Explore Unique Winter Experiences in the Adirondacks
If you’re wondering, is the Adirondacks a good place to visit in the winter? The answer is a resounding yes! While many think of skiing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking when the temperatures drop in the ADK, this region offers so much more for visitors seeking something out of the ordinary. Discover unique winter experiences in the Adirondacks below.
Winter Carnivals Across the Region
Throughout January and February, towns come alive across the Adirondacks with colorful winter carnivals that mix quirky, local charm with classic cold-weather fun.
You can expect snowman-building contests, lumberjack competitions, cookoffs, parades, fireworks, live music - even outhouse races and frying pan tosses!
Ice Bars In & Near Lake George
Ice bars are stunning, hand-carved bars built entirely out of ice and snow, where you can enjoy cocktails, local brews, and warm beverages - all in a setting reminiscent of a frozen fairytale. Some have fire pits, ice luges, and/or live music.
Each year the details and specific dates vary, but ice bars usually take place throughout January and sometimes early February at the following locations:
- Sagamore Resort (Bolton Landing)
- Fort William Henry Hotel (Lake George)
- Adirondack Pub & Brewery (Lake George)
- The Lagoon (Lake George)
- The Gem (Bolton Landing)
- The Lodge at Schroon Lake (Schroon Lake)
Cozy Igloos
When it comes to unique winter dining in the Adirondacks, igloo dining has become one of the most sought-after seasonal offerings in the region. As with ice bars, igloo dining is prominent in the Lake George area. Also as with ice bars, igloo dining dates and details can vary from year to year, but you can typically find this heated outdoor dining at:
- The Erlowest (Lake George)
- The Queensbury Hotel (Glens Falls)
- Bolton Landing Brewing Company (Bolton Landing)
- The Barrel (Bolton Landing)
The Sagamore only has dining igloos available during their ice bar event.
Dog Sledding on Mirror Lake
The entirety of Lake Placid transforms into a snow-covered wonderland each winter, but when it comes to unique winter activities to enjoy in the Adirondacks we’d like to call out dog sledding on Mirror Lake.
This bucket-list experience is offered by two primary companies, Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours, and Mike Arnold Dog Sled Rides. Neither have a strong internet presence, so you’ll have to call to get a hold of them.
Dog sledding is usually offered on weekends and holidays, is often cash only, and is of course weather dependent.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh & Carriage Rides
Few things feel as timeless or magical as riding through a snow-covered landscape in a horse-drawn sleigh. At Circle B Ranch in Chestertown, you can choose from a variety of sleigh ride options:
- Group rides for families and friends
- Semi-private sleigh rides for couples
- Private rides for up to 7 passengers
- A romantic couples-only ride
Even if you’re not venturing deep into the forest, you can still enjoy the charm of a horse-drawn ride with Caldwell Carriage Company through Lake George Village.
Unforgettable Winter Attractions
The Adirondack park is home to several stunning attractions that, while popular during the warmer months, offer an entirely different perspective in the winter:
Ausable Chasm - Snowshoe & Ice Cleat Tours
Explore one of the region’s most breathtaking natural landmarks with guided winter tours at Ausable Chasm. These snowshoe or ice cleat hikes take you through deep canyons and past frozen waterfalls.
High Falls Gorge - Ice & Granite Beauty
Open December through March for their winter excursions, High Falls Gorge in Wilmington lets you walk alongside frozen waterfalls and granite cliffs in a safe, accessible setting. They provide traction devices for your footwear and offer a separate, wooded snowshoe trail for those looking to explore a bit more.
Wild Lights at The Wild Center
The Wild Center in Tupper Lake becomes an illuminated wonderland come late November. Stroll along the Wild Walk after dark, and wind your way through the Forest Music trail, where synchronized lights and immersive sounds create a dreamlike winter experience. This one is open Friday and Saturday evenings.
More Fun Things to Do in the Winter in the Adirondacks
While we’ve focused specifically on unique winter experiences here, you’ll find plenty of classic winter fun in the Adirondacks as well:
And for the slightly more adventurous:
Plan Your Winter Escape Now
So, what are the best things to do in the Adirondacks in winter? Find activities you can’t do just anywhere, like sipping cocktails at a bar made of ice, or walking through an illuminated, snow-covered forest. There’s truly something for everyone!
Now when you’re looking for things to do in the Adirondacks in December, January, or February, look no further.
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