Ah, the wilderness, those wild lands set aside to be forever natural and free from permanent human intervention. The wild world here is front and center. For years, people have been traveling to the Adirondacks to experience these incredibly unique and wild places. Whether it was hunting, transcendental relaxation, or just leisurely enjoyment, wilderness areas in the Adirondacks are still today hubs for all things natural.

 

For those seeking an outdoor challenge, a meditative walk in the woods, or ample opportunities for solitude, the Adirondack Hub has enough designated wilderness areas for all to enjoy. The low hanging fruit is, of course, the High Peaks Wilderness. This vast tract of rugged terrain has been calling aspiring 46ers for decades. It’s important to remember, though, that these lands are indeed rugged, at times very difficult to navigate, and not for the faint of heart. But if you’re new to the game and just dipping your toes into the proverbial wilderness waters, don’t worry - there are options for you that are just as serene.

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Getting started

Each year, millions of people visit the Adirondacks, many of them venturing into wilderness areas. Whether you’re here to hike into the wilderness or relax on a park bench in town, it’s important to remember that the natural world here presents opportunities for all explorers of all ages and all experience levels. You should always keep the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace front of mind in order to enhance your own experience outdoors, and to help protect and preserve the unparalleled wonders of the Adirondacks for generations to come.

 

When preparing for a hike, be sure to pack your 10 Essentials, including:

• Map and compass (that you know how to use!)
• First-Aid supplies
• Layers of clothing (be sure to wear non-cotton items and have waterproof/windproof layers because you never know what the weather will do)
• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
• An emergency kit (whistle, signal mirror, etc.)
• A waterproof container with matches or fire starters
• Adequate food
• Plenty of water
• Protection from the sun and insects (I cannot stress this enough - a hat, sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, and a bug net can make a trip much more enjoyable, especially in late spring)
• Emergency shelter (tent, tarp, sleeping bag) and a plan for possible worst-case scenarios

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If you need a checklist, this one can help you plan. Being responsible and preparing for time outdoors not only increases your chances of having a good time, but it also could save your life.

Next steps

So, now you’re packed and ready to hit the trail. But maybe you aren’t ready for a 20+ mile climb in the High Peaks. Good news! I have selected two wonderfully wild, perfectly peaceful hikes that can help get you started. Did you know there are three different Wilderness Areas in the Adirondack Hub? That’s right! Alongside the High Peaks is the Hoffman Notch Wilderness and the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, where we will begin our journey.

 

Gull Pond

Gull Pond is not far from a road by any means, but it lies within the boundary of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, meaning that you can’t drive to the shore of this quiet pond. It’s all walking! The good news is that the trail is short, direct, and a perfect option to get you started on wilderness hiking. The DEC sign at the road says it’s 0.6-miles to the pond; I GPS’d it at 0.53-miles. Either way, it’s not far on a mostly level, wide path. 

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Little legs (if you have kids in tow) might need a hand crossing some of the water bars and stones, but otherwise, there is nothing challenging about this hike. Arriving at Gull Pond is a spectacle. The trail drops you off on a very small cliff with amazing views across the water. The hardest part about hiking to Gull Pond is getting there in your vehicle. Parking is on a back road, off the beaten path, and the lot has some substantial ruts. If you have a high clearance vehicle, great; if not, just take it slow. From the parking lot, though, it’s an easy hike to a beautiful pond in the wilderness. A hike here will definitely leave you wanting more.

 

Bailey Pond

Next on our list is Bailey Pond. This is a real mud-on-your-boots, wind-in-your-face wilderness hike. Located in the mostly trail-less Hoffman Notch Wilderness, the trail to Bailey Pond starts at the Loch Muller Trailhead, which is at the end of a dead end road that looks like a driveway. Trust me, just follow Loch Muller Road to a snowplow turnaround and then keep going. You’ll eventually come to a split; a driveway goes straight, if you turn right, the parking is just up the road. From here, it’s all wilderness. Unfortunately, all the signs indicating that Bailey Pond exists are gone as of May 2022 (where they went is a mystery), but I promise the trail is open! Head into the woods on the trail at the far end of the parking lot and turn left at the very first junction and follow the blue trail markers all the way to Bailey Pond. The trail is not hard to follow and is very well defined.

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The trail to Bailey Pond is just under 1-mile long, and not overly challenging, but it does not have the same ease as Gull Pond. The first 0.2-miles are slightly inclined and bypass private property. It can be a little muddy, so please stay on the trail to avoid trail widening and erosion. Once you reach the height of a hill, turn right and you’ll be on an old woods road. When I last hiked it, the trail was covered in violets and other wildflowers. Multiple bridges along the way help you cross brooks and, before you know it, you’ll find yourself looking at a spot that seems like it deserves another bridge, but there is none in sight. Here you can continue straight to check out West Branch Trout Brook or turn left to reach the shore of Bailey Pond in a few hundred yards.

 

I saw TONS of moose tracks on my last hike. Keep your eyes open! You never know who is sharing the trail with you.

Next up: more wilderness

If you want to continue on your wilderness journey, try the hike to Boreas Ponds! This exquisite area was only recently opened to the public, so the road is very new (gravel, but new and drivable). The walk to the ponds is on the same gravel road, so it’s not as “wild” as other hikes, but it’s still a great experience in the High Peaks Wilderness (and a gorgeous view).

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If you want to extend your wilderness stay, check out backcountry campsites in the area! But if you would like a comfy bed and restaurant meal at the end of the day, there are options for every palate and taste right in town.

 

Enjoy everything that the Adirondack Hub has to offer, from pristine wilderness areas to buffalo, warm coffee to historical interpretive sites. Stay wild!

Let’s take a walk. A walk through the woods, a walk along the river, a walk through history. Plenty of Adirondack towns have years and years of history but in my opinion none as fascinating and evolving as that of the Upper Works. Those woods hold secrets and mysteries we may never figure out but thanks to the Open Space Institute (OSI) we are able to do a little less assuming and a little more learning.

The journey to the old ghost town begins on the Old Tahawus road, a road that shifts and shapes to the contour of the land, with nothing but pavement and trees for as far as the eye can see. But with every passing mile and turn, rusted structures, dilapidated buildings, and fallen rocks slowly start to take shape through the towering pine and spruce trees. Then you make it to the first historical landmark on your adventure, the McIntyre Blast Furnace, which was completed in 1854. It has sat there for over 150 years untouched and unbroken. The structure stands tall and truly represents the perseverance of the men who designed, built, and operated one of the first coal burning furnaces. The furnace towers over the plot of land it's situated on and is nearly impossible to miss.

