46 “Peak” Ideas for Winter Activities in the Adirondacks

From winter festivals to outdoor fun and indoor cozy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the enchanting months of winter in the Adirondacks. Let these 46 “peak” ideas for unique adventures and memorable experiences inspire your plans for visiting the Adirondacks.

Dog sled across Mirror Lake

Winter Festivals & Celebrations

  • See the ice palace at Saranac Lake Winter Carnival or check out some of our other Adirondack winter festivals.
  • Celebrate President’s Day Weekend at the Adirondack WhiteOut Weekend in the Western Adirondack community of Clifton-Fine.
  • Inlet’s Frozen Fire and Lights event features outhouse races, memorable fireworks and other family-friendly winter fun to the village of Inlet, NY.
  • Take a Polar Plunge during the Lake George Winter Carnival. Loads of family-friendly activities from pony rides, ATV races and chicken wing cookoffs take place each weekend through February.
  • Find a full list of Adirondack winter carnivals here. 
     
Winter Realm

Winter Fun

  • Take the kiddos to Maple Ridge Snow Park, the largest snow tubing hill in Northern New York. Challenge your friends to a snowball fight outside of your hotel.
  • Build a snowman at a trailhead to welcome approaching hikers.
  • Visit the Olympic Legacy sites in Lake Placid.
  • Rip through the woods on a snowmobile at the world famous Tug Hill Plateau or all around the region.
  • Grab a seat in a dog sled and go for a ride.
  • Zoom down Lake Placid's free toboggan chute onto Mirror Lake.
  • Find a secluded frozen pond and glide around on skates. (Always check the ice first!)
  • Accept that friendly dare and take a polar plunge during the Lake George Winter Carnival.
  • Try ice-fishing on a frozen lake, but make sure to find an outfitter so you will be safe and comfortable.
  • Go snow tubing at Titus Mountain in Malone or Oak Mountain in Speculator.
  • Attend one of the many hockey tournaments in Lake Placid or an Adirondack Thunder game in downtown Glens Falls.
  • Try your hand at curling at the Olympic Center.
  • Find a good snowy hill and go sledding for the afternoon.
     
Bobsled Team

Cozy

  • Dash through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh to a fireside dinner.
  • Quench your thirst après ski at a local Adirondack brewery or distillery.
  • Rent a cozy cabin and hang by the fireplace. 
  • Snuggle by a campfire in an Adirondack chair.
  • Visit the Adirondack Coast for a winter wine tour.
  • Relax and rejuvenate at a day spa.
  • Stay at a hotel with a hot tub and soak muscles sore from skiing and hiking.
  • Sip cocktails by a cozy lodge fireplace.
  • Cuddle up in a cozy hotel bed and watch movies all day while the snow falls outside.
Fireplace

Family Fun

Indoor Waterpark

Outdoor Adventure

  • Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at one of the Adirondack’s ski resorts.
  • Come prepared and spend the night winter camping or glamping.
  • Go snowshoeing almost anywhere but try the official trail centers for mapped excursions.
  • Ice skate on frozen Mirror Lake in Lake Placid and check out the sled dogs! 
  • Or rent skates and loop around the skating oval at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid.
  • Glide through an Adirondack winter landscape on cross-country skis.
  • Plan an outing with a licensed guide to learn how to ice climb.
  • Grab your cross-country skis and snowshoes and follow the beer trail at the annual Tupper Lake Brew-Ski.
  • Strap some micro-spikes on your boots and go hiking at High Falls Gorge to see some frozen waterfalls.
  • Visit Tug Hill State Forest where there are miles of XC ski trails and scenic snowshoe loops and views of Rainbow Falls in its frozen winter state. 
Cross-Country Skiing

More Seasonal Bucket Lists

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Spring Bucket List
woman looking through binoculars on a boat in the Adirondacks

46 Things to Do in Summer

We've compiled a list of 46 "peak" experiences for enjoying the Adirondacks in summer, from drive-in movies to zipline adventures. What's on your bucket list this summer?

Build Your Bucket List
older couple enjoying Lake George Oktoberfest in the fall

46 Things to Do in Fall

Fall Bucket List

Adirondack Winter Adventures

Plan a Winter Escape

winter exploring at High Falls Gorge