This is kind of a real bummer... but word is due to budget cutbacks the Park might not be grooming at all. Mark Ruoff has been trying to convince them to at least do some of the trails. The thing is that they make money off this so it pays for itself and more, and it attracts local tourism...!
so if as many of you as possible can write about this to the following address it should help. Please help.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Empire State Plaza
Agency Building 1
Albany NY, 12238
(518) 474-0456
(518) 486-1899 TDD

It is a shame that there are budget problems but perhaps ungroomed trails will give a bit of a backcountry feel? Or else the first person out on the trail will have to lay a very good track. Unlike me - I have trouble keeping skis parallel just standing still.

I know you speed skaters will be worst affected, Chris.

skate skiers like me, to be sure, are going to be especially affected. but most skiers of any ability will enjoy a groomed trail more, that is my belief. because the trail will turn into a mess with hikers postholing, because believe me if they don't groom they will let hikers on the trails. and that will really suck, backcountry feel or no. the trails will turn into a icy, postholed, crappy mess.
see my other post about a text of a letter to New York State commissioner Carol Ash.

It's true... groomed trails last longer... Postholing doesn't have as much of a negative effect because the snow is packed down during the grooming process, which also helps it stay longer in the sun...

Methinks packed snow turns into ice quicker. YMMV.

I saw your letter Chris and will send in my version. It will indeed be a mess if the trails are left ungroomed and open to postholers.

Personally, I like the thought of lots of back country, and if there are no groomed trails, then it is open to hiking

RR that's just cause you aren't a good skier!

so what's your point??

...that you're not a good skier.