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Now pulling off and taking a look at the furnace is only one of the great features the Open Space Institute is trying to highlight. Continuing down the path to the river you'll find the remnants of what used to be the mill located on the water. A lot of the structure itself has been destroyed due to time and erosion, but the parts that do remain are put back together with depictions and illustrative panels located on the lookout. Now perhaps my favorite part is the trails following the river that connect the blast furnace site to the MacNaughton Cottage. The trail is roughly 0.7 miles long and follows smooth terrain along the water's edge. And along these trails bits and pieces of the Adirondack history start to come to life. You’ll see remnants of old buildings and structures as you glide through the woods. After only a few short moments you make it to the end of the trail and arrive at the MacNaughton Cottage.

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The McNaughton Cottage, which is located just up the road from the furnace, was once a place that held many wealthy entrepreneurs, businessmen, the first bank in the Adirondacks, and even a US president: Teddy Roosevelt to be exact. He was staying at the cottage when he received news that the President at the time, William McKinley, had been shot in Buffalo. If you are a lover of history I would absolutely recommend heading to the North Country in the beginning of September when the Town of Newcomb celebrates Teddy Roosevelt weekend! They do full tours of the Upper Works and even have a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator to tell the stories! All of this information is available for every person to see. So, continue your own exploration of the Upper Works, take a walk down the newly developed gravel road and marvel at the resourcefulness of OSI. Instead of removing and demolishing all the old homes and buildings, they decided to leave the stone and brick chimneys standing and created renderings of what the structures looked like. You see how the blast furnace operated, how the buildings appeared in their primitive years and how such a small town made such a huge impact in the North Country. Take steps back in time and just enjoy the moments.

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Now, the Upper Works trails are not just for adventurers passing through on their way to the southern access point for the High Peaks; thanks to the Open Space Institute, they were able to create a new parking area and trail to make the experience accessible for everybody around. So the people looking to enjoy both options but unsure about taking the hike between the furnace and the cottage are able to with no problem. The parking area is suitable to fit over 60 cars and is very spacious. Now the road getting there, on the other hand, tells a different story. It has definitely seen its fair share of wear and tear over the years but if you take your time and dodge the potholes like you dodge the black fies in the summertime you will be just fine.

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The Upper Works offer a glimpse of how a small town used to run and operate. A town so tiny you have to squint to see it on a map. It is hard to believe that such a small town can make such  a huge impact in history. Whether you're a lover of history or a lover of being outdoors and adventure the Upper Works is a great place to explore! For more information about the Upper Works be sure to check out the Information Center in Newcomb and for more historical sites to see in the Hub head on over to our website under Museum and History!

All the adventures, all the amazing memories

When you think of a summer family road trip, what comes to mind? Is it staying in a charming motel or a tiny cottage abundant with rustic charm? Maybe you think of a beach day with favorite foods packed in the family cooler for a picnic. Perhaps it’s just the creation of memories that are indelible: your mom driving the car at the end of the day while you nod off in the backseat, or the feeling of excitement when you arrive at a new, exciting destination, full of wonder.

The Adirondack Hub, a family vacation destination for generations, is an absolutely ideal location for a road trip tinged with nostalgia and retro fun. Forget the iPad, put down the phone: it’s time for fun and games, ice cream and hot dogs, and new adventures for the whole family. Best of all, these vacation ideas are easy to get to, and even easier to love.

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Play

Vacationtime is playtime! No matter how old you are, summer vacation will always have you feeling young at heart. The Adirondack Hub, with its lakes, beaches, wilderness areas, and super neat and unique attractions, is perfect for a relaxed family getaway. Here, you're in the center of everything but crowded by nothing!

On land

As early as the 1940s, Americans took road trips to the Adirondacks and its neat roadside attractions. Some of them remain, while others capture that feeling of nostalgia and celebrate the long history of the area. Be wowed by Mother Nature at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, where you can walk through a geologic wonderland. This kid-friendly location is full of stunning scenery, tumbling waterfalls, gorges, and lighted surface caves. In Newcomb, outdoor adventures can continue with a horse-drawn wagon ride to Great Camp Santanoni or a hike at the Adirondack Interpretive Center, where kids are encouraged to play, explore, and learn about the world around them in the visitor center.

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On the water

It's really not a summer vacation if you don't hit the beach for a day of sun, sand, and play! The Adirondack Hub is full of options for families to enjoy a classic beach day, complete with snack shacks, close proximity to ice cream stands, and picnic facilities. Enjoy the waters of Lake Harris in Newcomb, located close to a campground and café, or jump into the fun in Schroon Lake, where the sweet treats and hot eats of downtown are just a short walk away.

For an extra cool adventure, rent a canoe, kayak, SUP, or even a motorboat to get out on the water! You can even hire a guide to explore unique, lesser-known areas. There's nothing quite like being out on Adirondack water with the sun overhead and the wind in your hair. It doesn't get much more classically Adirondack than with an adventure on the water.

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Stay

The toughest thing about staying in the Hub? Deciding which awesome option is best for you! Families can find their home away from home among sweet motels, lakeside cabins, or even the great outdoors!

Blue Ridge Motel

Ideally located halfway between North Hudson and Schroon Lake, Blue Ridge Motel is an Adirondack favorite. In 2019, new owners set about giving this classic roadside stop a refresh, and it's cuter and better than ever! A woman-owned business, Blue Ridge Motel offers comfortable rooms, easy access to local attractions, and a delightful gift shop. It's close to everything, from the totally unique Adirondack Buffalo Company to the secluded North Hudson Beach Park, a tranquil spot to cool off and play the day away.

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Sleep under the stars

Family camping is a rite of passage. Even if the tent falls down, the marshmallows get a bit too burned, or a chipmunk resents you taking over his spot, camping is a grand adventure that is so much fun all of the little troubles melt away (just like those marshmallows). The magic of giggling over a campfire, watching for shooting stars, and awakening to birdsong are all part of the original "get back to nature" vacation. Away from the glow of the phone, camping in the Hub offers fragrant pine forests, sparkling lakes, playgrounds, and even boat rentals! Pro tip: If sleeping on the ground isn't your idea of fun anymore, try glamping! It's just as fun and a little easier on the body.

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Enchanted cottages

As you drive through the charming small towns of the Adirondack Hub, you may notice a variety of retro cabins and cottages tucked into scenic groves of trees and overlooking lakes. They're nostalgic reminders of the Golden Age of road trip travel in the Adirondacks and, for a family getaway, they can't be beat for convenience and fun. Cottages are great for having a little more room to spread out, to being just steps away from sandy beaches, canoes and kayaks, and more. Enjoy breakfast on your own screened porch and fall asleep to the sound of water gently splashing outside. If it sounds too good to be true, rest assured that it's even better!

