Winter Is at Its Best in the Adirondacks

It doesn't matter if there's two inches or two feet of snow. A thrill-filled, action-packed winter getaway awaits in the New York Adirondack Mountains. There's no shortage of things to do to enjoy winter. Schuss the slopes at a downhill ski resort. Lace up some skates. Or explore the shops, cafes and restaurants in our small but vibrant Upstate New York towns. Home to the oldest winter carnival tradition in the Northeast and host of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games and the annual Empire State Winter Games, the majestic Adirondack Mountains are a perennial destination for world-class winter sports competitions, and the stomping ground of winter enthusiasts from around the world - there's never a better time than winter to enjoy the Adirondacks.

dogsled gliding across Mirror Lake in the Adirondacks in the winter

It doesn’t matter if there’s two inches or two feet of snow. A thrill-filled, action-packed winter getaway awaits in the New York Adirondack Mountains. There’s no shortage of things to do to enjoy winter.

skiers and snowboarders in the Adirondacks

Hit the Slopes

person taking in the view during a winter hike

Winter Hiking Tips

snowmobiling in the Adirondacks Tug Hill region

Snowmobile Trails

cross country skiing at Mt VanHoevenberg in the Adirondacks

Nordic Skiing

Deep Snow Treks

Guides & Places to Climb

Top Winter Events

List of Winter Carnivals

enjoy a campfire while winter camping in the Adirondacks

Winter Camping Tips

Adirondack Ski Mountains/Areas

There is no better way to take advantage of winter in the Adirondacks than by downhill skiing. If you live for the slopes, get excited – some of the best ski mountains in New York can be found in the Adirondacks. Imagine gazing off the lift at snow-covered mountains and gliding down the hill with glistening pines on either side. With months of cold weather, natural and man-made snow are plentiful, meaning longer ski seasons and more trails to ski! Find fun, family-friendly hills on some of the more family-focused mountains in the region, and challenging, technical trails at ski resorts.

From Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, a former Olympic venue, to Gore Mountain, Snow Ridge Ski Area, Titus Mountain and more, you will find fantastic skiing and other fun activities like snow tubing, in an unforgettable location.

Not one for downhill snow sports? Many mountains also offer cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking and snowshoe trails!

Where to Go Skiing/Boarding in The Adirondacks

Click on any of the following links to visit these ski mountain websites and buy tickets. You can also get the latest weather and snow information directly from these sites.

Hit the Slopes

Snowmobiling in New York

Strap on your helmet, settle into your seat and get ready to fly over the snow and wind through dense forests and over expansive fields. The Adirondacks provide not hundreds but thousands of miles of designated New York snowmobile trails for you to explore this winter. With a combination of groomed trail networks and wild, remote routes, you can choose your level of adventure. Satisfy your need for speed or take things easy and enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered nature around you. Many trail networks connect the cozy towns and villages of the region, giving you plenty of opportunities to stop, warm up and grab much-needed refreshments. Find your perfect trail and have fun snowmobiling in the Adirondacks this winter!

SNOWMOBILE NY!

snowmobiling in Adirondacks Tug Hill Region in the winter

Iconic Winter Carnivals & Events

Instead of hibernating, visit the Adirondacks and celebrate winter! Winter events (updated for 2024) are an excellent way to embrace the season. From holiday strolls and First Night celebrations to sporting competitions and winter carnivals, the towns and villages of the Adirondacks pull out all the stops. What is a winter carnival, you ask? Winter Carnivals are a deeply rooted Adirondack tradition. Just when winter starts feeling long and lonely, winter carnivals bring communities and visitors together through fun (sometimes zany) activities, games, parades and competitions. See how far you can throw a cast iron fry pan, take a daring polar plunge into a frozen lake, grab a drink at an ice bar, or race in an amateur snowshoe relay. It's authentically Adirondack winter fun for everyone.

Top Winter Events

Adirondack winter ice palace in Saranac Lake

Unique Adirondack Winter Activities

Break out of your typical mold and try something new this winter in the Adirondacks! In addition to popular snow sports and seasonal celebrations, the region also features unique winter activities you won't find in most places outside of New York. Take a dog sled ride or ice skate across a frozen lake or around the Olympic Oval. Visit our "New York North Pole," or shoot over Mirror Lake on a wooden toboggan. For those seeking a cold weather adrenaline rush, the Adirondack region is home to excellent ice climbing and winter hiking. Make your way to a mountain summit, covered in snow, for stunning snow-capped views. In wintertime, the Adirondacks are a wonderland, a snow-covered playground where anything is possible. Plan your trip and discover your adventure today!