*Featured Photo by Kacey O' Brien.
Thanks to the batches of snow delivered each winter season, the Lake George Area welcomes an energetic population of visitors during those frost-covered months. Whether they’re here to hit the slopes, partake in the various annual winter festivities, or simply crave a picturesque Adirondacks getaway, the area welcomes all the seasonal travelers.
However, one of the trickier parts of a winter vacation can be finding all the places you want to go. Especially when road and weather conditions can be less than ideal, it can be difficult accessing the various attractions and activities you’re looking for.
Thankfully, the Lake George Area is home to multiple all-inclusive winter resorts for your travelling convenience. These resorts in question offer everything you’re looking for – lodging, dining, and even recreation opportunities - meaning you never have to even leave the property (only if you don’t want to, of course).
So, grab your calendars and start planning your trip with these examples that are guaranteed to provide a sensational seasonal experience.
(*Author’s Note: The below examples were selected with the required criteria being that lodging, dining, and some form(s) of recreation/activities all must be available on the property.)
Garnet Hill Outdoor Center
Location: North River
Located in the small town of North Creek, and located near the picturesque views of both Thirteenth Lake and Gore Mountain, the Garnet Hill Outdoor Center and Lodge offers an all-year-round adventure hub for those who love the great outdoors.
Through a combination of both on-site activities, as well as a rustic environment, Garnet Hill invites guests to enjoy a peaceful respite from the pressures of everyday life, no matter the season.
Pictured: Trails at Garnet Hill Lodge and Outdoor Center
Lodging
The Garnet Hill Lodge is one of a few classic Adirondack lodges that remain today, with its original structure built in 1936. Centered around the historic Log House, the lodge provides the ideal setting for individuals, couples, and families with its pristine view overlooking Thirteenth Lake.
The Log House itself hosts both standard and balcony rooms, sleeping 2-5 guests, as well as a separate family/game room, and quiet sitting areas throughout. Meanwhile, two additional cottages – the Birches and Tea House cottages – offer more spacious and modern accommodations that are perfect for families or groups.
No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be treated to newly renovated bathrooms, spectacular Adirondack scenery, and a cozy atmosphere to warm you up during your winter stay.
(*Note: Breakfast and resort access are always included with overnight reservations.)
Dining
The Log House Restaurant
Located at the Main Lodge, the Log House Restaurant serves both resort guests and walk-ins passionately prepared dishes made from fresh, authentic ingredients.
The menu features many American dishes with an Adirondack twist, from steaks and burgers, to pastas and salads, and much more.
Relax and unwind with a cozy, intimate environment, centered around a grand fireplace, as well as magnificent views of Thirteenth Lake and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.
The Log House Restaurant is open year-round for breakfast (lodging guests only) and dinner (available to the public; reservations are required), with a weekly Happy Hour on Fridays from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
The Bobcat Bar & Grill
Open on weekends and holiday weeks during the ski season (located on the second floor of the Outdoor Center), the Bobcat Bar & Grill is the perfect place to warm up (or cool off) after a day of hitting the trails.
Enjoy a sit-down lunch or early dinner with delicious sandwiches, homemade soups, house-made desserts, and more. Make sure to pair your meal with a local beer or a house wine for a true après-ski experience.
Things to Do
Cross-Country Skiing
Though open year-round, winter is perhaps the most beloved season at Garnet Hill thanks to its over 55 kilometers (or over 34 miles) of groomed trails providing high-quality terrain for world-class cross-country skiing. These trails range in difficulty levels, from easy to challenging.
With elevations up to 2,000 ft., plus the daily care and grooming of trails, snow is practically a guarantee. While the height(s) may sound intimidating, beginners can schedule daily lessons with PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) certified instructors.
Garnet Hill also boasts a complete ski shop on-site, offering guests rentals, sales, and even repairs if needed.
Snowshoeing
Besides hosting one of the best cross-country skiing sites around, snowshoeing is also a popular winter activity at Garnet Hill, thanks to its easy accessibility, available equipment, and its expansive trails.
The snowshoe trail system at Garnet Hill contains 15 kilometers (or a little over 9 miles) of tracks, including 6 different routes that intertwine with the Nordic ski trails. Guests are encouraged to check out popular trails such as the Double Down Loop, the Hooper Mine, and the Balm of Gilead Mountain.
The available shop on-site also provides the latest equipment rentals, with snow and ice cleats that grip into the snow for improved ascents and descents.