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Dine

We're firm believers that part of the fun of going on vacation is trying new foods and restaurants. A classic summer road trip ought to include fun foods, a few treats, and experiences around the picnic table that the family will be talking about for a long time to come!

Sweet, sweet summer

Ice cream and candy. Enough said, right? There are plenty of delicious, summery treats in the Adirondack Hub, so you'd better pace yourself! Ice cream lovers will find hard and soft ice cream at seasonal spots like the Stone Bridge Ice Cream Shop, home of the famous "Stone Bridge Rocks" sundae. In Schroon Lake, you have a few options. The western-themed ice cream wagon at Licks and Cones is a sweet reminder of the famed theme park Frontier Town in nearby North Hudson.

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Delicious delights

Although it might seem like it, summer isn't just about sugar. You need to eat real food too (sorry!), but fortunately for you, there are many, many amazing options. We have barbecue, coffee shops with fresh baked goods and breakfast sandwiches, diners, woodfired pizza, pub food, farm to table fine dining, and so much more. It's all locally owned and operated too, by local residents and chefs who believe in great quality food in a comfortable atmosphere. Dine outdoors, with lake views, or simply grab and go for a picnic. Our restaurants, snack bars, and stands are easy to get to in every town and offer dishes that even picky eaters will dig into. Don't tell the kids, but this is quality time: time to share a plate of fries, time to relive the fun you had all day at the beach, time to enjoy the sunshine and the beauty of the Adirondack Hub.

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Whether you roll into the region in a '55 Thunderbird or a kid-friendly minivan, the classic, nostalgic feel of the Adirondack Hub will let you relax, enjoy everyday adventures, and the joy of a family road trip. While you're here, be sure to check out local events, such as the delightfully festive, delightfully retro public square dancing in Schroon Lake! Even if you have two left feet, you and your family will have a blast.

“When despair for the world grows in me/…I come into the peace of wild things/who do not tax their lives with forethought/of grief. I come into the presence of still water./…For a time/I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”

-Wendell Berry, excerpted from “The Peace of Wild Things”

Whenever the opportunity to write about “wellness” arises, I try to seize the opportunity. That isn’t because I find wellness particularly interesting — although I do, indeed, hold immense interest in wellness of the mind, body, and soul — but, rather, because it forces me to pause and reassess my own life. How is my stress? Have I been practicing self-care? Have I been actively carving out space for myself to embrace joy, movement, or stillness? Just about every time, I realize I would benefit from more intentional wellness. There are a number of ways I embrace self-care and wellness, but, like Wendell Berry, I consistently find peace amongst the wild things. April is National Poetry Month, so it seems quite fitting that Berry’s poem, “The Peace of Wild Things,” immediately comes to mind.

The above words first entered my life as I approached the end of my senior year in high school. Now, I will admit the slightest part of me was biased towards Berry’s “Peace of Wild Things” because we shared the same last name. As an eighteen-year old, I thought that was delightful. But Berry’s sentiments about finding peace in the stillness of nature, especially during times when life seemed too much to bear, was a catalyst to reconsider my relationship with nature, a relationship that is now central to my identity. The outdoors had always been my space for recreation — bike rides, playing tag, soccer matches, and pick-up basketball games while inhaling puffs of CNY pollen. But prior to reading “The Peace of Wild Things,” I had never considered the outdoors as a place for stillness, for refuge, for healing. And, as our dear friend Robert Frost wrote, “that has made all the difference.”

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Studies have proven that time spent in nature provides cognitive and psychological benefits. The 6.1 million acres of the Adirondacks hold seemingly endless opportunities for immersing oneself amongst the flora and fauna, and the Adirondack Hub is no different. Below you will read some of my favorite wellness activities and where to enjoy them in the Hub.

Read a book by the water

I love to read, but I especially love reading outdoors. There is something about the sound of the wind rustling leaves, the birds chirping, and water gently caressing the shoreline that allows me to quiet the mental chatter and feel at peace.

Minerva, NY offers a terrific, scenic, and quiet aquatic spot to bring your favorite book. Rankin Pond requires a 0.3 mile hike along a gentle trail to reach this perfect wellness destination. Bring a lightweight chair or a blanket, choose the spot that calls to you, and enjoy. If you have a lightweight boat that you can carry, you will be treated to peaceful, calm, sheltered waters sure to calm the soul.

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Go for a walk or a run (or a ride!)

It’s no secret that physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand. Movement releases endorphins and dopamine. Endorphins and dopamine result in feelings of joy, pleasure, and happiness (as well as improve focus and memory). Win-win! Some people prefer walking to running, and some prefer running to walking. Either way, your endorphin-dopamine release awaits! 

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If you are looking for a goal to help motivate, Schroon Lake, NY is home to the marathon distance festival in September. The festival includes a marathon, a half-marathon, a two- and four - person team relay, a 10k, a 5k, and a 1k. Whether you are a runner or a walker, the marathon distance festival is a perfect event to choose a fitness goal that works for you! This year’s festival takes place from September 17-18, 2022.

Prefer traveling the world on two wheels rather than two feet? Schroon Lake is an outstanding and scenic destination for cycling enthusiasts! In fact, every region in the Hub has opportunities for a cycling adventure. Be warned — there are some serious hills throughout the Hub, but if you’re up for the challenge, these routes are hard to beat!

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Enjoy some comfort food (and buffalo sightings!)

I love food. A lot. Exploring new cuisines is one of my favorite ways to unwind and focus on something that isn’t the never-ending to-do list we all experience on a daily basis. North Hudson, NY is home to Frontier Town Gateway. In addition to being a spot with great history and plenty to explore, Frontier Town also offers tasty food and beverages to enjoy during your visit. If you come on the right day, you can attend a Bollywood Night and enjoy delicious Punjabi food! If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out. And if you have, it’s time to go back to those delicious flavors you’ve been craving since your last visit!

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While you’re in town, you have to make sure you visit the Adirondack Buffalo Company. While I have never read research connecting buffalo sightings with improved mental wellness, I know my heart is happy whenever I am near wildlife. Seeing as how “buffalo sightings” are far from your typical Adirondack experience, taking a moment to see these beautiful animals for yourself is well worth the trip!

Treat yourself to a unique lodging experience

Sometimes a change of scenery and surroundings is all you need to feel more at ease. Whether a vacation or a staycation, the experience of packing a bag to stay elsewhere triggers something in my brain to be a bit more focused on myself and those I am with. That said, bells and whistles in a hotel have never been my cup of tea. I appreciate them, of course, but my splurges tend to go towards the experiences rather than the lodging. If I have a safe and comfortable environment, I’m happy. Camping has become one of my favorite lodging options of choice. I’ve had chances to go glamping and often scoffed at the opportunity (see above statement regarding splurging on experiences vs. lodging). Dear reader, I will be the first to admit I was wrong.

