Video......

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2012-01-13T12:10:00.002-05:00

The snow we are getting today is from a storm, is adding up fast and is great for making base. Let's cross our fingers we get what they are calling for and with the low temps next week we will be riding again.

Someone had asked the other day if I have a page on Facebook. I started to set one up but haven't finished it.

Today's Video.........

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2012-01-12T12:53:00.000-05:00

At 1pm we have light snow in the air. That's better than the liquid we had this morning. Calling for snow today and tomorrow. Keep Dancing and Cross Your Fingers!

Today's Die Hard Video...............

Report and Interesting Reading.....

2012-01-11T13:29:00.003-05:00

I was reading the New York State Snowmobile Magazine the other day and found some very interesting reading that opened my eyes to something that I had never thought about. First was about the Adirondack RR and the NYSSA/clubs that groom the tracks have to get permits to do so, that was on page 23. The story that really opened my eyes was on page 26, it was about us giving up our right to ride on the RR bed. I'm sure most of you, that have riden in the area before, have seen the petition asking to have the rails removed from the RR bed. Read this story and you may have second thoughts before you sign the petition. As the old saying goes...For every action there is a reaction. Here is a link to the NYSSA Magazine online for you to read the article yourself.

Today's Video.......

Old Forge , NY Report

2012-01-10T13:05:00.000-05:00

Not much to report today. No one is here, it's cold and we had a little snow. I was told that a few really die hards where saw heading out to the trails. God bless them or should I say God bless their sled!

Today's Video......

Old Forge, NY Report

2012-01-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

The temps have dropped back down below freezing and everything is firming back up. But we will need some new snow, in my book, to bring things back into shape for riding. I had the trali cam on for about 20 minutes and only saw three sleds go past it.

Here's Todays Video......

Old Forge Report

2012-01-07T12:41:00.000-05:00

Well with the warm weather over night and not dropping like first forecasted things are getting softer fast. There are still a few die hards out riding but I think even those few are giving up the ship in hopes of the return to winter soon. You will see in yesterdays video that there was some good and then some ugly. But I would think that most is getting ugly with the warmth of today.

Todays Video......

Old Forge Trail Report

2012-01-06T15:05:00.002-05:00

I really don't like it when it's like this! Life is much easier when you can tell people the riding is great, get your butt up here so I can pay the bills or it SUCKS stay home. Just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so are riding conditions. I have some guests in now that think the riding is good. Come to find out they haven't been riding in this area of the state before and compared to the area they do ride in, it is great.

5Pm update. It sounds like the warmth of today made things soft late today. Let's hope the it drops back down below freezing tonight and firms things back up for tomorrow.

11PM Update. Well they changed to forecast again and the low of 25 for tonight has been raised to 31. Tomorrows mid 30's is now 38 and maybe light R in the morning. Please refer to the first sentence of todays post onhow I feel about this.

Here's today video....sorry it's so late.

Old Forge Snow Conditions

2012-01-05T11:51:00.000-05:00

Haven't had one person come in and say they wished they stayed home! It's been better and it's been worse....bottom line is you can ride.

Todays Video.....

Old Forge Report

2012-01-04T12:29:00.000-05:00

I've been getting allot of calls from people wanting to know if they should come up to ride or not. All I can tell you it's the best it's been this season so far. The report from the town is up to a 4" base in fair condition. Will it hold over the weekend? Your guess is good as anyones. It all depends on the temps, how many people show up this weekend and will the people that do come to the area respect the limited snow conditions that we have. I know the trail crews are out packing and with the temps we had last night the trails are sure to be getting hard.

Here's todays video......

Old Forge Snowmobile Trail Report

2012-01-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

Groomers are out packing the trails and calling for 10 below or more tonight. Cross your fingers that winter is here to stay till the end of March!

Todays Video......

Old Forge Snow Report

2012-01-02T16:10:00.000-05:00

It's been snowing most of the day and sometimes white out cobdtions. Right now at 4pm it has slowed up but a half and hour ago you will see in the video it was a different story. Keep dancing and let's get this season going!

Today's video......

Old Forge, Ny Snow Report

2011-12-29T12:46:00.000-05:00

Well we got some snow yesterday and all total we have about 5" on the ground out front. There have been a few sleds running around and you will see on the video one lone sled go by. How are the few getting away with riding? Easy there are a few, so the snow we have isn't getting run right into the ground.

Here's todays video......

Old Forge, NY Snow Report

2011-12-28T14:11:00.000-05:00

The cameras are back online thanks to choopa.com as they provide me with the server space to run the webcam network here in Old Forge.

Not much else to report besides it's getting COLD! 13 at 2pm and dropping and it looks like below zero for tonight. Talk about a roller coaster ride!

