Discussion: Preliminary information

Preliminary information now posted at https://empoclub.org/ski-o-nationals-2023/

Brings back strong memories of ski-orienteering in the Empire State Games at Mt Van Hoevenberg some 30+ years ago while my son was ski-jumping in the same competition. Then in the summers we would both do a triathlon at Saranac Lake (another of your venues) while driving by and admiring the forests at Paul Smith College (the third of your venues) and imagining how great that area would be for orienteering.
You have hit the trifecta of great areas for ski orienteering.
Out of curiosity I also looked at AirBnB and VRBO availabilities in the Lake Placid/ Saranac Lake area. There are around 100 choices listed but just up the road from Whiteface Mountain they probably go fast for those winter weekends. Plan early folks.

Looking forward

Registration is now open and can be accessed through the event website: https://empoclub.org/ski-o-nationals-2023

gordhun, regarding the Ottawa ski-O the previous weekend, do you know whether the plan is to hold it on the Ontario or Quebec side (or both)?

The Ottawa website says the location is not yet determined.

Thanks, Bash. They must have added that to the website after I posted my question.

They're tricky that way. ;)

Hi, I'm an orienteer from New Zealand and am planning to attend the ski-o champs! I am looking for a ride to and from Boston going up Thursday or Friday morning, and going back to Boston in time for a 5pm Monday flight. Does anyone have a seat or know someone that does?

Earlybird rates end at midnight tonight. As many seem to have been aware given the number of people registered has nearly doubled since I looked yesterday afternoon. Not that the organizers won't appreciate the modestly higher entry fees from people who like to procrastinate but that approach probably won't work quite so well when it comes to booking accommodations near Lake Placid. Better to make your plans for the event now, if possible.

Briana, let's connect on email and compare notes on travel plans. I'm at victoria.campbell@orienteeringusa.org

What's the snow situation like up there? I saw Mt V is closed! I know it's been terrible beyond reason in Michigan but seems it's been colder and snowing in NY?

Useful maps on this page: https://www.weather.gov/nerfc/snow

Terrible pretty much sums it up. After a couple rounds of warm with rain, pretty much the only places currently skiable in NY are those with snowmaking (MVH event loop, Gore, Bristol) and 2 very special xc ski centers in Osceola (small green circle on snow depth map from JJ's link.) Osceola trails are closed today as well due to rain last night but will be open again tomorrow after they dry out and freeze back up. More snow is forecast for late next week so if you believe the Finnish folklore, be wearing your jammies inside out.

Here's a webcam with remote control at MVH:
https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/webcams/

Note that the stadium it's pointing at has snowmaking, so you need to drag it off to the left to assess natural conditions in the woods and parking lot.

Ski conditions are surprisingly good up here in the Lake Placid area. There's been a lot of rain lately, but most venues have great groomers who have been able to maintain a base from the 2 ft snowfall we had before Xmas. The trails at Paul Smith's VIC, where the Long event is scheduled, are 95% open and we were able to access all the control locations quite easily yesterday. Some photos are posted on the EMPO Facebook page. Van Ho is preoccupied with the FISU Games this week but they're gradually opening up additional terrain. Dewey Mt. in Saranac Lake, where the Middle event is scheduled, is currently closed due to lack of snow. We've lined up an alternative venue at the Cascade Welcome Center, right next to van Ho - they're 100% open and though the trails tend to be a little narrower, they're mostly skateable. The best news is that there is snow and only one minor warmup in the long range forecast, so we're very optimistic that the event will go ahead. Updates will be posted here as well as on the website.

More snowfalls this week adding up to good cover. Additional storms in the forecast, too.

Skied at all 3 race venues this weekend - more than adequate cover at all. A few photos on the EMPO Facebook page. More snow tonight and a few inches mid-week with colder temperatures in store so things are looking great for US Nationals. Event venues will be confirmed in a day or two and posted here and on the website.

Anyone have a good bead on accommodations? Looking for a bed somewhere, it's difficult!

I've got one bed available in Upper Jay Thursday night, but then I have different accommodations after that.

Ari - I am flying to Albany from Denver on Thurs Feb 2, and staying that night at the Super 8 Route 7 Latham. I then have a room for three nights Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights, at the Wolfjaw Lodge at 5647 NYS Route 86 in Wilmington, NY, north of Lake Placid near Whiteface. It is a "Standard Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Mountain View." The total for the three nights including taxes is $487.09. The second bed is available if you (or anyone else) are interested.

Thanks, Sharon! I actually found a place down the road for a very reasonable amount (everything was much more expensive earlier this week, or I was looking in the wrong place) so I think I'm set. It has a pull-out couch if anyone else is stuck.

I've never XC skied in the temperatures expected for the sprint and middle, does anyone have any recommendations on what layers to wear for that kind of cold? I'll be going hard physically but might have to stop or slow quite a bit due to inexperience. Thanks!

Core temperature is not so much a problem as extremities and exposed skin (frostbite, not hypothermia). Check the Logistics page on the event website for useful advice.

Briana - the advice on the logistics page looks spot-on. If you don't have one, a good balaclava will help - I think I want something more than a buff so am going to get a thicker balaclava over the next few days. There's a product called dermatome that's a little less gooey than straight-up vaseline to put on any exposed skin. Then also good lobster mitts (two fingers together) or straight up mitts (4 fingers all together) are probably also what you want, if you don't have. (There are good stores in Lake Placid if you'll have time Fri morning.)

Otherwise, for just core temp, bring lots of layers and feel free to ask- I'm expecting to wear at least one, but maybe two lightweight xc ski jackets. If you're worried you might not be moving that fast and going full-tilt you might want two lightweight jackets or one heavier. And wind proof pants.

Last year many winter Olympic athletes used KT Tape on their faces to prevent frostbite. The company says it hasn't been tested for that use and isn't designed for delicate facial skin or very cold weather. Although they don't endorse it, they say they're proud to support the athletes. In the right conditions, I'd give it a shot - in addition to the balaclava.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/bei...

Thanks everyone!