Winter Is at Its Best in the Adirondacks

Bring on the snow, Mother Nature. The Adirondacks are the never-never land of winter. Snow-covered mountains, glistening white trails and frozen lakes provide endless winter fun. From outdoor adventure and snow-centric activities for all ages to unique seasonal experiences, there are so many ways to enjoy winter in the Adirondacks. What are you waiting for? Pull out your parka, lace up your boots and make your way to the Adirondacks, where the magic of winter is alive! 

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. 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, host of the Empire State Winter Games, and the stomping ground of winter enthusiasts from around the world - there's never a better time than winter to enjoy the Adirondacks.

Snow Much Fun

skiers and snowboarders in the Adirondacks

Skiing & Snowboarding

Hit the Slopes
person taking in the view during a winter hike

Winter Hiking

Winter Hiking Tips
snowmobiling in the Adirondacks Tug Hill region

Snowmobiling

Snowmobile Trails
cross country skiing at Mt VanHoevenberg in the Adirondacks

Cross Country Skiing

Nordic Skiing
bunch of snowshoes in a circle

Snowshoeing

Deep Snow Treks
2023 FISU Games

2023 FISU World University Games

FISU Games
winter event in the Adirondacks

Winter Events

Top Winter Events
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival ice palace

Winter Carnivals

List of Winter Carnivals
enjoy a campfire while winter camping in the Adirondacks

Winter Camping

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

Hit the Slopes
Whiteface Mountain in Winter

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 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.

This January, visit the Adirondacks to spectate at the FISU World University Games. This 11-day international festival and competition combines high-level sport with educational and cultural events, all taking place in Lake Placid and nearby towns.

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!

Adirondack dog sled rides in the winter

46 Things to Do in the Winter

Winter Activities

foot bridge Adirondacks