There are so many beautiful things to do this winter in the Adirondacks! It’s truly a magical season to visit, with breathtaking beauty awaiting at every turn in these snow-covered landscapes. From beautiful private and public trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to the more adventurous options like downhill skiing and snowmobile tours, you’ll find it all here in the Adirondacks.
First, you’ll want to secure your Adirondack lodging, and our Upstate New York hotel, Friends Lake Inn, is well-situated for endless adventures in the outdoors. Still, for those who prefer spending their time curled up in front of the fireplace or enjoying farm-fresh meals with lovely wines—you’ll find that too. It’s the best of both worlds for an adventure with downtime!Â
Our hotel is a short drive from the popular tourist area of Lake George, ideally situated to enjoy all of the best things to do this winter in the Adirondacks, but set back and secluded from the busier areas. Our hotel offers an array of lodging options, from upscale guest suites, cozy rooms, and a rustic private cabin. Two of our favorite perks are the onsite restaurant and remote access to our stunning nature trails. You’ll feel like you have an exclusive retreat for your weekend getaway or extended trip! Book your lodging today at Friends Lake Inn!Â
Winter in the Adirondacks: Best Things to Do in the Snow
When it snows, the Adirondacks offer a variety of activities to enjoy during this magical time of year. With the mountains providing endless opportunities, you can expect fantastic skiing and more unique experiences, such as dog-sled rides. Whether you prefer traditional or unusual activities, there are many options to explore when visiting this impressive area.
Here are our favorite things to do this winter in the Adirondacks:Â
- Downhill Skiing at Gore Mountain: One of the most popular ski resorts is Gore Mountain, and it’s only about 2o minutes from our Upstate New York Hotel. Head over for some of the best skiing and snowboarding for an exciting winter in the Adirondacks.Â
- Winter Hikes on Snowshoes: Snowshoeing through a quiet mountain forest is one of the more peaceful things to do in the Adirondacks this winter. In addition to the private trails at Friends Lake Inn, many locations around the Chestertown area, such as Oak Mountain, Dynamite Hill Recreation Center Nature Trail, and Crandall Park, offer miles of trails and places to explore.
- Hit the Ice Skating Rink: Ice skating is a classic and fun activity in the Adirondacks during the colder months. Crandall Park has a pond that freezes over every winter. Skating outdoors in a picturesque setting is how it was meant to be! Other places to skate include Dynamite Hill Recreation Area, Lake George, and Gurney Lane Recreation Area.
- Snowmobile Tours: It’s also fun to get out in the wilderness and explore – and you can do precisely that on a snowmobile tour with C+C Adirondack Snowmobiling Tours. They have various options suitable for all levels of adventure and experience.
- Romantic Horsedrawn Carriage Ride: One of the most romantic things to do in Upstate New York this winter in the Adirondacks is to go on an old-fashioned sleigh ride! Our friends at Circle B Ranch offer group and private rides through a beautiful winter wonderland.
- Thrilling Dog Sled Rides: If you’re looking for unusual experiences this winter in the Adirondacks, we recommend trying your hand at dog sledding! Head over to Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours or Mike Arnold Sled Rides for a winter adventure you will never forget.
- Cozy Up By the Fire: For those who prefer spending the winter in the Adirondacks curled up and cozy, you’ll be in luck as a guest at our Upstate New York Hotel. Grab a glass of wine, slip into your comfy robe, and watch the snow fall from the windows of your guest room.Â
Elegant Rooms at our Upstate New York Hotel
Now that you’re ready to start planning for winter in the Adirondacks, you’ll want to ensure you have the best place to stay, and our Upstate New York Hotel offers the perfect cold-weather retreat. You’ll have the option of 18 elegantly appointed guest rooms to choose from, including a private cabin, a favorite for romantic getaways and honeymoons. Accommodations are each unique and reflective of the rustic beauty of the surrounding area.
An incredible perk of staying at our Upstate New York Hotel is our on-site dining options. Choose the Birch Bistro for a casual meal or our Main Dining Room for a more upscale, romantic dinner. Both offer thoughtfully prepared menu options with seasonal ingredients and a farm-to-table vibe. There’s also a lovely selection of wines by the glass and bottle, craft beers on draft, and creative cocktails. Having a restaurant on-site for those cozy winter nights is incredibly convenient.
For those planning on joining us for more than two nights from Sunday to Thursday, we have a fantastic winter special! This package includes wine and snacks in your guest room upon arrival and much more. It’s the perfect romantic addition to your getaway in the Adirondacks. We can’t wait to host you; book your room today!Â