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The Lake Harris Lodge offers glamping, and it is so much more than simply lodging. It truly is an experience, and one I recommend to anyone and everyone. I enjoyed myself so much that I wrote an entire blog dedicated to my becoming a believer in the glamping life. To those who were like me — or, how I used to be: don’t knock it until you try it!

 

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No matter where you go in the Adirondack Hub, you will find plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, and wellness. Plan your next visit to the Hub and enjoy your rejuvenated getaway!

Camping. It conjures up images of rugged outdoors people, peaceful fires, and starry nights. While the Adirondack Hub has many campgrounds to visit, there are so many other sites where you can crawl into a sleeping bag and spend the night in the wilderness. I’m talking about backcountry camping, and there is no better place to do that than here.

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Pack it up

After a rather eventful winter camping trip one year, I decided to spend more time camping in summer. Nothing against winter; I just prefer to be warm. In summer, the gear changes a bit (hopefully there's no snow!), but there are still some essentials to pack.

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Here’s a list of gear and some background:

• There are lean-tos in the Adirondack Hub, but if you want to use a tent, there are tent sites as well. For milder nights, a 3-season tent should suffice, but a 4-season tent will have sturdier poles and heavier fabric, making it less susceptible to strong gusts of wind or heavy rains.
• Make sure your backpack is large enough to fit all your gear.
• Your sleeping bag should be rated at least 10-degrees Fahrenheit lower than the coldest temperature predicted. You can vent the sleeping bag if you get warm, or add a liner for additional warmth.
• A good sleeping pad is essential for comfort and warmth at night! These pads are rated by R-value, which is a measurement of insulation. The higher the R-value, the better the pad insulates. Pro-tip: if you get cold easily, try two pads! A foam pad on the ground with an inflating pad on top is my go-to!
• Carry a good backpacking stove with backup fuel for cooking.
• A map and compass should always be in your pack. (And you should know how to use them!)
• This one is super important. Have proper clothing, including layers for when the nights get chilly and a waterproof outer layer just in case. No cotton allowed for clothes or socks. Pack extras of everything in case something gets wet or is needed for extra warmth.
• Make sure your boots are waterproof. A nice pair of gaiters can also help keep mud out.
• There is definitely more gear and supplies you’ll need to bring (like food!); this is not a complete list. The Department of Environmental Conservation advises that hikers, campers, and all outdoor recreators Hike Smart by following a responsibility code and carrying proper gear. 
• Speaking of food, make sure yours is stored properly. Bear canisters are the best way to protect your food from hungry critters! 

And, hey, there's nothing wrong with testing your gear in the backyard before you head out into the woods.

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Where to go

So, you have all the gear you need and you’re ready to spend a planned night camping in the Adirondack Hub. Where to go? Camping is allowed anywhere on the Forest Preserve, unless marked “Camping Prohibited.” If not at a designed site, backcountry sites must be at least 150 feet from waterbodies, roads, or trails.

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In total, there are 38 designated primitive tent sites and 14 lean-tos in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. The Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest has an equally impressive number of campsites/lean-tos. One of the newest lean-tos is at Wolf Pond, with striking views of the High Peaks nearby. The Essex Chain in Newcomb is also a new addition to state land, and has great campsites. There are two accessible backcountry campsites along the Roosevelt Truck Trail. Call the DEC for a motorized permit. Of course, there are many, many other sites scattered through the Adirondack Hub. Get yourself a map and guidebook to help you narrow down your selection. 

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Just remember that in summer and fall sites can full up quickly. Everything is first come, first serve. If you want to sleep in a lean to, awesome, but be prepared with a tent as well in case the lean to is occupied already. 

My last trip

My last trip camping in the Adirondack Hub was in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Honestly, it was my first trip to this wilderness and I was blown away by the solitude and peacefulness. Since my friend was coming from farther away, we spent one night at the Putnam Pond DEC Campground before leaving the next morning from the trailhead within the campground. We opted for a scenic spot along Pharaoh Lake, and after a beautiful sunset, I was positive we selected the right site. The next morning, the lake was smooth as glass and I was reluctant to leave. But with over 40 other sites to choose from, another trip was already being planned!

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Stay informed

Remember that this blog is just a tool that can be used to get you started. It cannot completely replace proper guidance. I recommend talking to local guides or gear shops to get first-hand advice and gear instruction from experts.

By practicing Leave No Trace ethics and taking the Love Your ADK pledge, you’re already on your way to having a safe and enjoyable camping trip. This year, prepare for some fun camping under the stars!

"Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture."

- Mark Kurlansky

“What’s your favorite ice cream?”

“What’s your favorite movie?”

“What’s your favorite book?”

“What’s your favorite band?”

Questions such as these have always been impossible to answer, at least in my mind. How do you pick one ultimate option, one superior to all others? There’s just too much pressure to choose THE option, so I often resort to providing a “Top 5” list. But there is always that option here and there that consistently ends up in each of my Top 5 lists. Ice cream? Soft serve chocolate and vanilla twist with rainbow sprinkles. Movie? Forrest Gump. Book? Fahrenheit 451. Favorite band? The Beatles (okay, I will say on the record that The Beatles is the greatest band of all time, and Geoff Emerick is the greatest sound producer of all time). 

I was recently asked what my “Top 5 list of all things in life” would be. Without hesitation, I said, “I have no idea, but I know 'food' will always be on that list.”

I love food. I love eating it. I love cooking it. I love learning about it, experimenting with it, combining it, trying it, receiving it as a gift, smelling it, sharing it, reading about it…the list goes on and on. But food takes an especially important role in my life as I am Asian-American, and Korean food has been a staple in my life, the life of my family, and our loved ones. My friends request that I make “the delicious spicy Korean beef dish,” bulgogi. Both my mother and I shared a litmus test of whomever I was dating based on whether or not he could handle the spice and tang of kimchi, a spicy, fermented cabbage. (Side note: my fiancé loves kimchi.) Yaki mandu — dumplings — are life. Eating Korean food, cooking it, and sharing it is a central element to my connection with my Korean heritage. So when the opportunity arose for me to write about a man named Mo from Pakistan who shared Punjabi food with people in North Hudson, NY, I leapt at the opportunity to meet someone who also uses food as a way to share culture and build community with others. 

Muhammad "Mo" Ahmad was kind enough to sit for an interview as I learned about his life in the Adirondacks, how he brought Bollywood Nights to the Frontier Town Gateway, and his plans for the future in the Adirondack Hub. 

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Thanks for meeting with me Mo! Before we talk about your Bollywood event and your work with Frontier Town, let’s get to know you. Tell us: who is Mo?