Here's todays video......

Cameras

2011-12-27T19:27:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping to have the webcam network back up in running very soon. The server died and a new one is being set up. I do have two cams running on different servers in the mean time at http://www.oldforgeny.org/ and http://www.oldforgeny.com/web.html Once the new server is up everything will go back to the same place it has always been.

Cameras are down.....

2011-12-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

The server went down on Christmas Eve morning that houses the webcams. I put in a call about it, but with being the Holiday weekend things are moving as fast as we would like them to sometimes. Sorry.....

Merry Christmas ! !

2011-12-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone.....hope you're all set for the big day......I think I am. It was two years ago I brought you the trail cam for Christmas. Well this year I have something new for you again. Go to http://www.thesnowcam.com/ to see what it is. Also a heads up on the other cams. They are down because of a server problem and they are working on it.

Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Steve

2011-12-22T10:38:00.000-05:00

Hi,

Is this the first I have seen no snow for Christmas.......No. Many years ago we almost always had snow for Christmas week and great riding conditions. But just like other places in the country the weather has been changing. Last winter we started out like gang buster and we lost the snow just before Christmas week. The lakes are right on the end of freezing over as they started to the other day when we have the single number temps. But with the R we had yesterday they opened back up. We do have some frost in the ground because I noticed yesterday that the R was sitting on top of the ground when I was outside working on some projects. And no it wasn't a matter on standing water because the ground was so wet, you can feel the hardness when you walk around. We aren't the only ones in this boat. There is very limited snow all over the country.

Take a look here

Hold tight it will come ! !

Steve

Two new...........

2011-12-18T11:58:00.002-05:00

trails will be open this winter for you to enjoy. Check out the video to find out where they are. Hope you are just about ready for Christmas. As there is only one week left to shop.

Todays video......

It's a Yurt

2011-12-07T21:21:00.000-05:00

Yurts are round and this one has a 30’ diameter, providing about 700 square feet of space. The outside walls are eight feet high and come to a 13 foot peak at the top. The structure consists of a wood lattice frame, wrapped in a durable weather tight material. The new yurt at McCauley Mountain will have two doors and three windows with an R14 insulation value.

McCauley Mountain will be hosting the Kandahar races for the next two years. This particular event involves about 200 skiers from around the region, plus their equipment, coaches and families. The space in the yurt would be very helpful, since this number of people would be difficult to accommodate in the existing chalet.

Read more about it at http://www.adirondackexpress.com/08162011_skiclubs

Old Forge on TV Show

2011-11-30T09:52:00.000-05:00

SnowTrailsTv was in Old Forge last winter and did part of the show on the area. They also covered other areas in our region. Old Forge is at the end of the video.

Enjoy.....

905 SnowTrailsTV (FSN,MSG) from SnowTrails TV * Video Mike's on Vimeo.

Something new.....

2011-11-19T23:53:00.001-05:00

I came across this today by accident and thought some of you might find it interesting. If anything it won't take you by surprise when you see one of them on the roads this winter. It does two and a half lanes in one pass and sand both at the same time. By the videos I saw on Youtube it looks like Pa has some of them.

It's trying......

2011-10-27T09:27:00.000-04:00

We had a dusting of the white stuff over night and it feels like winter is in the air. It won't be staying around as it looks like it will be back in the 40's next week. But it does get you in the mood for winter and the Holiday Season.

Take a look......

First of the season.......

2011-10-06T08:50:00.000-04:00

It was in the 20's when I got up this morning and we had the first frost that I had seen this fall. Hope everyone had a great summer and it won't be long before the white stuff will be flying.

Marian up at Stillwater sent me this link of how not to hill climb a sled. It's worth the watch.....
http://www.zapiks.fr/share/player.swf?file=50284

Here's a pic from this morning.....

Eliminate Trunk Junk

2011-08-15T16:40:00.000-04:00

By removing 100 lbs. you will increase gas mileage by 2% thereby saving about 8 cents per gallon.

Something Different !

2011-08-11T19:15:00.002-04:00

One of our guests that has stayed with us for years is in this weekend and he showed me something that he makes. It's called a fire piston and its pretty cool. I'm sure some of you know what it is, but I hadn't ever seen one before. Here is a link to his site Wilderness Solutions

Old Forge Boat Show

2011-08-04T23:31:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone is having a great summer and enjoying the warmth!

Each year there is a boat show at the lake front and if you are into old wooden boats it is something you don't want to miss. If you aren't it is still alot of fun to go and look at.

Too Cute ! ! !

2011-07-06T19:34:00.001-04:00

Having fun behind the motel. Sorry the video isn't better.

