Across the Adirondacks, communities host some of the best snowy events in the country. From long-running winter carnivals to quirky traditions, polar plunges, and holiday shopping events, there's no shortage of happenings to choose from. Click below to start planning!
Winter in the Adirondacks
Discover the Adirondacks in Winter
Winter transforms the Adirondacks into a landscape of snowy peaks, frozen lakes, and crisp mountain air. It’s a season built for adventure, whether you prefer downhill skiing and snowboarding, exploring miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, or snowmobiling through forested paths. It's also a season for slowing down to casually skate on outdoor rinks, cuddle up by the fire, and spend time shopping and dining in the charming small towns of the Adirondack Mountains. With so many ways to embrace the cold, every visit offers a new way to experience the beauty and excitement of an Adirondack winter.
Winter Sports & Olympic Legacy Sites
Excitement for world-class winter sports still rings true in the Adirondacks. With Lake Placid hosting two Winter Olympic Games, the infrastructure for ski jumping, luge, bobsled, skeleton, skating, skiing, and more is still ever-present. Visitors can attend World Cup events at the Ski Jumps, Mt Van Hoevenberg, and Whiteface Mountain, or even come to experience the fun in a hands-on way. Strap on ice skates at the Olympic Oval, take powdery turns at the Bear Den Learning Center on Whiteface Mountain, or even try a sliding event yourself at Mt Van Hoevenberg.
Winter Trip Itineraries
Winter in the region of your choice
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake's quaint Main Street is perfect for a winter stroll through shops, galleries, restaurants, and more. Bring your skis for downhill or cross-country action right in town. Attend events like the famous Winter Carnival and the Ice Palace, snowmobile or snowshoe on the Adirondack Rail Trail, and relax fireside in your historic hotel or at a cozy brewery.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake blends family-friendly fun with classic Adirondack adventure. From exploring hands-on nature experiences and gazing at some of the darkest skies in the Northeast to snowshoeing scenic trails and snowmobiling the Adirondack Rail Trail, this small town offers something for all ages. With a welcoming community and easy access to both outdoor exploration and cultural discovery, Tupper Lake is a place where families and adventurers alike can enjoy the snow.
Lake Placid
Name a winter activity, and Lake Placid has it. Visitors can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and a host of unique Olympic experiences that highlight the village’s sporting legacy. Off the trails, the community provides plenty of ways to relax, with dining, shopping, and comfortable lodging that make it easy to balance adventure with leisure.
Whiteface Region
The Whiteface Region delivers both high-altitude thrills and relaxed moments. With towns like Wilmington, Jay, Upper Jay, and Au Sable Forks as your base, you can hit world-class downhill runs at Whiteface Mountain, snowshoe scenic trails, or explore icy chasms. When you’re off the slopes, there are cozy lodges, warm meals in welcoming restaurants, scenic drives through snow-scaped forests, and arts and culture in small galleries and shops. It’s a winter experience that balances adventure, comfort, and the charm of mountain life. Don’t forget the après relaxation after a day out!
Lake Champlain Region
Winter in the Lake Champlain Region offers a unique blend of historical discovery and serene recreation. You can walk through the dramatic ice formations of a massive, ancient gorge, or step back in time at a storied lakeside fort that saw action in the Revolutionary War. With opportunities for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, the region provides a peaceful winter escape with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and frozen lake.
Adirondack Hub
Winter in the Adirondack Hub is a peaceful basecamp for four-season adventure. It's a prime destination for snowmobiling on an extensive network of groomed trails, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on interpretive trails, and ice fishing on the many frozen lakes. The region's quiet towns and cozy lodging provide a warm welcome after a day of enjoying the season's serene, snow-covered wilderness.
Experience Our Adirondacks
Winter in Hamilton County is where the Adirondacks get truly wild. With the perfect blend of winter sports and laid-back fun, it’s a destination for everyone. Downhill skiers can head to a family-friendly mountain with short lift lines and miles of terrain, while the towns of Indian Lake, Speculator, and Long Lake offer outdoor rinks for skating and hills for sledding. It's a place where you can chase high-energy thrills or simply enjoy the peaceful, snow-covered scenery and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Winters in the Adirondacks are cold, snowy, and full of seasonal charm. Temperatures often range from the teens to the 30s (°F), with frequent snowfalls creating ideal conditions for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter adventures. Be sure to dress in layers, prepare for icy conditions, and enjoy the beauty of snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and crisp, clear air. Stay conscious of road conditions, and bundle up in town to visit shops, restaurants, and other local businesses if you can't safely drive elsewhere.
Yes! Many shops, restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions remain open throughout the winter season. Hours may be shorter than in summer, so it’s a good idea to check ahead, especially for smaller, locally owned businesses. Winter visitors can still enjoy dining, shopping, and exploring cozy towns even on snowy days.
Yes! Experienced guides are available for a variety of winter activities. You can join guided ice fishing, snowshoeing, or ice climbing trips, just to name a few.