10 ways to have winter fun in the Adirondacks right now

Lake Placid, New York | Photo by Compass + Twine

Winter time doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside! Hibernating until the spring thaw is for the bears. The key to enjoying winter activities is to keep moving and stay active. For East Coasters, often the first thought is to fly halfway across the country to enjoy the snow in the Midwest, but that isn’t necessary. About 5 hours north of busy New York City, the Adirondacks provide a plethora of outdoor activities to get the blood flowing during the bone-chilling winter months. Lake Placid has twice hosted the Winter Olympics so you can rest assured they’ve got all the necessary winter activities at the ready. Located in the heart of the Adirondacks, Lake Placid serves as an ideal home base for a weekend of relaxing, exploring, and enjoying Mother Nature outdoors.

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1) Ski Whiteface Mountain

Skiing Whiteface Mountain | Photo by Compass + Twine

With the largest vertical drop in the East (3,430 feet!) and 87 trails, Whiteface Mountain presents skiers with challenging slopes and long, fun runs. It’s a huge mountain with plenty of space and varying levels of difficulty among the runs, so there truly is something for everyone. At just under 5,000 feet, Whiteface Mountain is the fifth tallest peak in the country and one of the best places to ski on the East Coast.

2) Ice skate at the Olympic Oval

Photo courtesy of Flickr CC: Benson Kua

When the weather dips low and the ice freezes over on this outdoor rink, it’s the ideal spot for some skating. You’ll be zipping around the same ice as former Olympian speed-skaters from the 1932 and 1980 games. Bring your own blades or rent a pair on site and spend an afternoon twirling around the rink, breathing in the fresh mountain air.

3) Dogsled on Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake covered in snow | Photo by Compass + Twine

Mirror Lake is a sight to behold when it freezes over. In the heart of Lake Placid, it’s the focus of a lot of fun winter activities, including dog-sledding. On super cold days, you’ll see the dogs and their mushers along Main Street. Hop aboard and you’ll get a dogs-eye view of Mirror Lake, as you’re pulled across the ice. No matter which outfitter you choose, tickets typically run about $10.

4) Hike at High Falls Gorge

Surrounded by towering pines | Photo by Compass + Twine

Winter in the Adirondacks is a great time for hiking, as long as you know the right place to go. While there are plenty of marked trails around the area, a killer spot to visit for something a little different is High Falls Gorge. Glass bottom bridges showcase nature from a different perspective, allowing you to see the frozen Earth below your feet. There are four waterfalls to be discovered and groomed hiking trails make for the perfect place to snowshoe. During the winter, be sure to check the calendar for availability and hours.

5) Hit the Olympic ski jump

Olympic skip jump | Photo by Compass + Twine

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If you’re afraid of heights, don’t let the sight of this scare you off; you can’t actually use the 1980 Olympic ski jump. However, the ride up may still be a little nerve-wracking. Chair lifts whisk you up above the snow-covered slopes to the top of the hill. Then, you ride an elevator up even higher to the very top of the jump to take in the view from the athletes’ vantage point. The panorama shot you get of the Adriondacks all around you is pretty unbeatable. When you come down from the jump, be sure to hop onto the Olympic medal blocks and take a bow. Going that high up certainly earns you the gold!

6) Sip vino along the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail

Cheers! | Photo by Compass + Twine

Who says winery tours are just for the warmer months? Upstate New York has been making some delicious wines in recent years and many of those wineries are open for tours year round. Hit the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail to tour the vineyards and sample some local flights. A few sips and you’ll be warmed up from the inside out!

7) Snowshoe

Snowshoeing at John Brown Farm | Photo by Compass + Twine

Stop at Cascades Ski Center and rent a pair of snowshoes. Once you’re locked in, head out onto the trails behind the ski shop to get your cardio in! Another great spot to explore is John Brown Farm, just down the road. A beautiful setting with an open field and log cabins, there are historical markers every few feet to get in a little history lesson during your work out, as well.

8) Ausable Chasm

Photo courtesy Flickr CC: Amy Meredith

What can’t you do at the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks”? In summer, biking, rafting, repelling, tubing and rock climbing are all available here. During the colder months, a tour includes snowshoes or ice cleats, and you’ll see the frozen Ausable River, amazing ice and rock formations, and the chasm blanketed in powder.

9)  Cross country ski

Cross country skis at Cascades Ski Center | Photo by Compass + Twine

Cascades Ski Center also has a great selection of cross country skies. Longer than downhill skis, these allow you to slide and glide through the snow along back country trails. It’s a great cardio workout and is sure to leave you sore the next day.

10) Hot tub time

Outdoor hot tub and pool at Whiteface Lodge | Photo by Compass + Twine

After all the skiing, snowshoeing and hiking around the Adirondacks, you deserve some pure relaxation time. Hopping in an outdoor hot tub in the winter is a strange, wonderful sensation. The warmth of the water is a stark contrast to the cool air so be sure to bring a hat to keep your noggin warm.

Tagged: Destinations, New York