National Plan for Vacation Day is celebrated the last Tuesday of January, and for good reason - Americans leave millions of paid vacation days on the table each year. So don’t be a fool, plan a long weekend or a week-long getaway to the Adirondack Hub, where there is so much to do you’ll wish you could snap up some of those wasted days.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, in 2018 Americans failed to take 768 million vacation days, with more than half the working population leaving days unused. And while the group says the doldrums of winter are the best time to plan a warm summer vacay, winter is also a prime time in the Adirondacks.
The towns of the Adirondack Hub - Schroon Lake, Minerva, Newcomb, and North Hudson - have a full slate of activities and events year-round, but there’s plenty of action to be had in the crisp, clean air and mountain sunshine as well.
Ice fishing
“Hard water” season is a favorite time of locals, when the lakes, ponds, and rivers of the Adirondacks become covered in a thick layer of ice.
From the large lakes that support villages of anglers to remote backcountry ponds where peace, quiet, and serenity await, the Adirondack Hub has the ice fishing spot for you. Whether you want to bring the family and set up a shanty while the kids ice skate or embark on a solo adventure, there are fish just waiting to bite. And with both the state and county regularly stocking fish, there are some lunkers lurking just under the ice!
Snowmobiling
Since the Adirondacks typically embrace winter for months on end, snowmobiling is big up here. Like, thousands of miles of trails big.
From wild routes through remote country to groomed loops that link up lodging options and restaurants, you can head out for an afternoon, a day, or a week. The towns of the Adirondack Hub embrace the sledding crowd and have the amenities to keep you on the trail.
There’s also a free new snowmobile app that shows not only the trails, but places to gas up, grab a drink, or fill up on hearty grub. The Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile App is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play, and will help you find the kind of trails you want, whether groomed or ungroomed.
Snowshoeing
The Adirondacks is known for a lot of things, including its vast mountain ranges that offer unlimited hiking options. But just because the trails are covered in snow doesn’t mean the options are limited in winter.
Snowshoeing is essentially just walking with big shoes, so everyone in the family can do it. With options ranging from short and flat to long and steep, you won’t have to go far to find a trail or destination that will scratch whatever hiking itch you have.
You can also contact one of our state-licensed guides to plan the perfect trip or rent gear from a local outfitter. Whether you bring your own snowshoes or are trying it out for the first time, the Adirondack Hub is a snowshoer’s dream!
So this winter, don’t be a chump and leave vacation days unused. Take some inspiration from National Plan for Vacation Day and plan a trip to the Adirondack Hub, where winter means fun for the whole family.
