Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing in the Adirondacks
From groomed cross-country ski centers to snow-covered hiking trails, the opportunities for sliding around the Adirondack Mountains are endless. All of the regions below offer cross-country skiing in their own way, and visiting each of these places to sample the snowy trails is a must.
Cross-country ski area highlights
Dewey Mountain – Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake’s Dewey Mountain Recreation Center is located just minutes from downtown. This community favorite offers over 15 kilometers of well-marked trails with terrain for every skill level, from gentle groomed loops to ungroomed backcountry hills. With lit trails for night skiing, on-site rental equipment, and a cozy warming lodge, Dewey Mountain makes embracing the ADK winter easy and unforgettable.
Fern Park – Inlet
Fern Park Recreation Area is a free, multi-use park boasting a 14-mile system of groomed cross-country ski trails. Whether you prefer classic skiing, skate skiing, or snowshoeing, this park offers something for every skill level, including 1.2 miles of lit trails for adventurous night excursions. Warm up in the dedicated lodge after your ski.
Scotts Cobble – Lake Placid
Scott's Cobble Nordic Center sits just a couple of minutes outside of Lake Placid and features over 15 kilometers of XC ski trails. This local hotspot, which aims to connect the community with Nordic culture, offers a heated lodge with restrooms, showers, and food, plus rentals and lessons on-site from High Peaks Cyclery. Experience winter under the stars with their lit trail network for quality night skiing.
Mt Van Hoevenberg – Lake Placid
Step onto historic ground at Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, the legendary venue for the 1980 Olympic Winter Games cross-country ski events. The center features over 55 kilometers of expertly groomed trails that cater to all skill levels, offering a world-class experience rooted in Olympic heritage. With certified instructors for lessons, on-site equipment rentals, and a lodge for dining, Mt Van Hoevenberg provides everything you need to ski like an Olympian.
Find Your Place
The Adirondacks are big, really big. But that just means there are more cross-country ski trails to glide on and more regions to do it in. From lakeside villages to mountain towns, each region has its own personality, pace, and local favorite Nordic ski spot. One region might offer groomed trails, while another has endless unbroken backcountry options. With unique histories, cultures, and landscapes, these communities aren’t just places to ski—they’re experiences all their own. Discover each region's cross-country ski culture below, get a feel for each one, and find the trails that speak to you.
