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Fresh snow and endless winter activities against the rustic backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains? I’m in.
In summer and autumn, visitors from around the world take advantage of hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing in New York’s Adirondack Park. But the 6-million-acre preserve comes alive in winter.
There is something to pique every interest, whether you want to hit the slopes, snowshoe up a mountain, cozy up in a cozy cabin to watch the snow fall, attend a winter carnival, or zip along the snowmobile trails.
It’s also okay to simply sit by the fire in your pj’s with a hot toddy and watch the snow fall outside. Whatever your pleasure, here’s your guide to frosty fun in the Adirondacks this winter.
Activities to do during the winter
During the winter months, there are countless things to do and adventures to be had in the Adirondack Mountains. After all, the region has hosted two winter Olympic games.
Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
Adirondacks snowshoeing is like a fairytale. The forest of trees with freshly fallen snow resembles a scene from a fantasy book.
There are more than enough routes to choose from, whether you want to snowshoe along groomed trails with gear rentals or hike one of the many mountains with your own pair.
You can meander through flat, hilly, and wooded terrain on miles of snowshoe trails at Lapland Lake Nordic Center.
The Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb offers 3.6 miles of groomed snowshoe trails as well as rentals. Fern Park in its western region offers groomed trails as well.
Consider the 3-mile Big Pond Trail in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness, Coney Mountain in Tupper Lake, or Big Crow Mountain in the High Peaks region if you’re looking for a more rugged snowshoe adventure.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
There are many ways to experience the Adirondacks, from smaller mountains such as McCauley Mountain Ski Area in Old Forge to larger, resort-style mountains like Whiteface Mountain.
The state of New York has more ski resorts than any other state, including Whiteface, which hosted the Olympics and has the largest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains.
In the eastern Adirondacks, West Mountain is a small, family-friendly spot, ideal for beginners.
Speculator’s Oak Mountain is like West Mountain, with a gorgeous view of Lake Pleasant and Family Fun Days on their calendar.
Titus Mountain, which has a small resort feel and runs for the whole family, is also near Malone.
Looking for a backcountry experience where you can skin up and ski down without anyone else around? Lyon Mountain near Malone is your answer.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you’re not into the fast-paced ski experience, check out cross-country skiing in the Adirondacks.
There’s plenty of trails to explore there, one being the Jackrabbit Trail in Lake Placid. This 31-mile path starts at Keene and goes all the way up to Paul Smiths; it’s full of scenic views, plus ungroomed trails along the way.
Plus, the Jackrabbit Trail is composed of four ski centers and backcountry routes that can easily be accessed from any point on its map.
So don’t think you have to commit to the entire trek – you can explore just a portion too!
You can also explore the groomed trails in Tupper Lake Golf Club, which have a network of looped trails to explore.
As well as cross-country skiing, Lapland Lake offers more than 30 miles of trails and on-site lodging.
There are plenty of trails, lessons, and a warm fireplace at Garnet Hill Lodge in North River, making it a great place for cross-country skiing too.
Snowmobiling
Thousands of miles of groomed trails and backcountry trails make the Adirondacks a popular snowmobiling destination.
One of the most famous areas in the park is the Tug Hill Plateau.
There are hundreds of miles of groomed trails, regular snowfall, and a variety of restaurants, lodges, and bars in this region that make it a great place to snowmobile.
Other spots in the park where snowmobiles can be heard zipping along the trails include Saranac Lake, Lake George, Schroon Lake, and Tupper Lake.
Everything Else
There are many places around the Adirondacks where you can take a lovey-dovey sleigh ride and dash across the snow, including Lake Placid’s Adirondack Sleigh Rides and Chestertown’s Circle B Ranch.
One of the many frozen lakes and ponds in the region is Gurney Lane Recreation Area in Queensbury, Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, or Fern Park Recreation Area in Inlet, among others.
Experience one of winter’s more unique sports with the Bobsled experience in Lake Placid and pretend to be an Olympian for an hour or two.
Sources: Terrytorysupply
