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Fill Your Adirondack Winter Activities Bucket List: 5 Can't-Miss Seasonal Things to Do

What to do when the snow is falling and the temperatures are dropping? See our five bucket list items for Adirondack winter activities!

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Enjoy A Relaxing & Adventurous Winter Getaway

Garnet Hill Lodge offers options for both activity and relaxation. Spend the day exploring the cross-country ski and snowshoe trail network, then retreat to the cozy Log House to warm up by the fire. Ski passes are included with overnight stays! Learn More »

1) Experience a Dog Sled Ride

dog sledding

Dog sledding is a classic winter activity that most don't get to try, but you can in the Adirondacks! Check out Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours or Mike Arnold Dog Sled Rides, both of which are in Lake Placid, or Call of the Wild Sled Dog Tours in South Colton. Dog sled rides are also occasionally offered at the Lake George Winter Carnival.

2) Scale a High Peak or Tall Mountain

Winter hiking in the Adirondacks is a vastly different experience than in the warmer months. If you take precautions to stay safe, adequately prepare for your trip, and wear the proper clothing, you can have an unforgettable experience as you look out at a pristine winter wonderland from the top of a mountain. Please note that this is not recommended for beginner hikers.

3) Give Winter Camping a Try

camping tents in the winter

As with winter hiking, camping in the winter offers a unique experience, and believe it or not there might even be some advantages compared to summer hiking. For instance, if you're able to travel over iced-over lakes or ponds (brush up on ice safety first), you can reach where you're going quicker than if you hiked around that body of water. Also, there are no bugs! And, the Adirondacks has some prime winter camping spots.

4) Take to the Lake (Or River...) For Ice Fishing

two guys with fish they caught ice fishing

Photo from the Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby

Did you know the Adirondack Park has 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams? Don't limit those prime fishing areas to the summer - read up on ice fishing, go with someone experienced (or a trained guide, like Adirondack Mountain and Stream), and cross this winter activity off your bucket list. As with hiking and camping, this is one hobby you'll want to read up on before heading out in order to stay safe and ensure a great time.

5) Attend a Winter Carnival or Major Event

blue fireworks over winter carnival

Winter Carnivals in the Adirondacks are the epitome of wintertime fun. Pond hockey, sanctioned car races on ice, outhouse races, curling, arctic golf, ice skating, cardboard sled races, snow sculpture contests, and horse-drawn wagon rides are just a few of the highlights you can look forward to at Adirondack winter carnivals.

Bonus suggestion: experience skiing in the Adirondacks >>

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woman in hat poses in front water
About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.