4-21-2011 Old Forge Report

2011-04-21T08:43:00.001-04:00

Well here it is one month and a day after the first day of spring and it's snowing in Old Forge. But after sitting and thinking about the old days this is nothing to talk about. I can remember riding on the last day of snowmobile season when it was still April 15th. Spring will be here soon and all the fun it has to offer in the north.

See it for yourself.....

3-24-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-03-24T15:36:00.002-04:00

I have had alot of people calling wondering what it is like out on the trails. So this morning I took a ride to see what it was like. The first trip I was out for about an hour and a quarter. After looking at the video I took I headed back out as you couldn't see anything besides the inside of my sheild. The second trip I was out for 20 minutes. Between the two rides I put on 52 miles. I have to agree with the town report on fair to good as the trails are the best I have seen them this late in the season in a long time. No you aren't able to street ride but the trails are in good shape and I have heard that the tracks north are good also.

Here's todays video......you'll be surprized on what you see! I posted just about all of the second ride.

3-17-2011 Old Forge Report

2011-03-17T12:57:00.000-04:00

I've been getting a few calls on what I think the conditions are like and should they come up riding. It all depends on what you are looking to do and how bad you want to ride. If you are happy with riding the same trail a few times and understand that we are in spring conditions, then there is some riding to be had. But don't think that you are going to be able to go every where you want, as that isn't going to happen. You will be limited to the trails, as I would think the roads are toast.

Here's todays video......

3-15-2011 Old Forge Report

2011-03-15T13:38:00.000-04:00

Not much to report. The video says it all. Might try to get out tonight again.

Here's todays video......

3-14-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-03-14T10:43:00.003-04:00

We have light snow in the air at 11am, not sure what we will see out of it. SnoFest 2011 had a great turn out and everyone looked like they had a good time. Well it's that time of the year, when you have to be here when the riding conditions are good. As they are going to be changing fast day to day by what I am seeing for a forecast. It's also a sad time of the year when my winter friends/family go away for a short time. But it won't be long and I'll see you all soon again!

Here's todays video......

3-12-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-03-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

We dropped back down below freezing and got about an inch of new snow over night. Everyone left this morning and they haven't returned yet. By what everyone said last night when they came back was over all it isn't that bad. No you can't ride the streets but the trails are still ridable and don't forget it's the middle of March so any riding you get in from now on is a bonus. The date and time is off on todays video. It seems when you run the battery low in the camera is changes the setting.

Here's todays video......

3-11-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-03-11T14:33:00.000-05:00

The trail and McCauley summit cam are down due to high winds damaging one of the antennas. I went up this morning, but had limited time to spend on fixing it. I'm going to try and get them back on line by the end of the weekend. Had some guests come back and tell me the trails are soft but not in bad shape. The roads are toast, so don't even think about road riding this weekend. All the new snow we got on Monday saved us, as it sucked up the R we got yesterday. The cam is out on the trails now and I hope to have video of them for you tomorrow.

Here's todays video........

3-10-2011 Old Forge Report

2011-03-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

Well this morning we had some liquid coming out of the sky and the last I looked at the radar it looks like it should be ending soon....but who knows for sure. Went out riding last night and put on 92 miles. We rode on freshly groomed trails most of the way over and back to Pine Tree Inn. It's that time of the year when the roads aren't anything to talk about unless we just got snow. But if the sun has a chance to come out you can plan on the roads melting down fast. Have two videos for you today again. One of the parking lot and the second is from Billy Boy breaking trail in one to two feet of new snow on Monday.

3-9-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-03-09T12:55:00.002-05:00

Sorry about not getting things posted the last few days. It's been crazy around here and I just seem to run out of hours in the day. Ok so what do we have going on. Well as I said and I am sure most of you saw on the cams we got 1 to 2 feet here in Old Forge and some areas got even more from the storm that ended on Monday. The groomers have been out in full force, but it's been slow going with all of this new snow. It's hard to tell where the edge of the trail is and if they get off the edge it's not pretty. Trust me on this one....been there, done that. It's not fun to put the drag off the edge or the entire packer. It's better to go slow than spend hours getting back on the trail. This weekend is SnoFest 2001 and here is a link for it http://www.snofestusa.com/

There are two videos today the first is the pan of the lot and the second is from Chris's cam from yesterday.

3-7-2011 Old Forge Report

2011-03-07T10:30:00.002-05:00

The snow stopped mid to late morning and when it was all said and done we got a good foot to two feet. Sorry I didn't get anything up before this but I have been flat out all day between plowing, shoveling and just playing motel. Here is the pan of the parking lot from this afternoon and I'll try my best to get you a better video tomorrow.

3-5-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-03-05T15:10:00.001-05:00

The two guys returned late last night. The plan was to do an overnight and they packed enough things to do so. But they where having to much fun and decieded to explore more. They also had some sled problems and had that to deal with along the way. This all ended well thank goodness!

