It's still prime in the ADK for skiing, ice climbing, skating, sledding, and more.
There's Still Time to Plan Your ADK Winter Getaway
1.
On the ice
If you're in the Adirondacks and you start to ask around about ice climbing, you're likely to hear the same thing: Talk to Matt Horner, a climbing guide with the Mountaineer in Keene Valley. Matt's social media channels make it pretty clear why. They're loaded with stunning photos of people wielding ice axes as they ascend impossibly steep, otherworldy-white-and-blue curtains of shimmering ice. It's inspiring, beautiful, and a little scary (check them out at Instagram.com/matthewdhorner). He's climbed around the world and completed a lot of new routes in the Adirondacks, including one on Poke-O-Moonshine called "Endangered Species" that's only been repeated once.
2.
Fuel up for fun
Lungfuls of fresh Adirondack mountain air, thigh-burning exercise, and fresh powder are the ideal ingredients that will earn you rights to a hearty meal after skiing Whiteface Mountain. But the recipe for a perfect mountain meal varies, depending on the type of skier. Are you the “only fresh morning tracks will do” type? The “all-day, go till you drop” sort? Or are you cruising along, making conservative turns, remembering when your legs were sturdier and so was your audacity?
3.
Cabin fever relievers
Winter is here, has been here, and isn't leaving for a few more weeks. It's nothing to fret over, though! While we all might have a little cabin fever in us right now, the winter season is the perfect time to participate in some activities that get you out of the house to either enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, or even to enjoy some old (and new) hobbies indoors -- without feeling guilty about spending time inside.
Malone is full of off-the-beaten-path activities, many of which are little hidden gems of our area. When the snow is falling and there is a chill in the air, these cabin fever relievers are just what the doctor ordered. So put your boots on and rid yourself of that fever!
4.
Groomed to perfection
Winter is most fun when you get outdoors and play in the snow, and this doesn’t change the older we get. A favorite winter pasttime in the Adirondacks is snowmobiling, and the mountains and their surrounding communities welcome snowmobilers. Hamilton County, in the heart of the Adirondacks, offers great amenities and world-class trails. Endless trails that is. I spoke with Edward LaScala of the Indian Lake Snowarriors about why he loves snowmobiling in the Adirondacks. Here is what I learned.
5.
For the art lovers
We refer to Saranac Lake as decidedly different for a reason. We are very proud to be a hub of eccentricity in the Adirondacks. Because of this, the town is also known for its vibrant local arts scene. For generations it has attracted artists and other creative types, leading it to become the arts haven it is today. Downtown Saranac Lake has several galleries that feature and celebrate local artists. One of the best times to catch all this artistic glory is during the monthly Art Walk that happens every first Friday of the month during the winter season and third Thursdays of the month during the warmer seasons.
6.
An icy good time
I have been on the ice since I was seven years old, and if there’s one thing I’m thankful for it is all the opportunities that Lake Placid presents to get onto a frozen surface. Between Mirror Lake and the Olympic facilities there is no shortage of winter fun to be had on the ice, and these are are my top five picks to get out and enjoy it!
7.
7 wonders of Shaheen's
Located on Park Street in Tupper Lake, Shaheen's IGA is more than just a grocery store... it's a landmark, a integral part of the community, and a friendly reminder of what life in a small town is about. Shaheen's (Yes, locally you rarely ever hear someone say "IGA") isn't just a staple for residents, it is the one-stop-shop for campers, hikers, and travelers as they pop in to grab everything they need for for their next Adirondack adventure. But what makes this store stand apart isn't just the great selection they have packed on their shelves, it's the uniqueness that makes it stand apart enough to have someone remember their shopping experience for years to come.
8.
A great ski to a Great Camp
For Adirondack history buffs and cross-country skiers alike, Camp Santanoni may offer an equally alluring attraction. After all, the site boasts one of the last best surviving Great Camps in the Adirondacks and it requires a nearly five mile trek (each way) to visit.
I was fortunate enough to time my recent visit during one of the open house weekends put on by the New York State DEC, the Friends of Camp Santanoni, and Adirondack Architectural Heritage, when the main camp, gatehouse, and artist’s studio are open to the public. The boathouse is generally open even when the other buildings are not. There are three such weekends during the winter: Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Presidents weekend, and this year (2019) the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day.