The Adirondack Region of Northern New York

With the Hush of the First Snowfall - Winter Descends on Northern New York

In the Adirondack Park - there's no such thing as hibernation. When the mercury drops, it's time to dust off snowshoes, wax skis and sharpen skates.

Winter re-creates the Adirondack Region's six-million-acres of wild forests, towering mountains, and frozen lakes and rivers, offering up nature's finest work of art - a white canvas. Discover a stunning landscape, blanketed by snow and ice, on your Adirondack vacation. Glide through boreal forests on cross-country skis, skim along a sparkling landscape on a snowmobile, or dance on frozen lakes under a twinkling canopy of brilliant stars. Capture special moments and cherish your memories in one of the United States oldest winter vacation destinations.

Head into charming towns and villages festively decorated for the season, and take joy in simple pleasures like strolling down Main Street, or sledding with your kids. Warm up with a mug of hot chocolate in front of a crackling fire in cozy Adirondack restaurants as evening settles in.

The Adirondack Region is home to winter sports traditions that span centuries. Cheer on man and beast during dog sled races in the village of Inlet, or join in one of the oldest and most sacred Adirondack traditions - the Winter Carnival. Held annually in villages and towns throughout the region, these cherished Adirondack winter festivals showcase the area's heritage, history and creative spirit. The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the longest running event of its kind in the eastern United States, celebrating its 115th anniversary in February 2012.

Enjoy Adirondack snowboarding at some of the best alpine terrain east of the Rockies at ski resorts like Whiteface Mountain- which boasts the greatest vertical drop in the east - or Gore Mountain's miles of family friendly trails. Smaller alpine ski centers like Titus Mountain and Big Tupper offer value, expansive trails and incredible views. Nordic skiers will delight in thousands of miles of groomed and backcountry terrain throughout the Adirondack Park.

Grab a sled, strap on skis or simply bundle up for a quiet stroll and enjoy an Adirondack vacation this winter.