[laughs] Well, my full name is Muhammad, and people call me Mo. I am originally from Pakistan. 

I came to the Adirondacks back in 2006. My first gas station was in Schroon Lake. That gas station used to be a garage, not a convenience store. It was closed at the time, and that was my first opportunity to come to Schroon Lake. That was a tough period. Renovating and starting a new business in a small town — it takes a lot of time! It’s tough. I had a few partners, but they left, one by one. It was too cold for them! [laughs] And there wasn’t a lot of social life. But I stuck around and made friends, and I just loved it here.

So then in 2014, the Exit 29 gas station was another place that had been abandoned for over a decade. I got the opportunity to renovate that, and it has been open since the end of 2014 right across from Frontier Town.

How did you start getting involved with Frontier Town?

When I got the gas station at exit 29, I dreamed about this big building [the current location of Frontier Town], but I could not afford it. It was for sale for a long time, and I wanted to do something with it. I wanted to make this something special for people to come out and enjoy everything we offer.

Eventually, I was able to purchase this property as my own. I was able to clean it up and open a restaurant with a coffee shop and a retail and supplies store. My future plans are to have a proper events center. We’ve already had two successful car shows, one being with the North Hudson volunteer fire department. They were shocked at how many cars we had at Frontier Town! There were so many people there.

People have come back and been so emotional at what we’ve been able to accomplish. I mean, their childhood was here, and they used to come to this same space so it really brings back a lot of memories for them. It feels good when people come in and share stories from when they were kids. So my intention is to have memorabilia and to have a special space where people can come in and see those memories. People have been already donating memorabilia to me — just giving it to me — because they thought it was the best place for those items and where they are meant to be. So we have them for the past generations to remember and for future generations to know what it once was.

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Are you doing this for the long haul?

Yes, definitely! We have big plans to bring life back to this exit. It will not only help North Hudson and Schroon Lake, but the whole region. We can be a launching point for the eastern side and the southern side of the High Peaks.

For someone who has never heard of Frontier Town in their life, how would you describe it?

I can start with my own example! When I was working at the gas station at Schroon Lake, I was not from here, had never heard of Frontier Town, didn’t know what the history was. So one of my employees said to me that she was “going to Frontier Town.” So I’m wondering, you know, that there must be another town like North Hudson, just another small town where people live. [laughs] I had no idea what Frontier Town was. Then, I learned that Frontier Town used to be a theme park with this great history. But now, with social media and everything, people are talking about where it was and where it is. So for people who do not know about Frontier Town, there should be some sort of information center. I actually plan to have our own visitor center that gives information about Frontier Town as well as other attractions.

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One of your recurring events is "Bollywood Night." What would someone coming to Bollywood Night at Frontier Town be able to expect?

Well, first of all, Bollywood isn’t just one night — it’s recurring on a regular basis because so many people come to this area and they want that food, and there’s not much food like that around here and [other regions of the Adirondacks] to offer. There’s restaurants in Lake George, but those people are coming north, too. There’s just no other halal food in the whole region. [Note: halal is Arabic for “lawful” or “permitted.” In reference to cuisine, halal food is considered a dietary standard as prescribed by the Qur’an.] So that lets us provide services to people here looking for halal food. 

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When people think of the Adirondacks, things like hiking, biking, and skiing come to mind. “Bollywood” is not the typical go-to of things you expect to experience in this region. For these Bollywood events, the idea of food and culture are so closely engrained to one another. What are some traditional dishes that are served and people can look forward to eating? And forgive me, you will probably have to help me with how to spell them correctly.

Of course! So for traditional dishes we offer — I am from Punjab, Pakistan, so the dishes we offer are from that region. So in different regions, the same foods are cooked differently. So for what we serve, traditional Punjabi food has more spices so things are more flavorful. Not spices as is “hot” spices, but as in spices just to make it really flavorful Our most popular dish that we offer is butter chicken.

Oh! I can spell “butter chicken.”

[laughs] It’s a mild dish. It’s really creamy. For people who have never tried curry, butter chicken is a really great place to start. Your tastebuds can then grow with other dishes.

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We also have chicken curry, and then we have biryani which is a dish with rice and chicken cooked together. That is definitely one of the favorite dishes back home. It is a very famous dish. People who like rice will like it. 

We have dishes for vegetarians like chana, but we call it lahorie chana here. Lahore is the city where I am from, the second biggest city in the whole country. So we call our chana lahorie chana. So that’s a dish where chickpeas are cooked in our stock and served with a lot of spices, and that’s cooked differently than they are cooked in other regions. 

Another dish we have is palak paneer. Palak is a ground spinach, and paneer is Indian cheese. It’s a very creamy and nice dish that can be eaten with naan or with rice. 

Well, now I am hungry! So you have the food portion happening on these nights. What else happens at one of these evenings?

Right now, we don’t have other things going on outside of the food and playing music in the background. We hope that, in the future, we can have larger gatherings to really celebrate the culture properly and serve things the way we serve over there [in Pakistan]. So for now, what we have starting off has been amazing. It has been and still is our busiest event. People just love to come up and try something different. 

I would imagine that a lot of people who’ve attended this event have not had prior exposure to Punjabi cuisine. 

Yeah, I would honestly say about 70% of the people we have come in have never had experiences with this kind of food! And they like it! We’ve had very good feedback. They have never had a chance [to try this]. They are not going to go from up here down to New York City just to have this type of meal. So we are giving them the opportunity to try it right in their own backyard. If people are living in larger cities, there are all sorts of opportunities to drive to these kinds of restaurants. But we are giving people a chance to do that up here.

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Were you surprised by how well-attended this event has been?

Oh yes, definitely. The first few weeks, the only thing we advertised through was Facebook. That was it. The people knew about it either through word of mouth or by sharing the event online, and people were really excited about it. Everyone was supportive and came in numbers. It reached the point where I actually had to tell people that we didn’t have stuff! So that was in October. Then, of course, there are the campers at that time who are around — just so many people — and things slow down in winter because the season is just tough. There aren’t as many people who are out and traveling, so we are doing it once a week right now. But once schools are out, we will be doing this at least three or four times a week on a regular basis. 

When does this event take place, currently?

So it’s every Saturday. We originally used Thursdays, but now we have switched it to Saturdays just because a lot of people couldn’t make it on Thursdays. But, we are going to be going back to Thursdays. This is a temporary move. The goal is to get it to Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 

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Does the event always start at the same time?

The event runs from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. We just have the restaurant open during those hours and people come and go. It’s not like everyone comes at the same time [laughs]. But some people decide to just order food to take home, and others sit within the restaurant. People order their dishes and pay for meals, just as they normally would with a restaurant. 

