Encompassing six million acres of protected wilderness, the Adirondack Park in upstate New York is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined. In winter, this vast boreal wilderness turns into the Northeast’s ultimate cold-weather playground, rich in Olympic sports heritage, historic Great Camps, and sparkling frozen lakes.
1. Olympic Thrills in Lake Placid
Two-time host of the Winter Olympic Games (1932 and 1980), Lake Placid is steeped in sporting history. Skate outdoors on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval where Eric Heiden won five gold medals, ride the thrilling Lake Placid Bobsled Experience with a professional driver down the icy track at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, or take the gondola to the top of Whiteface Mountain for some of the best alpine skiing in the East.
2. The Legendary Saranac Lake Ice Palace
Held every February since 1897, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival features a colossal hand-carved Ice Palace erected on the shores of Lake Flower. Volunteers harvest massive two-foot-thick blocks of lake ice, weighing hundreds of pounds each, to build intricate towers, battlements, and thrones illuminated with vibrant colored LED lights at night.
3. Classic Adirondack Great Camps & Rustic Luxury
Experience the Gilded Age luxury of rustic log craftsmanship at The Point (the former Rockefeller estate) or Whiteface Lodge. Massive granite stone fireplaces, hand-peeled cedar pillars, deep leather armchairs, and complimentary hot cider provide the quintessential North Country fireside retreat.
4. Snowshoeing High Peaks Trails
Strap on snowshoes and head to the Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake to trek up Mount Jo. The moderate 2.2-mile loop rewards hikers with sweeping 360-degree vistas across the frozen lake toward the sheer snowy face of Mount Colden and Algonquin Peak.