Grab your cross-country skis or your snowshoes and head out to the Tupper Lake Golf Course during the full moon. Throughout the season, the center hosts full moon parties in which enthusiasts can use the moon’s light to find their way as they glide across the trails. Not a skier or snowshoer? Come try it out or take part in the Brew-Ski event, where you can hit the trails and sample local brews at various spots along the way!

Before winter arrives, many of the birds native to the Adirondacks fly south to escape the frigid temperatures and look for consistent food sources. Many, but not all. There are a few brave warriors that prefer nesting in the winter months. It’s not uncommon to spot Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills, Gray Jays, and Great Horned Owl in the area. So, don’t put away those binoculars just yet.

Sometimes skiing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. just isn’t enough. So, rather than head back to the lodge, stay out and experience night skiing at Titus Mountain. Take advantage of an additional six hours on Friday and Saturday nights by staying on the slopes until 10 p.m.! Carve your way down 11 runs, hit up their two terrain parks, and stop into one of the two on-mountain restaurants for dinner. Just don’t forget to look up into the star-filled sky on your lift ride back to the top.

When Lake Champlain freezes over it becomes a multi-sport heaven. Sure there is ice fishing, skating, and hockey but it’s the unique winter sports that draw individuals to this lake. Enthusiast uncover their ice yachts and take to Lake Champlain for some high speed sailing. Ice yachts take on the traditional sailboat shape, but are much smaller. They are fitted with three runners (skate blades) designed to run over ice instead of through water. Hold on tight – speeds up to 68 mph have been recorded! How about combining two winter sports into one? Nordic skating is another popular activity that can be done on the lake. Think of it as a cross between Nordic skiing and speed skating — long skate blades and poles help propel you along the ice.

You’ll want to pack a few extra layers when visiting Saranac Lake in the winter. Year after year, it’s commonly referred to as the coldest town in the continental US. Don’t let the cold temperatures deter you though, the brisk, clear air will rejuvenate your lungs. It’s no wonder that in the late 1800s the town was one of the leading places to go for tuberculosis treatment. Breathe deep. 

There is a lot of joy that comes with winter in the Adirondacks. In addition to the snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, Saranac Lake hosts the oldest winter carnival on the East Coast. Beginning back in the 1800s, the carnival broke up the day-to-day monotony for Tuberculosis patients and helped them enjoy the long winter. Today, it is a celebration of winter! Offering everything from outdoor sports and recreation to an ice castle and fireworks, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival should be on everyone’s calendars.