8 Best Towns in The Adirondack Mountains for a Winter Getaway
The Adirondack Mountains share the same “Empire State” of New York as the gleaming skyscrapers of New York City, yet they feel like they are a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Tourists flock to the Adirondacks to experience its slower pace and stunning landscape of mountains, streams, forests, lakes, and more. While the Adirondacks’ many small towns are great year-round destinations, some of them—including the eight listed here—truly sparkle once the winter snow arrives.
Ticonderoga
The remnants of historic Fort Ticonderoga, controlled variously by the French, English, and Americans, still sit along the Lachute River in the strategic gap between Lake George and Lake Champlain. The fort is a must-visit any time of year but is perhaps at its most beautiful on a snowy winter day. The same is true for the photogenic (and romantic) covered wooden bridge known as the Ticonderoga “Kissing Bridge.” And, once the winter chill really sets in, Ticonderoga is home to some of the best ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the Adirondacks.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs’ biggest attraction, Saratoga Race Course—the oldest sporting venue in the United States—may not be open in winter, but there are still many reasons to visit. For example, the (1777) Battle of Saratoga Historical Park is open year-round and always worth exploring. Saratoga Springs is also great for a walking tour during the holiday season, with Victorian architecture (from the town’s heyday as a health resort) adorned with festive cheer. And you can lace up your skates and glide on the ice at Gavin Park or the Saratoga Springs Ice Rink.
Saranac Lake
The town of Saranac Lake is less than 10 miles west of Lake Placid, the most famous winter resort town in the Adirondacks, but is well worth a wintertime visit on its own terms. Once a health escape for the well-to-do seeking relief from conditions like tuberculosis, Saranac Lake is full of architectural gems—like the grand Hotel Saranac—that look even more impressive with some snow and holiday lights. And, come February, Saranac Lake’s famous annual Winter Carnival warms visitors’ hearts with a parade, an ice palace, fireworks, and much more!
Queensbury
Queensbury’s Six Flags Great Escape amusement park draws big crowds in summer, but it also has an indoor waterpark for wintertime fun. That said, Queensbury’s wintertime focus turns mainly to the West Mountain Ski Area, one of the premier skiing, snowboarding, and snow-tubing destinations in the Adirondacks. Even if you are not a skier, check out West Mountain’s popular annual Fire on the Mountain celebration in February. You can also try your hand at ice fishing on Lake George if conditions allow—or just admire the winter view of this picturesque body of water.
Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh is one of the largest communities in the Adirondacks, but its population of around 20,000 hardly makes it a booming metropolis. Instead, it is a mid-size town with a distinctive look and feel. Located only about 20 miles south of the Canadian province of Quebec, Plattsburgh has many bilingual signs (and residents) and other strong hints of French Canadian influence. For winter fun, try Whiteface Mountain ski resort in nearby Wilmington, or head across Lake Champlain to the many ski areas in Vermont. You might even be able to skate on a frozen-over Lake Champlain!
Paul Smiths
The name of a wilderness resort owner from the early twentieth century lives on in the lovely hamlet of Paul Smiths as well as Paul Smith’s College. The well-regarded college has only 1,000 students but sits on one of the largest campuses in the world, covering 14,000 acres of mostly forested land. From their hub at the college’s Visitors Interpretive Center, some 25 miles of trails wind their way through this unique campus landscape. Catching a trailside glimpse of St. Regis Lake is a sight to behold on a snowy winter’s day!
Lake Placid
The name Lake Placid is synonymous with winter sports, especially since this Adirondacks town hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Visitors can explore this sports heritage, most notably the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” at the Olympic Center or become a winter sports participant at one of the many ice and snow sports venues still in use. For example, you can ski Whiteface Mountain, which was used for Olympic skiing events in 1980, or opt for Titus Mountain, which is considered one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the region.
Au Sable Forks
The swift water of the Au Sable River once powered paper mills and brought in wealth that was displayed in grand homes like the Graves Mansion. These days, that same churning river (which empties into Lake Champlain nearby) and the many remaining architectural highlights (including Graves Mansion) make the village of Au Sable Forks perfect for a picturesque winter walking tour. Not far outside of town, Au Sable Marsh Wildlife Management Area is great for snowshoeing and sightseeing, and it is only a short drive to Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort.
The Adirondacks have long been a travel destination for skiers, ice skaters, snowshoers, and enthusiasts of more obscure winter sports like ski jumping and bobsledding. But if your idea of winter fun is a stroll through a charming downtown followed by a steaming cup of hot chocolate, the Adirondacks are for you as well! No matter which small towns you visit during your winter escape to the Adirondacks, you are sure to feel the warmth of happiness.
