Recreation

In the Adirondacks, the only limit to what you can do is time. Within four hours of New York City lies the Adirondack Park - the largest publically protected area in the contiguous United States.

Translation: It's a big playground - especially in the winter. From shredding the greatest vertical drop in the east, to trekking through the backcountry on snowshoes, there's plenty to keep you busy this winter in the Adirondacks - even if all you do is curl up next to a roaring fire and hibernate.

Whether you're indoors or out, ice-skating is an excellent family friendly activity. Create your own gold medal moment at the Olympic Oval on Main Street in Lake Placid. Skate on the same loop where Eric Heiden won five Olympic Gold Medals during the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Dance along the historic shores of the frozen St. Lawrence River, or join in an impromptu ice hockey game.

Recapture the joy of snow days, grab your sled and head for the nearest hills. Explore the region's vast six-million-acres on cross-country skis or simply enjoy an afternoon snowshoeing in the Adirondacks.

Outdoor recreation opportunities in the Adirondacks:

• Experience the incredible thrill of the Mirror Lake Toboggan Chute. Unique to Lake Placid, the Chute is actually an antique ski jump that has been reincarnated - offering one of the most exhilarating rides in Lake Placid.
• Ice-fishing in the Adirondacks is one of the park's most anticipated winter sports. Participate in trophy Adirondack fishing competitions on Lake Champlain, or cast a line into the frozen depths of lakes and rivers for northern pike, perch, crappie, lake trout, salmon, walleye and smelt - swimming just under the surface.
• Get creative and find a new line on ice-floes and walls throughout the Adirondacks. Ice climbing may seem like an extreme sport, but with a little practice and a good instructor, the ice walls of the Adirondack Peaks become a playground filled with possibilities. Licensed Adirondack ice-climbing guides offer instruction, equipment rentals, and insight into the best routes, as well as where to find them.

This winter, stroll along scenic Main Streets decorated for the season, or enjoy an outdoor bonfire after a friendly game of broom hockey. Whatever you do this winter, enjoy it in true Adirondack style!

Can't make it this winter? Summer in the Adirondacks is just as fun, offering:

• Wild Adirondack waterways great for canoeing and kayaking
• Towering peaks ripe for hiking
• Cliffs and rocks to climb
• Lakes to swim
• And rivers to fish

Adirondack birding opportunities abound and seasonal festivals offer a chance for birders to gather and walk the woods in search of boreal birds. Bike along Adirondack Scenic Byways or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting down the Hudson River. Golf along cedar-lined fairways or simply enjoy a stroll along an Adirondack hiking trail.

We're within a day's drive for 60 million people - and you're probably one of them.