There's no fun like ski trip fun
Winter is a special time in the Adirondacks, and while there are tons of activities and events happening throughout the region, there's nothing quite like a ski trip. What makes a ski vacation special? Well, every last bit of it, from fresh mountain air and spectacular views, the rush of flying downhill, sharing time with family and friends old and new, to facing your fears and conquering new challenges. Add in the atmosphere on the mountain, the food and beer, leaving the mountain tired and happy after a great day of skiing, and knowing you're headed toward a fun yet relaxing evening, a tasty meal, and a luxuriously cozy and restful overnight stay. There's just nothing like it, and the Adirondack Hub has everything that makes a ski trip phenomenal. It's all here, where big ski adventure meets classic Adirondack charm.
Recipe for a no-fail, best-ever Adirondack ski trip
Check out our simple recipe for a no-fail, best-ever Adirondack ski trip that you'll be talking about for years to come! You'll need two main ingredients: a top-notch Adirondack ski resort (we recommend Gore Mountain) and an amazing place to use as your winter basecamp (we recommend The Lodge at Schroon Lake). Combine these two key ingredients and you'll be in for a guaranteed fun, stress-free Adirondack ski vacation. Much of the work is already done for you – the lodge offers seasonal packages customized for skiers that include items like a complimentary shuttle to and from the mountain so you can leave the driving to someone else while you focus on the fun on the slopes.
Ski and ride Gore Mountain-style
Fresh, cold mountain air, the sparkle of snow, the sound of your skis, and that best run of the day that you know you'll keep thinking about for days to come. Ahhh, if only every day could be a bluebird day on the slopes. Those daydreams you keep having about the best-ever ski experience in the Adirondacks are just waiting to become your reality. Boasting 14 lifts and 108 trails, Gore Mountain has the largest trail and lift network in New York! Long known and much loved for its wide range of trail and terrain diversity, skiers and snowboarders have plenty to explore throughout Gore's four summits and 2,537-foot vertical drop. Whether you like cruisers, steeps, glades, or scenic views, each of the mountain areas at Gore has something spectacular and memorable. You'll also find some of the tastiest on-mountain dining here at Gore Mountain, so when you need to refuel, you've got several delicious, fun options to choose from. Pro tip: Don't leave without a sweet treat and a warm beverage from the waffle cabin!
Back to base camp
After your day on the slopes, The Lodge at Schroon Lake has everything you need to get yourself refreshed and recharged – and more. Much more! You'll relish the return to your luxurious base camp at the lodge, where you can unload your equipment and settle in for an evening that's just right for you. The lodge is full of classic Adirondack charm, newly renovated and decorated with a perfect blend of rustic and modern, and has that wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere that feels as though you are delightfully "away at camp." Take a swim in the indoor heated pool, relax in the sauna, or soothe those tired muscles with a soak in the hot tub. Build a snowman or stargaze under the tall pines overlooking the lake, roast marshmallows and make s'mores at one of the outdoor fireplaces, enjoy dinner at The Brown Swan, the lodge's restaurant, or settle in with a good book in one of the lodge's cozy indoor public spaces. If you've still got energy to burn, there's an awesome game room with billiards and table games, and a fitness center.
Don't worry, be happy
Of course, the best getaways are the ones when you can leave your worries behind, but every trip has a few unknowns. To ease your mind, here are a few more things you don't need to spend any time stressing about:
Haven't ever been on skis before or feeling nervous about getting back out there? Don't be intimidated! Gore Mountain's Snow Sports School offers programs and private lessons, so whether you're completely new to the sport or have a long history on the slopes and are just looking to improve on a specific skill, there's an instructor who can help you to meet your goals.
Did you bring along someone who was up for a trip to the mountains but not a skier? There are plenty of great options for other winter outdoor fun in the area. For snowshoeing, Mt Severance in Schroon Lake is a sensational trek with a relatively short climb (just under 2.5 miles round-trip) and minimal elevation gain (725 feet). Awesome views of Schroon Lake, Pharoah Mountain, and Paradox Lake await at the top. Or catch the complimentary snowshoe shuttle offered by The Lodge at Schroon Lake to Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, where you can explore over 14 miles of trails in a unique and interesting environment and then toast marshmallows over an outdoor fire before the shuttle returns to pick you up (rental snowshoes are available here if you need them.) Ice skating is another fun winter option in the area, and you'll find both maintained rinks and wild ice to choose from.
Plan a beauty of a trip only to have unexpected weather conditions? It happens. Every day isn't a perfect bluebird day, and when the weather doesn't cooperate, you can still have an awesome time. In addition to the indoor pool, The Lodge at Schroon Lake has you covered with a game room, an impressive fitness center, many cozy and comfortable spots to settle in with a good book, chat with a friend, or just put your feet up and daydream in front of a crackling fire. Beyond the lodge, there are a variety of events, activities, and adventures to discover in the region, along with great shopping nearby!
Wishing you blue skies, fresh powder, and sweet turns! While you're in the area, check out other fun events, attractions, and other winter fun in the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub.
