Now that you've had a little taste of what winter in the Adirondacks has in store for you, get ready for more. Dive into all that winter has to offer, and get excited to plan your getaway.
Snowflakes will start falling soon…here’s what to look forward to this winter.
That special time of year when our lovely landscape morphs into an enchanting white paradise is upon us. Arguably our longest season, locals have learned to make the most of winter and all of its offerings, with playing outdoors, fun winter events, and cozy end-of-day cap offs. From a frozen perspective on old favorites and skiing in all forms, to warming up with cozy cocktails and lingering over fireside dinners with family and friends, this is how we maximize one of the prettiest times of the year.
1
Party Under the Full Moon
Cross-country skiing is an longtime favorite winter activity in the Adirondacks, day or night. In Tupper Lake, the groomed James C. Frenette Sr. Recreational Trails have motion-activated lights for night skiing across the golf course and Cranberry Lake routes. Under the full moon, it’s a reason to party by way of skiing to a communal bonfire. Northville’s Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center is a hub for cross-country ski enthusiasts, and also hosts full moon ski events for the community, as well as technique clinics. Dewey Mountain Recreation Center in Saranac Lake has groomed trails for all ages and skill levels.
In Lake Placid, Mt Van Hoevenberg will be offering full moon ski parties where you can join an instructor-led group ski, or head out solo to glide along the cross-country trails or hike in snowshoes. Rentals are available, and hanging out by the bonfire or warming up with soup in the lodge are encouraged.
2
Winter drama
One of the Whiteface region’s most famous attractions transforms into an icy spectacle during the winter season, and if you strap on a pair of snowshoes (available for rent) or ice cleats, you can safely immerse yourself in it. As impressive as the water flow in the gorge is during the rest of the year, viewing the cascade in frozen form is a beautifully unique experience.
Embark on their 1-mile nature path turned snowshoe trail to marvel at the deep, icy cliffs, or take the half-mile-long waterfall trek over footbridges leading to overlooks where you can gawk at the massive 700-foot waterfall frozen in time. Make sure to snap some photos; this winter activity is a solid memory-maker.
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Just outside of Keeseville, the dramatically scenic canyon of Ausable Chasm adds an extra dash of winter holiday charm. From mid-November to mid-January, their Festival of Lights experience offers ticketed guests a half-mile wander under twinkly lights through the woods, complete with hot chocolate and even some carolers (on select dates).
3
Explore by snowmobile
For locals and visitors alike, the winter season is synonymous with the kick-off of snowmobiling season. With more than 1,800 miles of trails, it’s a fantastic way to explore remote nooks and crannies of our massive Adirondack Park. In addition to hitting the trails, there are numerous snowmobile events throughout the winter. The Speculator Lions Club Snowmobile Poker Run takes place in February and is a fun way to ride, obtain cards to play at local establishments, seeing who has the best hand at the end of the organized event. Other regional snowmobile clubs like Nick Stoner Trailers Snowmobile Club also put on annual poker runs.
Though weather-dependent, the annual Vintage Snowmobile races are an old-school way to celebrate this famed pastime, held in Newcomb each February. The action unfolds on frozen Lake Harris, backed by the picturesque High Peaks. Dive into winter nostalgia while watching vintage snowmobiles zip across the ice; the Adirondacks version of a classic automobile show.
4
Ski and sip by day and stargaze by night
Tupper Lake has both day and night plans covered this winter. Late February’s annual Tupper Lake BrewSki combines cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with another local favorite: craft beer. Beer tents pepper a mile-and-a-half section of the James C Frenette Sr Recreational Trails, so participants can sample local brews while enjoying a leisurely ski or snowshoe. Sip beers from more than 15 regional breweries while warming up your fingers and toes by the firepits at each stop.
Tupper Lake is one of the top stargazing destinations in the Adirondack Park, so your agenda for the evening is sorted, too. Low light pollution and crisp, clear winter nights create ideal conditions for optimal viewing. With the resident Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, there’s plenty of programming to get involved in the region’s astronomy, too. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, slap on a headlamp and take the 1-mile jaunt up Coney Mountain for 360-degree panoramic stargazing.
5
Fireside dining and cozy cocktails
Once you’re ready to get toasty indoors for the evening, the Keene Valley, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Lake Champlain regions are home to several cozy spots for dinner by the fire and cocktails in a warm atmosphere. Find yourself clinking glasses in a historic inn, or tucking into farm-to-table fare as the fire crackles, within a small, local eatery.