You’ve brought so much of your culture to the Adirondacks. What is some of the Adirondack culture that you’ve adjusted to? Aside from the cold — that’s a huge adjustment for anyone, no matter where you’re from but especially from Pakistan!

Oh yeah, [laughs] the winter and the cold — definitely. But for me, just coming from a different background and a different culture…it was difficult because there were things like the food — there wasn’t any cultural food here when I first came to the region, so I was just cooking for myself and was just eating my food. But honestly, I love it here. It’s just so beautiful and the people are nice. Everyone has been very welcoming. I love the mountains, the lakes, the rivers…I love it.

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Is there anything you would like to add before we say farewell?

I’m very appreciative of the support I’ve gotten from the local community and surrounding towns. So many people have come to support my business and my efforts, and I truly just want to thank them. And hopefully they continue to support future projects that I do on this property. It is a fifty acre property with three-quarters of a mile of river front. There’s just so many opportunities here. 

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Before your next visit to the Adirondack Hub, make sure you go to the Facebook page for the Frontier Town Gateway for the Bollywood Night schedule and plan your trip accordingly! And don't forget to say hi to Mo while you are there!

For those of you who don’t know, it was recently my birthday. However, my mother-in-law, in her sweet, gift-giving spirit, informed me that I’m a really hard person to shop for. She’s not wrong. My favorite things in life are birding, eating pie, and skiing. I already have enough binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides, skis, helmets, poles, etc. to keep me busy, and, let’s face it, pies are hard to wrap. It got me thinking: where in the Adirondack Hub are the best Adirondack-themed birthday gifts from? Believe it or not, between woods and waters, there are some pretty awesome shops with locally-made, purely Adirondack products. And then plenty of other shops that can help outfit upcoming outdoor adventures with the latest gear. So, next year, if you’re looking for a present for me (my birthday is in the beginning of February), I suggest starting your search at one of these fine establishments. Hint, hint. Nudge, nudge.

Pine Cone Mercantile

I’d say the vibe of my house is modern, but with a rustic twist. So, really, anything from the Pine Cone Mercantile would fit in perfectly.

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North Woods Bread Co.

North Woods Bread Co. is located at the Pine Cone Mercantile, and this is the closest you’re going to get on this list to buying me a birthday pie. The bread selection varies every time I visit, but I’ll take a loaf of anything, please! Or a carrot cake muffin with cream cheese filling. I’m not picky and will be entirely happy with any sweet thing delivered to me on my birthday. (If you really want to take me out for a birthday pie, let's go to Pitkin's for dinner and dessert because Marie's pies are simply the best.)

Adirondack General Store

On the quiet east shore of Schroon Lake is the Adirondack General Store. In addition to serving breakfast and lunch, selling fishing tackle and nightcrawlers, and having groceries, the Adirondack General Store is FULL of classic Adirondack gifts. Last time I was there, I saw a cute picture frame with a canoe on a river carved on the bottom. That’s a Janelle gift if I ever did see one.

Gokey’s Outlet Store

I’m really not sure how to describe Gokey’s, so just go there when there’s an auction this summer and bid on something really cool for me, okay? Plus, the Outlet Store has literally one of everything. It won’t be hard to find a gift here.

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Adirondack Buffalo Company

Aside from being my favorite animal viewing location in the Adirondack Hub, Adirondack Buffalo Company has a unique store with great unique gifts! Even if you don’t want to buy something here, I’ll settle for a scenic drive to Blue Ridge Road just so I can see the buffalo. 

Frontier Town Gateway

New on the scene, Frontier Town Gateway is a great place to pick up some last minute gear before hitting the trails. And a good meal. I collect maps from all over, and Frontier Town Gateway has an entire aisle with maps and outdoor stuff.  

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Pine Haven Cottage

Pine Haven Cottage is not open during winter, but, if I were shopping for me, I’d be there opening day this spring to purchase a pillow with a moose on it, hand-sewn and adorable.

Stirring Creations

Stirring Creations is a rustic furniture and homemade soap gift shop. Check with me first before buying any furniture (redecorating a home can be a bother sometimes), but a bar of handmade soap makes for a great gift. The best part? Stirring Creations’ soaps are specifically made for people with sensitive skin so they make your skin feel amazing. (Plus everything smells really good!)

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Newcomb Cafe and Campground

For my last birthday my husband took me birding and out to breakfast. I’d like that to be replicated every year with breakfast at the Newcomb Cafe and Campground. The general store has a lot of products by local artisans in the Newcomb area, which would be a really special touch for an Adirondack birthday.

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A NEW CANOE

I forgot to mention that I also love paddling. I know, I know. A new canoe is expensive, but something lightweight from the Adirondack Canoe Company or Hornbeck Boats would be the best present ever. Better yet, just drive me to Minerva, drop me off at one of the stores so I can test paddle canoes, and I’ll buy myself the perfect boat and paddle myself home somehow.

Bark Eater Outfitters

I’m a big fan of buying a shirt everywhere I go that says the name of the place. Help me add to my collection by purchasing me a shirt that screams Schroon Lake! Bark Eater Outfitters has a great collection of shirts, hats, and apparel that will help anyone embrace that Adirondack aesthetic.  

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Happy birthday, Janelle!

So, there you have it. A pretty comprehensive list of places to shop for me for my birthday next year. I guess this list could be applied to other birthdays, too. Is your mom’s birthday coming up? Maybe book her a stay at a relaxing, lakeside motel! Does your best friend have a birthday next month? A gift card to Paradox Brewery will be a hit! Or find something interesting at the Towne Store. Get dad a bear sculpture from North Country Carvings. Are you out of ideas for your niece or nephew who already seem to own every single toy in existence? Take them candy shopping at Pit Stop Sweet Shop! The options are endless. And there’s no better place to spend your next birthday than the Adirondack Hub. 

A restaurant roundup, that is

Once upon a time, the Adirondacks were alive with the sound of neighing, galloping hooves, and perhaps, just maybe, the occasional “giddyup!” Amid the rugged greenery of forested mountainsides and winding river valleys, an array of dude ranches, overnight horseback riding camps, and Western-themed attractions called this part of the Adirondacks home. You could lock your dad in the stocks at Frontier Town before a stagecoach thundered past pulled by horses, sleep under the stars and ride every day, or meet a real, honest-to-goodness cowboy or cowgirl.

I am not the best rider, but I do fancy myself a bit of a cowgirl and I’m kind of sad that there aren’t as many ranches around as there used to be. Let’s be honest: eating beans off of a tin plate sounds quaint, but is that really the life you want every day when you’re on vacation? Wouldn’t you like to pair your barbeque with a cool, crisp craft beer? I thought so. Fortunately, the Adirondack Hub still has plenty of equestrian atmosphere, along with an array of cowgirl-worthy restaurants designed to make your boots dance with joy. So let’s say goodbye to the chuck wagon, and say hello to decadent flavor!

