The Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York state are just a few hours south of Ottawa, offering endless opportunities for family fun, inside and out.
Ski the greatest vertical drop (1,045 metres) east of the Rockies at Whiteface Mountain, enjoy factory outlet shopping in Lake George, or pursue the freedom of the trail with your family on snowmobile.
Winter is a time of celebration in the Adirondacks, when ski resorts and frozen lakes offer postcard-perfect moments to cherish all season long.
Adirondack alpine skiing forecast
With snowflakes already falling, ski resorts and communities are gearing up for a winter filled with ski resort offerings, world-class sporting events and many holiday festivities.
Located about 250 kilometres south of Ottawa, the Adirondack Region presents its winter preview:
• Gore Mountain in North Creek, recently named one of SKI Magazine’s Top 10 Mountains in the East by readers for its value, lifts, scenery and terrain variety, debuts a new high-speed quad lift dubbed the Adirondack Express II for the 2014-15 season.
• For the non-alpine skier, Garnet Hill Lodge in North River offers cross-country ski and snowshoe events all winter long, including full moon and nighttime ski outings, just a few kilometres from downtown
North Creek. The full-service lodge offers access to 55 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, lessons, a ski shop and complimentary bus service to Gore Mountain for alpine-minded guests.
• Oak Mountain in Speculator has been undergoing serious upgrades over the past couple of years, and this winter is no different. Expanded snowmaking and a new chef at Acorn Pub & Eatery, Lou Petrozza, who happens to be the runner-up from Season 4 of Hell’s Kitchen, tops the family-friendly ski mountain’s 2014-15 winter season updates.
Snowmobiling the Adirondacks
Home to hundreds of kilometres of snowmobiling trails that connect to statewide and Canadian trail corridors, the Adirondacks are one of the Eastern United States’ premier snowmobiling destinations, with additional connections to more than 16,000 kilometres of groomed and backcountry snowmobile trails.
Head to the Moose River Plains in the central Adirondacks to ride the largest block of remote Adirondack public land accessible by snowmobile, with trails accessible via State Route 28 in Inlet. Or head to the Adirondack’s Tug Hill Region, featuring endless kilometres of groomed and backcountry snowmobile trails at the western edge of the Adirondacks.
Winter hiking in the
Adirondack Mountains
Pack your family’s long johns, snowshoes and lots of water when hiking this winter in the mountains. The Adirondacks are home to over 3,000 kilometres of hiking trails – and when winter comes, the hearty still head into the wilderness.
From trails that wrap around Henry’s Woods community preserve in Lake Placid and Point au Roche State Park on the Adirondack Coast, to the programs offered by the Newcomb Adirondack Interpretive Center and the Paul Smith’s College VIC, a winter hike is a great way to stay active in the Adirondacks and glimpse the region’s wide array of wildlife, from birds to woodland critters.
Family shopping in the
Lake George Region
The Lake George Region is home to Gore Mountain, a world-class alpine skiing and riding resort offering exciting family activities, on the slopes and off. It’s also home to the Lake George factory outlets, a shopping complex located just off of NY Interstate 87, Exit 20.
The Factory Outlets of Lake George include several women’s, men’s and family clothing stores, with Banana Republic and J. Crew, home decor and outdoor recreation equipment, and much more. Shopping the Lake George outlets makes for a great après ski family activity.
You can bring the Adirondacks home with authentic fine furnishings, luxury goods and tasty gourmet items. Find retailers at www.visitadirondacks.com/shopping.