ADK Marcy Gray Sky

Hi all, I’m planning a winter Adirondack climbing trip and plan to summit mt Marcy, Gray and Sky this February.  Has anyone done this route in the winter before and have any tips on what to expect?  I’ve done Giant in the winter before so I’m not completely new to winter climbing but still fairly inexperienced.  Thanks all!

Unless you are planning on doing one of technical ice routes up Marcy, I would call this a winter hike rather than a climb. But I would still definitely take along (and be comfortable using) crampons along with the snowshoes that are required to be worn in the Eastern High Peaks. Conditions can vary widely week to week and even day to day based on snow fall, wind drifts, and if the trail has been broken out. You might have better luck getting the most recent conditions here: adkhighpeaks.com/forums/

There is also a Facebook group now that might be more active than the old forums (I have been out of the Adirondack hiking loop for a while now.)

**Edit: Found a FB called "Adirondack Trail Conditions" which seems to be the most active. 

I did Marcy and Gray together years ago. We did not do the traverse because it was not broken out and spruce traps are a hazard. Skylight I did on its own as a separate hike on a snowy day...definitely one of my more memorable winter Adirondack peak. 

I’d give the Mountaineer in Keene and the High Peaks Information Center (Adirondack Mountain Club) a call. They would have accurate info for you (and rentals if needed).

If you want to add to the adventure, you can stay at Johns Brook Lodge. But not sure how often the trail to Marcy from there gets hiked during the winter or if there’s a higher chance of needing to break trail. The Mountaineer or HPIC should know! 

It’s a long day. Start before sunrise. Probably wouldn’t pick as a second winter hike, especially if going solo. Good luck. 

Added 2/19/26: Marcy Accident 2026

Thanks for all your advice, it did help with trip planning especially the ADK trail conditions group.  I think I undersold my level of experience, I’ve been doing winter hikes and snowshoeing for a few years, this was just going to be my second high peak so was looking for more location specific advice.  The trip went pretty well, made the summit of Marcy by 10 AM but the trail south was not open and a bit too dangerous for me, so I went back and hiked tabletop on the way down.