Glide through the Adirondacks on Nordic skis
Cold winters, deep snowpack, and picturesque forests make the Adirondacks a great place for Nordic skiing. From groomed trails to backcountry thrills, there is something for skiers of all ages and abilities across the region. The Adirondacks are a skier's paradise, so bundle up and hit the trails!
Location, location, location
Sure, there is exceptional backcountry skiing around every corner in the Adirondacks, but if you're looking for something more tame, a diverse assortment of ski centers located throughout the region will provide you with groomed trails, rentals, lessons, and more! Most ski centers include trails for Nordic skiing (classic and skate) and snowshoeing, so don't feel limited to one activity.
Searching for an Olympic experience? Head over to Mt. Van Hoevenberg Ski Center where athletes train for competition on the big stage alongside skiers of all skill-levels. In the southern Adirondacks, Lapland Lake XC Ski Center also has an Olympic touch. Here, a beautiful woodland trail system, designed by a former U.S. Olympic skier, compliments a full-service day or overnight center. Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, located just one-mile from downtown Saranac Lake, is a perfect family-friendly destination and many trails are lighted for night skiing. Skiing in the shadows of some of New York's tallest mountains might seem intimidating, but at Cascade X-C Ski Center, groomed trails for all abilities, a large Nordic retail store, and a welcoming warming lodge creates a great atmosphere for all skiers. Searching for the best snow in the Adirondacks? The Paul Smith's College Visitors Interpretive Center (VIC) is home to some of the finest skiing, even when other areas don't have enough snow. You'll also be sharing trails with past, current, and future Olympians at the VIC, as it is the official east coast training center for the U.S. Nordic team.
But ski centers aren't the only places to find great skiing in the Adirondacks! Around the region, a variety of parks, trail systems, and backcountry trails offer exciting trips! Fern Park in Inlet has 20-miles of trails, 6 of which are left ungroomed for off-piste adventures. In Tupper Lake, the Tupper Lake Golf Club transforms into the James C. Frenette Sr. Recreational Trails, which is groomed for classic and skate skiing -- and is dog-friendly and has trails lighted for night skiing! Throughout Hamilton County and the Adirondack Hub, plenty of wilderness hiking trails become excellent backcountry ski tours once the snow falls. Still not sure which way to go? Head over to the Lake Champlain Region where you can ski the coast over snowy fields or alongside frozen bodies of water.
Check out all the Adirondacks has to offer for Nordic skiing this winter! But remember: in winter, it is especially important to come prepared and practice ways to Love Your ADK. The best way to avoid emergencies is to properly plan and prepare for your Adirondack adventures!