9 Mile Coffee

Forget diamonds, coffee is a cowgirl's best friend. Whether it's a perk up before an early trail ride or an icy treat after visiting the herd at the Adirondack Buffalo Company, the goods at 9 Mile Coffee in Schroon Lake are there for you. There's a latte to love here (I can't take credit for that line, sorry), including a food menu that's a big step up from standard fare. Think: nutella croissants, lavish breakfast sandwiches, and bagels slathered in maple cream. Cinnamon rolls are synonymous with ranch house food, and the cinnamon rolls at 9 Mile are a testament to that frosted, sweet goodness.

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Paradox Brewery

From brewing for friends and family to a popular 25,000 square foot brewery, Paradox Brewery has always been about crisp, distinctive flavor. Founder Paul Mrocka and his team focus on exceptional ingredients, careful craftsmanship, and pure goodness. The Paradox Pilsner is a refreshing pour, while lovers of maltyness need to try the Get Off My Lawn (bonus points for a great name!). Pair your cool ones with elevated pub-style food. We're partial to the bratwurst on a German bun with a side of sauerkraut, along with the decadent charcuterie board. With such dreamy food and drink, you'll find it hard to tear yourself away and get back in the saddle!

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Frontier Town Gateway

If you visited the Adirondacks in 1950s and 1960s in the summer, you might have spotted a lot of kids wearing cowboy hats, silver sheriff's badges, or neckerchiefs. Chances are, they'd been to Frontier Town, a popular Wild West theme park in North Hudson. Every day was full of stagecoach robberies, shootouts, and horseback riding shows. Ads for Frontier Town, which closed many years ago, claimed it offered "The Best of the West in the East," but now a new owner has rejuvenated part of the original park property and, with diverse food options and the Adirondacks' most popular Indian and Pakistani food, the Frontier Town Gateway offers what we would say is the best of the east in the west. Hot, fresh food is available every day at the 1895 Grill, while Saturdays are extra flavorful with the Taste of Lahore nights. Frontier Town Gateway celebrates the equestrian-themed past of the area with decor, souvenirs, and memorabilia. Lasso up a rodeo burger or our favorite samosas and enjoy!

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Trail Break at Schroon Lake

Okay, with a name like that, how could we not love this restaurant? More than just the name, however, Trail Break is an excellent spot to sit back, rest your booted feet, and savor the rustic, wood-paneled atmosphere over a great meal. Pay homage to the reason we're cowgirls in the first place and tuck into the NY strip steak, or fancify your plate with the roast duck. After all, you're on vacation so you might as well treat yourself! Trail Break also carries a lengthy menu of craft beer and cider, so you can have fun selecting just the right stout, IPA, or ale to accompany your meal.

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Just like any roundup, there are a few dogies that escaped our eagle eye! Learn more about all of the Adirondack Hub's dining options, from pizza to poutine! While you're here, find a great lodge to soak your feet and hang your hat!

I’d love to start this story off by telling you I had a magical time cross-country skiing in the wonderfully wild forests of the Adirondack Hub. I’d love to tell you that everything was perfect. If you use the internet at all these days, you’ve probably seen travel advertisements, where all the people are smiling, the sun is always shining, and nothing is ever wrong. No one ever shows the tears, the gear malfunctions, the tiring agony of breaking trail through feet of snow for miles and miles - that "Instagram vs. Reality" display.

I set out on Sunday morning, a mere two days after the Adirondacks received 12+ inches of snow, hoping to find quiet trails and a new adventure. And, now, I’m here today to tell you the real story, what really happened out there in the wild. Frankly, it wasn’t at all what I had planned, but, as a lover of the childhood drink lemonade, I tried my very best to make lemonade out of some very frozen lemons.

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Here’s how the day began:

Stop 1

Saturday night I sat in bed trying to decide which trail I wanted to visit. I landed on Wolf Pond. Why? I have no idea. There was nothing online that said “this is a good trail for cross-country skiing.” For all I knew, it was going to be a hilly nightmare. But “Whatever,” I told myself. “I’m a strong skier.”

When I arrived in the parking lot it was a surprisingly warm 5-degrees. Call me crazy, but the sun felt good. Another vehicle was already there. Orange vests and beagles gave this group’s goal away: they were rabbit hunters. Hunting has never bothered me; I grew up in a hunting family, but when I realized I grabbed my backpack without my red bandana tied to it, I considered finding a new spot (even though I had a maroon coat, I like to make sure I'm very seen). The hunters told me they were going way off trail and not toward the pond, so I wouldn’t have to worry. So, I went for it. Not two minutes down the trail (which was a narrow, windy trail not really ideal for skiing as it turns out), I started to smell something familiar, something awful. It was dog poop, covered in snow in the middle of the trail, that I had just skied over. I took my ski off to remove the poop now stuck to the bottom, but it had frozen solid already. Great.

I don’t want anyone to think I am against dogs or anything. They can’t pick up their own poop. But we can. And we certainly don’t need to cover it with snow in the middle of the trail. The trails are here for us all to enjoy. The lesson learned here at the Wolf Pond trailhead is to always be aware of your surroundings. When in the woods with hunters, wear bright colors. When cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, mind the yellow and brown snow. Nothing sours your mood quite like a ski with a frozen chunk of poop on it.

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Stop 2

I ended up getting most of the poop off my ski in the Wolf Pond parking lot, but by that time I decided to head somewhere else. I stopped at Overlook Park in Newcomb so I could use the running water in the public bathroom to fully clean my ski. (This is also a great spot for a scenic moment of zen on a clear day, with the High Peaks in the distance.)

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Stop 3

An hour after I started skiing at Wolf Pond, I decided to check out two small ponds with small trails near Minerva. Twentyninth and Rankin ponds are not large and each trail is under a mile round-trip. Neither trail was broken out (meaning it was all deep, fresh powder ahead). Twentyninth Pond was the first I chose to visit (it's a waypoint on the route to Stony Pond). On the map, it’s only 0.3-miles from the trailhead, but breaking trails it might as well have been 300. I couldn't even see my skis for awhile under all the snow!

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The trail consists of rolling hills. For the beginner skiers, I’d recommend avoiding this spot unless you’re ready for a workout. There’s a small tent site on the shore of Twentyninth Pond. On my way back to the car I realized how much fun I was having on the down hills. Having been skiing (downhill) for most of my life, it always takes me a little by surprise how awkward I feel on cross-country skis going down a hill. But today, I was having a blast on the downhills. In fact, I skied down and then went back up one hill just to do it again. And then I did that a few more times. Now, the woods were quiet, save a Hairy Woodpecker drumming away, the sun was shining, and I was all smiles. 

