Find your stride

The Adirondacks are made for exploring on two skis, with miles of groomed Nordic trails, quiet backcountry routes, and scenery around every turn. This guide highlights cross-country ski centers across the region, plus bonus trails for even more winter adventure. Glide past frozen lakes, wander beneath towering evergreens, take in mountain views, and plan a stop in a nearby town to warm up and refuel.

Cross-Country Ski Centers

1
Cross-country skiing at Mt Van Hoevenberg.

Mt Van Hoevenberg

Enjoy 34+ miles (55+ km) of snowmaking-supported, groomed trails for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Warm up in the spacious base lodge café, take a lesson, and hit the trails in Lake Placid.

Special features: Groomed trails | Gear rental | Lessons | Food & drink | Snowmaking | Olympic biathlon range | Events

2
Drinking coffee at Lapland Nordic Ski Center.

Lapland Lake Nordic Center

Explore 31 miles (50 km) of groomed and backcountry trails, with on-site dining and lodging for a full Nordic getaway in Northville.

Special features: Groomed trails | Backcountry trails | Gear rental | Lessons | Food & drink | Onsite lodging | Events

3
Skiing at Paul Smith's VIC.

Paul Smith’s VIC

Explore 25+ miles (40+ km) of groomed and backcountry ski and snowshoe trails across 2,700 acres, with routes for classic and skate skiing. Warm up and gear up at the lodge at Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpreter Center (VIC).

Special features: Groomed trails | Backcountry trails | Gear rental | Wildlife lookouts

4
A couple skiing at Dewey Mountain Ski Center.

Dewey Mountain Recreation Center

Ski 7.5 miles (12 km) of groomed and backcountry-style trails on a 2,090-foot (637 m) mountain just minutes from downtown Saranac Lake.

Special features: In town | Groomed trails | Backcountry trails | Night skiing | Gear rental | Events (weekend ski jams with live music) | Free access

5
A family looking at a ski map at Fern Park Recreation Area.

Fern Park Recreation Area

Take advantage of 20 miles (32 km) of mostly flat trails, plus a warming hut, sledding hill, and indoor skating rink for even more winter fun in Inlet.

Special features: Groomed trails | Backcountry trails | In town | Night skiing | Sledding hill | Indoor skating | Free access

6
Skiing at the James C. Frenette Sr. Recreational Trails.

James C. Frenette Sr. Recreational Trails

Hit 5 miles (8 km) of groomed classic tracks and skate lanes, with more trails in development and a tubing hill for added winter fun in Tupper Lake.

Special features: Groomed trails | Backcountry trails | Night skiing | Events (Brew-Ski & full-moon parties) | Free access

7
Skiing at the Adirondack Interpretive Center.

Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC)

Follow 3.6 miles (6 km) of mostly flat backcountry trails along Rich Lake and its outlet in Newcomb.

Special features: Backcountry trails | Wildlife viewing | Free access

8
A close-up of someone cross-country skiing.

Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center at Whiteface Club & Resort

Explore 9.3 miles (15 km) of professionally groomed trails, with beginner-friendly routes and a connection to the Jackrabbit Trail for backcountry skiing in Lake Placid.

Special features: Groomed trails | Gear rental | Food & drink | Events

9
Cross-country skiing in Lake Placid.

Lake Placid Club Nordic Center

Ski across the Lake Placid Club golf courses with views of the High Peaks and Olympic Ski Jumps, plus a connection to the Jackrabbit Trail in Lake Placid.

Special features: Open space | In town | Access to backcountry trails

10
Cross-country skiing at Scott's Cobble.

Scott's Cobble Nordic Center

Ski 6.2 miles (10 km) of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, with motion-activated lighting and access from Lake Placid Village via the Jackrabbit Trail.

Special features: Groomed trails | Open space | Gear rental | Lessons | Food & drink | Events

Beyond the Ski Centers

1
Cross-country skiing the Adirondack Rail Trail.

Adirondack Rail Trail

This 34-mile (54.7 km) former rail bed connects Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid along a wide, gently graded trail corridor. Note that the trail is shared with snowmobiles.

Special features: Gentle grade | In town | Community connector | Multi-use trail

2
Great Camp Santanoni in the winter.

Great Camp Santanoni

Follow this 10-mile (16 km) round-trip backcountry trail with a gentle 350-foot (110 m) elevation gain to historic Great Camp Santanoni in Newcomb.

Special features: Backcountry trails | In town | Historic landmark | Events (Winter Weekends) | Free access

3
A couple looking at a map in winter.

Champlain Area Trails

Discover 100+ miles (160+ km) of interconnected backcountry trails with sweeping views of the Lake Champlain Region.

Special features: Backcountry trails | Great for beginners | Free access

4
Cross-country skiing in North Hudson.

North Hudson XC Ski Trails

Follow 9 miles (14 km) of well-marked backcountry trails through the former Frontier Town theme park site in North Hudson.

Special features: Backcountry trails | Great for all skill levels | Free access

5
Cross-country skiing on the Jackrabbit trail.

Jackrabbit Ski Trail

Tackle this classic 30+ mile (50 km) backcountry route connecting Keene, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Paul Smiths.

Special features: Backcountry trails | Various access points | Free access

6
Skiing the Whiteface toll road.

Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway (Toll Road)

Follow this 10.5-mile (17 km) round-trip route with 2,400 feet of elevation gain to reach a castle-like structure at the summit in Wilmington. The paved roadway is closed to vehicle traffic during winter.

Special features: Moderate 8% grade | Summit-like views | Free access