There’s no better basecamp for adventure in the Adirondacks than the Adirondack Hub. Our snow-covered winter communities create the perfect environment for locals and visitors to get out and enjoy the fresh air while providing all the amenities needed for post-adventure relaxation. This region is an epicenter for outdoor enthusiasts, so much so that the activities are so numerous, that it might be hard to choose which ones to do! To get you a head start on planning your adventure in New York State's Adirondack Hub, here are 8 of the top things you can do on a stay here this winter.
1. Explore on snowshoes
Lace-up your snowshoes and get ready to explore some of the most pristine winter landscapes in the southern Adirondacks. For a chill outing, check out the interpretive trail at the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC). And if you’re looking for a longer day out in the Adirondack Mountains, look into the trails that weave their way through the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area near Schroon Lake. You’ve got options on this network, from hikes to backcountry ponds or to mountains like Treadway, and even the namesake Pharaoh Mountain (for experienced snowshoers). From gentle paths to rugged backcountry routes, snowshoeing here is a truly immersive experience—perfect for beginners craving peace or seasoned snowshoers seeking adventure.
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2. Cross-country ski trips big and small
For those who crave that gliding rhythm of cross-country skiing, the southern Adirondacks are a slice of heaven. A favorite amongst locals and visitors, especially beginner cross-country skiers or those with families, plan a trip around Santanoni Winter Weekends. At these special events, you can combine hot cocoa, history, and welcoming cross-country ski trails into one day of winter fun. And if you’re coming to the Hub with experience, consider a thru-ski of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness, an absolute classic tour that anyone who’s spent time on skis in the backcountry should get out and do. Aside from these two adventurous options, there are many more ski trip possibilities in the Hub!
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3. Ski or snowboard at Gore Mountain
Did you know that Gore Mountain was one of the first ski resorts in the country to form a Ski Patrol? This, among a flurry of other “firsts”, fun events, and recent improvements, is enough to make any skier, from beginner to seasoned slopestyle, want to spend time on this ski mountain. Not convinced? Here are some stats: 14 lifts, 108 trails, 7 mountain areas, 2,537 feet of vertical, and multiple lodges for eating and relaxing.
If you stay at the Lodge at Schroon Lake, enjoy complimentary shuttle rides to and from the mountain, where a day of fresh powder awaits. Spend the day carving turns, then return to the Lodge to unwind by a crackling fire—a true winter retreat.
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4. Ice fish on picturesque lakes
The Hub is known for having some of the Adirondacks’ most productive bodies of water for ice fishing. Bring your tip-ups, warming huts, and patience to our iced-over lakes and ponds, you won’t be disappointed. Try your luck at Lake Harris, Minerva Lake, Schroon Lake, or Paradox Lake. Each lake has its charm, whether it’s Harris’ proximity to the High Peaks or Paradox’s proximity to a brewery that shares its name. If the ice is thick enough in March, the Schroon Lake Ice Fishing Derby draws anglers from near and far and offers a lively community atmosphere and a bit of friendly competition.
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5. Connect communities on snowmobiles
Gas up your snowmobiles, get your friends together, and plan out a link-up of the Hubs' many groomed snowmobile trails! Starting from Newcomb, you can ride all the way to Hamilton County, stopping at gems like Newcomb Café for a warm coffee, cocoa, and pastries. The Schroon Lake/ North Hudson snowmobile club manages hundreds of miles of trails, with pit stops at local establishments dotted along the entirety of the network. Riding with friends through the snowy Adirondack Mountains is a special experience, and connecting communities through snowmobiling is a satisfying way to spend a winter weekend.
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6. Family fun with ice skating & sledding
Embrace classic winter fun with ice skating and sledding at rinks and hills in Schroon Lake, Minerva, and Newcomb. These towns host family-friendly skating rinks with warming huts so you can sip hot cocoa in between laps. The Newcomb Sledding Hill, Minerva Sledding Hill, and Schroon Lake are all prime sledding spots for a day of laughter, thrills, and rosy cheeks. Combining skating and sledding in these communities keeps you close to many of the amenities, from cozy cafes to delicious lunch stops and main streets. Speaking of…
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7. Stroll down Schroon Lake’s storybook main street
Finish any day with a leisurely stroll down Main Street in Schroon Lake, where small-town charm is alive and well. Stop by 9-Mile Coffee for a warm latte, browse unique finds at the Schroon Lake Department Store, and pop into the Pinecone Mercantile, where you’ll find everything from home decor and fresh-baked bread to locally sourced food products. With each step, you’ll feel the warmth of the community’s spirit, surrounded by mountain views and friendly faces. The end of any perfect winter day.
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8. Enjoy a pint by the peaks
After a day of winter adventure in the Adirondacks—whether snowshoeing, skiing, or sledding—heading to Paradox Brewery is the perfect way to warm up and wind down. Nestled in North Hudson, this cozy brewery, fit with crackling fireplaces, offers craft beers that capture the spirit of the region, often using local ingredients that reflect Adirondack flavors. The rustic taproom, with its view of snowy mountains, (the hills of the Hoffman Notch and High Peaks Wilderness Areas) invites you to kick back with a freshly poured pint by the fire. Paradox’s seasonal brews are a great match for winter, with rich porters, stouts, and seasonal IPAs that hit the spot after a day in the cold. It’s a favorite local stop, blending outdoor spirit with craft beer culture. We might be biased, but we think winter may just be the best season to stop by Paradox Brewery.
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Like what you hear, and want to plan a weekend of adventure in the snowy Adirondack Mountains? Check out our cozy and comfortably-priced lodging options, and start setting your sights on all the things to do here in the Adirondack Hub this winter.
