Plan an Adirondack Winter Getaway
From Lake Placid to Schroon Lake, winter in the Adirondacks means fresh snowfall, twinkling villages, and bucket‑list adventures. Use this guide to the best ski resorts, family winter fun, iconic festivals, and Olympic sites to plan your trip.
Quick Trip Tips
- Prime snow season is December through early March
- Book lodging, lift tickets, and popular events early
- Dress in breathable layers; pack hand/boot warmers
Best Places to Ski & Snowboard in the Adirondacks
Legendary slopes and family‑friendly mountains across Wilmington, North Creek, and Queensbury.
Whiteface Mountain
Wilmington, NY
One of the tallest vertical drops in the East, Whiteface offers expert runs, terrain parks, and a scenic gondola with breathtaking views.
Gore Mountain
North Creek, NY
Four peaks, 100+ trails, and stunning mountain views - perfect for skiers of all levels.
West Mountain
Queensbury, NY
Family‑friendly slopes, night skiing, and snow tubing for all ages near Lake George.
Best Family‑Friendly Winter Activities in the Adirondacks
Snow tubing, sledding hills, and cozy indoor waterpark fun for all ages.
Dynamite Hill
Chestertown, NY
A local favorite for sledding and winter fun. Pack your sleds and enjoy a day of snowy thrills with the whole family.
Maple Ridge Snow Park
Lowville, NY
Northern New York's largest snow tubing hill - laughter and snowball fights guaranteed.
Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
Queensbury, NY
Warm up indoors with water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools - perfect for winter weekends.
Unique Winter Festivals & Events in the Adirondacks
Fireworks, ice palaces, outhouse races, and small‑town magic all winter long.
Lake George Winter Carnival
Lake George, NY
Every February, enjoy the Polar Plunge, cook‑offs, fireworks, and live entertainment.
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Saranac Lake, NY
Dating to the 1800s, this two‑week celebration features parades, curling, fireworks, and the world‑famous Ice Palace.
Brant Lake Winter Carnival
Brant Lake, NY
A quirky festival with outhouse races, fry pan toss, ice bowling, and fireworks - pure Adirondack fun.
Scenic Winter Spots & Olympic History in the Adirondacks
Ice skating, snowshoeing, and world‑famous Olympic venues in Lake Placid.
Sheffield Speed Skating Oval
Lake Placid, NY
Skate the nation's oldest outdoor speed skating rink, where Olympic history was made.
Lake Placid Olympic Sites
Lake Placid, NY
Tour legendary Olympic venues, from ski jumps and arenas to interactive sports museums.
Mirror Lake
Lake Placid, NY
Ice skate, dog sled, or stroll snowy downtown Lake Placid along this frozen winter favorite.
Adirondack Winter Map: Ski Resorts, Festivals & Olympic Sites
Use the map to plan your winter route around Lake Placid, Wilmington (Whiteface), North Creek (Gore), and Queensbury (West Mountain).
Example 2‑Day Fall Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Tour Lake Placid Olympic sites
- Evening
- Winter Carnival fireworks
Day 2
- Morning - Afternoon
- Snow tubing at Maple Ridge Snow Park
- Après
- Hot cocoa + fireside cozy time
Where to Stay for an Adirondack Winter Getaway
Stay cozy and close to the region's best ski resorts, festivals, and Olympic sites. Book your winter adventure today.