(*Note: Both Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe trail passes are complimentary for overnight guests of the lodge.)
Winter Weddings
Have you ever desired a romantic ceremony amidst a winter wonderland? If your answer is “yes,” then look no further than the winter wedding packages available at Garnet Hill.
Up to 70 guests are welcome to witness the exchanging of vows in the charming Log House, complete with a gorgeous garnet fireplace and breathtaking panoramic views. A full-service on-site wedding coordinator and setup are included in the package.
Afterwards, the lovely couple and guests have access to the lodge, as well as the entire property for the weekend. This includes the previously mentioned cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, as well as rentals. There’s also a complimentary breakfast buffet on the day following the wedding to celebrate.
This complete package ensures a majestic Adirondack wedding to remember forever.
Sagamore Resort
Location: Bolton Landing
Located on the shores of Bolton Landing, The Sagamore Resort has been an iconic destination for travelers for over a century. With over 70 acres of fun and excitement on the property, there’s always something to discover no matter the time of year.
And that saying holds true, even in winter. Besides the grandeur of the resort itself, there are multiple year-round exquisite restaurants, indoor and outdoor amenities, and a wide assortment of annual events that have turned visitors into regulars.
Pictured: The Sagamore Resort; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Lodging
There are a plethora of accommodation options to choose from when staying at the Sagamore. Besides the main 1883 hotel that hosts over 130 rooms and suites, guests can also choose to stay in various lodges, suites, and condominiums spread across the resort.
No matter your choice, you’ll no doubt experience charming décor, the finest bedding, and a wide range of possible amenities, including kitchenettes, fireplaces, and more.
Whether a small group or a large family, there’s a place at the Sagamore for everyone, much like millions across multiple generations have discovered.
Dining
La Bella Vita
The Sagamore Resort’s signature Italian restaurant celebrates Italy’s culinary passion with garden-fresh ingredients and centuries-old recipes.
Savor a delicious meal in La Bella Vita’s enchanting dining room with panoramic views and a warm color scheme to truly enhance the flavors in every dish.
La Bella Vita is open on the weekends for breakfast, and on Fridays and Saturdays for dinner.
Caldwell’s
With its grand front porch and panoramic views of Lake George, Caldwell’s invites you to slow down at this Lake George bar and experience the timeless beauty of their enchanting Adirondack-style setting.
This lively Lake George bar offers a tempting menu of light fare throughout the day and into the late hours of the evening. Choose from a variety of specialty sandwiches, fresh salads, antipasti, and irresistible desserts.
And, after a long and cool winter’s day, don’t forget to unwind with a glass of wine or specialty cocktail at the old-fashioned mahogany bar and cozy fire-lit lounge.
BRGR Kitchen & Bar
If you’re craving a really good burger, look no further than the Sagamore’s BRGR Kitchen & Bar.
This casual and hip joint invites guests to dine on fun and fresh iterations of an American classic. It’s the foodie’s perfect culinary experience.
BRGR is open daily for dinner.
(*Note: The provided restaurants are the ones open at the Sagamore year-round rather than seasonally.)
Things to Do
Rec Center
At the heart of the resort lies the Rec Center, with 10,000 square feet of indoor fun for guests of all ages.
Savor the thrill of victory with an expansive collection of table games and video games, as well as their immersive ‘Home Run Derby.’ Or, take the competition to the next level at the indoor basketball court or the mini-golf course.
Just because the weather’s less than ideal doesn’t mean the fun should stop.
Indoor Spa
Unwind from outside stress and struggles at the Sagamore’s full-scale indoor spa.
Awaken your sense of health with a combination of the spa’s 14 different treatment rooms, including massages, facial enhancements, and even the salt and sound halotherapy lounge.
After just one visit, you’ll understand why this is one of the most celebrated spas around.
Heated Pools
Swimming doesn’t have to wait until summertime. Not when the Sagamore has two heated pools.
That’s right; there’s both a heated indoor and outdoor pool, both of which are open throughout the winter weekends. Enjoy quiet and serene panoramic views of Lake George, while also keeping any kids entertained, as you take a nice, relaxing soak. There’s also a heated hot tub perfect for adults.
Glacier Ice Bar Weekends
One of the most popular events of the entire winter season at the Sagamore is the Glacier Ice Bar and Lounge Weekends.