I never did make it to Rankin Pond, but all’s well that ends better. Even ventures outdoors that don’t start as romantic or transcendental as you hope can still turn into positives.

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Lessons learned

Not every trip into the woods goes as planned, but if you are prepared for different scenarios, it’s less likely to end badly. Here are some of my tips for how to have a good time cross-country skiing when everything else seems to go wrong: 

• Have a “plan B” trail in mind. Sometimes trailheads are not plowed immediately after a storm, or they are full. Always have a few options in mind to help ensure you have the opportunity to get out there and ski!
• Know how to safely share the woods with others, including hunters and dogs.
• I always have snowshoes strapped to my backpack after a very traumatic experience cross-country skiing a few years ago. (I was 3-miles from the car and my binding broke so I had to tie a rope around my boot/ski, effectively making a long, skinny snowshoe. It was that or bare boot back to the car.) Gear breaks sometimes. It happens. Know how to fix it or have a backup plan in case something goes wrong in the woods.
• Take a deep breath. I won’t sugar coat it: I cried on Sunday. But you know what? It all worked out. My skis are now poop-free and I ended up having a great day exploring some new trails.

A recipe for skiing success is not complicated: equal parts preparation and attitude, mix, and enjoy!

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The roads to Boreas Ponds and Great Camp Santanoni are also excellent skis, but they are long. To combine skiing with another activity, the Roosevelt Truck Trail is perfect for birding and gliding! Or, hit the links and ski on the Schroon Lake Golf Course. After you’re done skiing, head into town for a warm meal and a cozy bed, and to start planning your next trip!

Alpine skiing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I remember growing up outside of Rochester, NY and learning how to ski on a very small hill with a tow rope. I remember graduating to “the big mountain” - which has half the vertical of Gore Mountain. I remember going back to the small hill to teach lessons when I was in high school and college. I guess you could say I think skiing is pretty great, and I’d happily spend any day on the mountain, enjoying thrilling black diamond trails or helping others learn the art of gliding on snow.

But I know that every person, every body is different. Gore Mountain has taken this to the next level. For more than 20 years, Gore has been providing adaptive ski lessons. What is adaptive skiing, you ask? Adaptive skiing uses specialized equipment to help people with disabilities experience the joys of downhill skiing. There is a certain sense of freedom that comes from being able to ski, and everyone should have the opportunity to try a truly amazing sport.

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I recently spoke with Bruce Tubbs, a supervisor at the Snowsports School at Gore Mountain who primarily focuses on children’s lessons and the adaptive program. Above all else, Bruce said any ski lesson, whether it be adaptive or not, is about developing balance, confidence, and motivation. Simply put, there is nothing quite like skiing.

What is adaptive skiing?

As Bruce told me when we chatted, the goal in any adaptive program is to make modifications for individuals who have limitations so they can safely slide down the mountain. At Gore, trained and certified instructors provide lessons to individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities. Each lesson is different, but is built on the same principles: meet the specific needs of the student. Bruce said that instructors have worked with individuals who have spine weakness, suffered strokes, or have vision or mobility challenges, or ADHD, among other limitations. Children or adults can partake in a lesson; there is no age limit to learning how to ski or refining skills!

 

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There are six disciplines of adaptive skiing: bi-ski, 3-track, 4-track, mono-ski, developmental, and visually impaired. There is a variety of equipment used in adaptive skiing, including:

• Bi-ski: this is a sit-down ski that assists skiers who have balance impairment and/or lower extremity or trunk weakness. It is designed for those who use a wheelchair or have difficulty standing or walking. Bi-skis can be used independently or with the assistance of an instructor.
• Mono-ski: a mono-ski is a bucket-style piece of equipment like the bi-ski, but it is only operated by the skier; there is no physical guidance from an instructor and it is used independently.
• Two-track skis: these are essentially “normal” skis and boots for people who can stand on two skis but might need a tether for some extra leg support and a spacer for tip retention to help with ski positioning and muscle movements.
• Three- or four-track skis: this type of equipment is used for individuals who have the ability to stand on one or two legs, but need the added balance and steering provided by outriggers. The goal is to provide four points of contact with the snow so skiers can remain balanced. Three- or four-track skis are best for individuals with cerebral palsy, leg amputation, spina bifida, or brain injuries.

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At Gore, adaptive skiers have the ability to use equipment for: three-track skiing with outriggers, bi-skis (two are available), and a mono-ski with outrigger. 

Gore’s adaptive program

Do you or someone you know want to join Gore’s adaptive ski program? It’s as easy as making a phone call! It’s recommended you call a week or two in advance so the Snowsports School can make sure an instructor suited to your needs is available. Each lesson is 2-hours long, and there are two instructors per student. Set-up and introduction are included in the first lesson, and since the goal is to create an environment for recurring lessons and strong relationships, everything is saved from lesson to lesson. The certified staff and instructors ensure skiers are properly fit for the equipment they need. Everything is written down and sized during the first lesson so that during follow-up lessons skiers are able to get out on the slopes faster. In the words of Bruce, at the end of the day, Gore’s adaptive staff want to get you what you need and make your day fun. 

As any beginning to ski lesson will go, skiers start on the easier trails and work their way up to more challenging terrain. Sunway here you come!

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If this all sounds expensive, don’t worry! There are tools available to help accommodate the costs. The New York State Access Pass gives people with disabilities free access to state-run parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities (including Gore!). Lift tickets, equipment rentals, and one additional ticket for caregivers are included; the skier only pays for the lesson itself.

Go with the snow

Bruce said the adaptive program has been growing in popularity over the last 20 years, but especially in the last five. The benefits of skiing are enormous - from confidence building to experiencing the refreshing joy of skiing down a mountain - and with adaptive programs, skiing is becoming a sport that entire families can do together regardless of abilities and limitations. Call the Snowsports School at Gore Mountain (518-251-4804) today to make your reservation! There may be new COVID-19 protocols during the 2021-2022 season, so be sure to visit the website for the latest information.

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While you’re visiting the Adirondack Hub, be sure to also check out other accessible things to do to make the most of your winter! From accessible lodging in Newcomb at The Inn at Santanoni to sampling delicious beer and snacks at Paradox Brewery to taking a scenic drive through the beautiful snow-covered forests of Minerva, the Adirondack Hub is your place for winter adventure. And Gore Mountain is THE place to be for skiing, from Jamboree all the way up to The Rumor. See you on the mountain!

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Photos of ski lessons courtesy of Gore Mountain.