Looks like we are in for another round of crazy weather the next few days. With R today and back to winter tomorrow. If we get what they are forecasting we will be back in good shape by Monday morning.

Here's todays video..............

3-4-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-03-04T16:25:00.002-05:00

I have a couple of guys in that are starting to worry me. They checked in late on Tuesday night and left to go riding Wednesday around noon. They told me that they like to do long distance riding and had asked about going to Lake Placid from here. Well here it is Friday afternoon and they haven't returned to the motel since they left. I hope I'm just being a worry wort, but it's really odd that they haven't returned yet. I did a google search on the one person to see if I could find a home number for them but came up with nothing. I called the police and they said they would see what they could find out. I'll let you know more as I do.

Quick Update They returned...I'll fill you in on todays post later.

Here's todays video............

3-3-2011 Old Forge Snowmobile Report

2011-03-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

Well it looks like someone turned the clock ahead or back some and messed up the day of the week for the warm up. The last few came at a good time of the week so it didn't mess up the weekend. But this week's looks like it's going to happen on Saturday and that really puts a damper on things. We should be back to winter by Sunday night and riding the beginning of next week again.

Here's todays video.....

3-2-2011 Old Forge Report

2011-03-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

It has been snowing all day so far and we have gotten a good 4 to 6 inches. It's hard to tell as the wind has been whipping it around and making white out conditions. I said it in the video but wanted to say it again. If you have the chance to get up in the next few days it will be worth it. We have great trail conditions right now and this time of the year you never know how long they are going to last. Could be days, weeks or even till the close of the season.

Here's todays video......

3-1-2011 Old Forge Report

2011-03-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

The warm up is over for now and we are back to winter. The R really didn't hurt the base to much and by around 9pm last night the parking lot was freezing back up. We got a dusting when the cold front went through last night and it looks like snow for tommorrow. Don't throw the towel in just yet as there is still lots of trail riding to be had this season.

Here's todays video............

I knew there was.......

2011-02-28T14:12:00.000-05:00

something else I wanted to put in the last post. Sorry about the McCauley summit and trail cams being down. It seems just lately when ever we get R the sigianl is lost to the summit. I have some equipment here that I'm hoping is going to fix it. I just haven't gotten a break to go and install it yet.

2-28-2011 Old Forge Report

2011-02-28T13:41:00.000-05:00

Well we woke up this morning to the same thing we did on Friday the 18th....the dreaded R word. It looks like it's going to be the same thing all over again. Warm, R and then back down to well below freezing by tonight. So like always it's wait and see. We are getting into that time of the year when it's a roller coaster ride each week with the weather. March can have some of the best trail riding of the year you just have to pick and choose where you go.

Here's todays video.........

2-26-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-02-26T17:07:00.001-05:00

It's 4:30 as I am writing and the temp is 21 yesterday it was 20 at this time. We had snow most of the day today and I'd give it around 4" of new snow. The base in the front yard is back up to the 2' mark again and is hard a rock. I'm starting to see a few people return from their day of riding and they are the ones that left first thing this morning.

In the video I said about last Monday and it was two Mondays ago the we had the short warm up.

Here's todays video.........

2-25-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-02-25T17:48:00.000-05:00

At 5:30pm we still have light snow in the air and I'd give it a good half a foot or more for today. All depends on where you are and what you got. Talked with one person from Inlet this afternoon and they said there was close to a foot up there.

We have some fun events coming up in the next few weeks:

Mar. 5 USCC Cross Country Snowmobile Race
Mar. 5 Empire State Snowshoe Racing Association Championship
Mar. 12 & 13 SnoFest 2011

You can find out more about these events at http://www.oldforgeny.com/events.html#February2011

Here's todays video............

Room open for one night Saturday the 26th.

2011-02-24T18:30:00.002-05:00

2-24-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-02-24T17:48:00.000-05:00

One of the guests had a mishap on the lake today. After last weeks short warm up the lakes are shifting and she went off the side of an ice heave that was the jump side and didn't have a very good end result. But thank goodness she didn't hit it in the other direction as it could on been worse......a solid wall of ice. The sled doesn't look all that great and she is lucky she wasn't hurt more than being stiff.

Here's todays video........

Room open for this weekend 2 - Beds

2011-02-24T11:54:00.002-05:00

2-23-2011 Old Forge Trail Report

2011-02-23T15:47:00.000-05:00

The sun has been out the last few days. But that looks like it will be coming to an end here very soon and that is a good thing. Calling for snow on Friday and cloudy the rest of the weekend. Cross your fingers and hope its so! This late in the season the sun is really not a welcome thing to have around even though it makes it look very pretty out.

Here's today video............