For two spectacular weekends at the end of January and going into February, the Sagamore’s shelving rock terrace is transformed into a frozen wonderland, complete with expertly carved ice sculptures and luges.
Besides the glorious scenery, though, is the iconic ice bar, serving handcrafted cocktails and other alcoholic (and some non-alcoholic) varieties, as well as warm food options such as chowder and chili.
Marvel at the magnificent 18,000-pound centerpiece, participate in fun photo ops, and make this experience one to remember.
(*Note: Overnight hotel guests enjoy automatic entry to the ice bar.)
**To learn more, check out our Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge event page.
Other Events
Of course, the Ice Bar weekends aren’t the only event that will be celebrated at the Sagamore this winter. In fact, this esteemed resort loves to host special festivities for occasions like Valentine’s Day weekend, President’s Day weekend, and more.
To learn more, check out The Sagamore Resort’s Holidays & Resort Activities page.
Fort William Henry Hotel
Location: Lake George
In the heart of Lake George Village lies the Fort William Henry Hotel, spaced out on an 18-acre estate spanning the southern shore of the lake.
Year-Round, guests to Fort William Henry are treated to first-class Adirondack-style accommodations, as well as a wide variety of amenities. Even in winter, returning patrons savor the world-class service, the diverse activities, and of course, the stunning views of both the lake and the mountains.
Pictured: Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Lodging
There are three distinct accommodation options to unwind in at the resort. The Grand Hotel, being the newest addition to the fort, houses five stories of rooms and suites with varying amenities, including fireplaces and whirlpool spas. Plus, the views of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondacks are utterly sensational.
The Premium East wing provides two stories of cozy Adirondack comfort in every room. In addition to direct outside access to all resort amenities, guests can warm up after a long day with premium shower areas, as well as individual climate control heat.
The Deluxe West wing includes convenient exterior corridors, providing quick and easy access from unloading your vehicle into the warm confines of your room. If you’re feeling brave, however, you can take on the brisk air and enjoy the scenery of the village or lake from the provided decks and patios.
Dining
Located at the fort, the Lakeside Restaurant and Lounge is the perfect balance of fabulous cuisine and exceptional ambience.
From crab cakes to ribeye steaks, Lakeside serves a diverse menu that offers something for everyone. Share a meal by the fireplace alongside one of their craft beers or signature cocktails. The upscale fare can’t be beat! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
At Lakeside, outdoor dining isn’t a summer exclusive. With an available gas fire table on the patio, as well as six private firepit rentals on the property grounds, you and your party can wine and dine by the warm fire for a dining experience you won’t forget.
Live music and other events also take place at the Lakeside year-round, for a perfect complement to the overall dining atmosphere.
Things to Do
Outdoor Firepits
As briefly mentioned when discussing the Lakeside Restaurant and Lounge, Fort William Henry offers the use of their six private firepits – each one able to sit up to six people!
Mesmerizing views of Lake George and the Adirondacks without the worry of freezing. With each firepit rental, setup, food and beverages, wood replenishing, and even cleanup afterwards are all taken care of. All you need to do is sit back and relax.
The fort advertises a traditional s’mores package as well, with a dedicated server to handle any and all food requests during your time.
The firepits are available for rent daily (weather permitting), so take advantage of this unique outdoor winter opportunity.
Polar Ice Bar Weekend
Taking over the inside and outside of the Lakeside Restaurant and Lounge is the fort’s renowned Polar Ice Bar weekend, transforming the property into a majestic winter wonderland.
With stunning ice sculptures and crackling fireplaces throughout, live music, and the pièce de résistance – the famed Polar Ice Bar, serving scrumptious bites and irresistible specialty cocktails all night long.
This is one of Fort William Henry’s coolest events of the year, and it’s free to all who wish to attend. So, make sure you come and check it out for a truly unforgettable experience.
Winter Weddings
The sparkling snow frosting the grounds of Fort William Henry (and the surrounding area) provides the perfect option for a winter wedding ceremony with this special package available during the months of January, March, and April.
Enjoy a delightful ceremony and reception at the iconic Carriage House, featuring a full-service on-site wedding coordinator and complimentary setup.
Then afterwards, enjoy discounted hotel room nights (as well as complimentary wedding-night accommodations for the lovely couple), and take the time to enjoy the rest of what the fort has to offer.
This winter wedding package makes for the perfect cozy and inviting atmosphere, and is a splendid way of creating treasured memories at some of the most beautiful sights around.