With another Adirondack winter fast approaching, it’s time to get excited for skiing and shredding the slopes of the Lake George Area. If it’s anything like last year’s, an avalanche of snow is in the forecast. The region’s ski centers are hard work getting their trails ready for skiers and snowboarders already on their way. If you need more convincing, here are five great reasons we ski and shred the Lake George Area:
1. Gore Mountain – The Mecca for Downhill
Gore Mountain, a four peak ski center in North Creek, is the hub for downhill skiing in the Lake George Area. With 110+ unique and varied trails to explore, 14 modern lift systems, and amenities to keep you warm and comfortable, Gore Mountain is the largest and finest ski resort in New York State.
Looking for a challenge? There are plenty of blue squares and black diamonds. Want to cruise a long, open glade run? Take the Adirondack Express II Quad and head for the Twister Glades. Craving some quiet, effortless turns? Ride the North Quad for a couple hours and ride nearby trails like Powder Pass, Sleeping Bear, and Tahawus. Searching for adrenaline-pumping action? Head to the summit of Gore Mountain and use the High Peaks or Straight Brook Quad to do laps on Lies or The Rumor. Do the kids need lessons? Gore has great learn-to-ski programs for kids and beginners of all ages. Is Nordic skiing or snowshoeing more your style? Head over to the nearby North Creek Ski Bowl and check out the lighted cross-country trails with snow-making capabilities that add to the ground cover provided by Mother Nature.
No matter what type of terrain you like to ski or shred, Gore Mountain has just the trail for you!
2. West Mountain – The Ultimate Family Ski Mountain
At the heart of the Original Vacation is family. And, West Mountain is a first-rate family-friendly ski center in Queensbury. Offering 30+ trails of easy to expert terrain, there is no better place to get the young ones acquainted to skiing or riding.
West Mountain has plenty of fun and adventure to offer. Let kids take runs in the terrain park, or brush up on their fundamentals with West Mountain’s expert instruction programs, while you head to the top to enjoy all the sun and snow without worry. However, don’t let this fool you, West has professionally groomed snowmaking to rival the region’s other mountains.
West provides that hometown ski center charm and welcoming ambiance without sacrificing any of its quality.
3. Hickory Mountain – A Vintage Ski Experience
Hickory Ski Center is among a handful of ski resorts along the East Coast that are only open when Mother Nature allows. Head for this hill and what is often described as a “vintage ski experience” between the all-natural powder and Poma lifts.
Hickory has a total of 18 trails, 7 of which are black diamond runs. Experienced skiers relish in the challenging snow conditions on backcountry glades, but there are also groomed beginner slopes and intermediate bump runs to balance out the skiable (and shred-able) terrain.
Remarkable recreation destinations still exist – come experience Hickory for yourself!
4. Awesome On-Site Après Ski
What’s a day of skiing or shredding without a little après ski when the lifts stop? Add the mountain bars, restaurants, and lodges to the growing list of why the Lake George Area is the place to be. Gore Mountain’s Tannery Restaurant is serving up a delicious full-service menu featuring pub favorites along with warming homemade soups, fresh salads, and decadent desserts. Other great on-site dining options at Gore include the Base Lodge Food Court, Saddle Lodge, Waffle Cabin, and Open Pit Grille.
Back in Queensbury, West Mountain Bar & Eatery is the place to watch the 4 o’clock game with your family, or pass the time with a sandwich while the kids are at their snowboarding lesson. They offer daily sit-down dining, full bar service, enough TVs to ensure that you’ve got a good view of the highlights, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the action on the mountain.
5. Way More Than Skiing & Shredding
With conditions like this, you can’t escape to the Lake George Area for just one day. Arrange a weekend getaway around hitting the slopes, because there is plenty to do in North Creek, Queensbury, Warrensburg and the surrounding communities that will keep the whole family entertained.
Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
From craft beverage tasting and indoor family fun to shopping, Adirondack Thunder Hockey games, and a multitude of seasonal events – you’ll have no problem finding something to do when spending time off the mountain.
Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
When you add the growing list of Adirondack restaurants and lodging (with abundant amenities) to the already excellent beginner trails, steep downhill runs, and powder filled glades of the region’s ski centers, it’s easy to see why we ski & shred the Lake George Area. The days are getting shorter and winter is on our doorstep, now is the time to start planning your ski trip! These snow-covered mountains are calling your name!