Cross-Country Skiing in the New York Adirondacks

Cross-Country Ski Through the Adirondacks

Throughout the Adirondacks, cross-country or "XC" ski trails traverse frozen lakes, dash along forested glades and circumnavigate every town from Lake George to Star Lake. It is one of the most easily accessible - and easiest to learn - winter sports. Trek along the famous Northville-Placid Trail, or XC ski from Keene to Saranac Lake exclusively on the Jackrabbit Trail. Grab a headlamp and enjoy skiing under the stars. Many cross-country ski trails are multi-use, offering Adirondack snowshoeing tracks parallel to XC ski trails. For a more adventurous excursion, Adirondack outfitters offer backcountry expeditions and overnight treks. Pack binoculars for wildlife viewing and a winter picnic to enjoy on a soft blanket of snow.

The Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center in Benson offers a cross-country skiing retreat perfect for families. Operated by U.S. Olympic skier Olavi Hirvonen and his family, discover a bit of Finland in the Southern Adirondacks - and plenty of trails to explore.

Groomed Trails, Restaurants, and More to Keep You Skiing

Cascade Cross Country Ski Center just outside of Lake Placid provides everything skiers need - from a fully outfitted ski shop to ski and snowshoes rentals, to lodging and an on-site restaurant and bar. A can't miss Adirondack event, Cascade's Full Moon Ski Party offers live music, bonfires, and refreshments. Enjoy the center's 20 kilometers of groomed trails that connect to nearby Mt. Van Hoevenberg, with miles of trails through towering, snow-covered forests. Part of the Olympic Sports Complex, Mt. Van Hoevenberg also serves as a biathlon training facility for Winter Olympic hopefuls. See if you have what it takes and sign up for the "Be a Biathlete" workshop.

Check out the Paul Smith's Visitors Interpretive Center trails, offering wildlife lookouts, or head to Dewey Mountain in Saranac Lake for their Friday night Ski Jams complete with live music and refreshments.

Lake George area recreational trails parallel the Hudson River and wind around the Adirondack foothills. The Tughill Plateau may be well known as an NY snowmobiling haven - yet cross-country ski trails can be found everywhere. Check out Barnes Corners Ski trails or the Lowville Forestry Nature Trail for scenic, leisurely skiing. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, check out one of the eight ski resorts in the region and discover why we're the winter destination of choice for generations of skiers, riders, and snowmobilers.