46 Adirondack Winter Activities From Lake George to Saranac

You don't have to scale 46 peaks to experience all that the Adirondacks has to offer.  When planning a winter trip to the area, consider these 46 ideas for winter fun. The Adirondacks have something for everyone. 

Man on lake in winter

1. Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at one of the many ski resorts in the Adirondacks.

2. Come prepared and spend the night winter camping or glamping.

3. Cross-country ski near a quiet, frozen lake, or along groomed mountain trails.

4. Sing Christmas carols by an outdoor bonfire.

5. Go snowshoeing almost anywhere, but try the official trail centers for mapped excursions.

6. Ice skate on frozen Mirror Lake in Lake Placid and check out the sled dogs!

7. Participate in a winter sports race or community competition..

8. Be enchanted by the holiday lights and Main Street window displays in the small towns of the Adirondacks.

9. Visit the town of North Pole, NY,  and say hi to Santa at his Workshop!

10. Dash through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh to a fireside dinner.

11. Quench your thirst après ski at a local Adirondack brewery or distillery

skiers at Whiteface Mountain in the winter

12. Get cold, then warm yourself, head from your head to the tips of your toes, with a hot bowl of soup at an Adirondack area restaurant.

13. Brave the cold temperatures and watch New Years Eve fireworks at towns and lakes throughout the Adirondacks.

14. See the ice palace at Saranac Lake Winter Carnival or check out some of our other Adirondack winter festivals.

15. Rent a cozy cabin and hang by the fireplace.

16. Challenge your friends to a snowball fight outside of your hotel.

17. Build a snowman at a trailhead to welcome approaching hikers. 

18. Visit the Olympic sites in Lake Placid.

19. Rip through the woods on a snowmobile at the world famous Tug Hill Plateau, or all around the region.

20. Snuggle by a campfire in an Adirondack chair.

21. Relax and rejuvenate at a day spa.

snowmobiling in the Adirondacks

22. Stay at a hotel with a hot tub and soak muscles sore from skiing and hiking.

23. Take on the challenge of ice climbing but never climb alone!

24. Grab a seat in a dog sled and go for a ride.

25. Play in a hockey tournament on Tupper Lake.

26. Zoom down Lake Placid's free toboggan chute onto Mirror Lake.

27. Find a secluded frozen pond and glide around on skates. (Always check the ice first!)

28. Accept that friendly dare and take a polar plunge during the Lake George Winter Carnival.

29. Try ice-fishing on a frozen lake, but make sure to find an outfitter so you will be safe and comfortable.

30. Support local businesses and do some holiday (or any day) shopping.

31. Have fun at one of many Adirondack shopping areas.

32. Go snow tubing at Titus Mountain in Malone or Tubby Tubes in Lake Luzerne.

33. Sip cocktails by a cozy lodge fireplace.

dog sled dogs

34. Visit the set for the Star Trek Original Series in Fort Ticonderoga.

35. Go to dinner at a restaurant that you've never tried. 

36. Check out one of many ice bars in the Lake George area.

37. Attend the one of the many hockey tournaments in Lake Placid.

38. Try your hand at curling at the Saranac Lake Civic Center.

39. Enjoy the heated waters of Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark near Lake George.

40. Unlock your adventure at an escape room. 

41. Attend the Brew-Ski in Tupper Lake.

42. Strap some micro-spikes on your boots and go hiking at High Falls Gorge to see some frozen waterfalls.

43. Visit the Adirondack Coast for a winter wine tour.

44. Learn about Adirondack wildlife and check out the Wild Lights Experience at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake.

45. Find a good snowy hill and go sledding for the afternoon.

46. Cuddle up in a cozy hotel bed and watch movies all day while the snow falls outside.

Don’t forget – there is always something to do in the Adirondacks during the wintertime. Whether you are local or traveling from afar, try this bucket list and enjoy all that upstate New York has to offer!

High Falls Gorge in the winter

More Seasonal Bucket Lists

fishing in the Adirondacks during the spring

46 Things to Do in Spring

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

46 Things to Do in Summer

Summer 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