*Featured Photo by Kacey O'Brien.
Love isn’t the only thing in the air this time of year. There’s also plenty of joy, laughter, and excitement going around the Lake George Area – filled with events and activities for both couples and families to enjoy.
Carnivals and festivals, romantic getaways, and some of the finest snow-covered slopes you’ll ever find. February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s jam-packed with wondrous opportunities waiting to be shared.
Here’s what visitors can see and do in the Lake George Area during the month of February.
February Events
It’s easy to fall in love with the Lake George Area when you attend one of the many treasured celebrations being hosted. Whether a yearly staple, or perhaps a brand-new addition, these events are a great way to mix, mingle, and enjoy the beauty of the area in the heart of winter.
Below are just a few examples of events to consider attending this February.
Lake George Winter Carnival
Location: Shepard Park
Date(s): Saturdays and Sundays in February
Time: Check out a Detailed Schedule of Events
Get ready for an entire month’s worth of winter family fun. The annual Lake George Winter Carnival is back!
Every Saturday and Sunday during the month of February, winter enthusiasts flock to the center of Lake George Village to participate in the various races, games, and tournaments taking place.
From outhouse races and chili cook-offs to the classic Polar Plunge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to also attend the fireworks shows capping off every Saturday night during the carnival.
A tradition spanning over 60+ years, the Lake George Winter Carnival provides a season’s worth of excitement, so make sure you don’t miss it.
*To learn more, check out our Lake George Winter Carnival event page.
Brant Lake Winter Carnival
Location: Jimbo’s Club at the Point
Date(s): February 15th
Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Head out to the majestic community of Brant Lake for their annual Winter Carnival.
The normally tranquil environment is transformed into an all-day hub for various activities and entertainment. From outhouse races and hockey shoot-offs to the classic Fry Pan Toss Competition, and plenty more to see and do!
There’s also an open invite for everyone to bring their ice skates for the frozen Brant Lake, as well as sleds for the children’s sledding hill. Not to mention the fireworks show at dusk to wrap up the day festivities.
Come visit for a day of play! Whether you choose to participate or merely spectate, you’re guaranteed a great time.
*To learn more, check out our Brant Lake Winter Carnival event page.
Fire on the Mountain
Location: West Mountain
Date(s): February 15th
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Join the folks at the popular West Mountain for an evening of thrilling (and well-lit) festivities at their Fire on the Mountain event.
In addition to hitting the slopes for open skiing and tubing, a captivating torchlight parade – followed immediately by a fireworks show – will take place at the middle of the event.
Make sure to also hit the Main Lodge for live music performed by local band, Ten Most Wanted, along with fiery food and drink specials to keep you partying all night long.
*To learn more, check out our Fire on the Mountain event page.
February Activities
Of course, while the Lake George Area welcomes couples looking for a spectacular getaway, our destination is also the perfect place for families of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking to keep cool and stay active, or would prefer to remain warm and cozy, there are many different ways to spend your time here.
Below are just a few activities to do in the Lake George Area during the month of February.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Home to three premier ski resorts – ranging from beginner trails to some of the steepest runs in the eastern part of the U.S. – the Lake George Area is proud to welcome all skiers and snowboarders to enjoy pure winter fun.
Whether you’re scaling the widely renowned summits at Gore Mountain, exploring the 35 varying trails of West Mountain, or searching for a vintage experience at Hickory Ski Center, the area is a winter athlete’s paradise.
(Fun Fact: Both Gore and West can run with artificial snow.)
*To learn more, check out our Skiing and Snowboarding page.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
If downhill thrills aren’t your forte, consider a laxer experience in Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing.
The Lake George Area is home to miles of groomed, accessible trails, all varying in length and difficulty. From the lighted trails of Cole’s Woods, to the expansive network at the North Creek Ski Bowl, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of an Adirondack winter, while also getting some terrific exercise. Bundle up, grab your gear, and hit the trails, and embark on an adventure you won't soon forget.
For snowshoeing in particular, there are plenty of local trails that are able to accommodate all skill levels. So grab your snowshoes and check out options like the Meadowbrook Preserve and the Van Dusen Preserve.
*To learn more, check out our Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing page.
**And, for more information and tips on Snowshoeing, please feel free to check out our "Snowshoeing 101" blog.
Snowmobiling
All the joys of exploring a winter wonderland, without the tiring endeavor of walking or snowshoeing.
With more than 300 miles of expertly marked, mapped, and maintained trails through the Adirondack woodlands, you’ll get to witness the great outdoors, majestically cascaded under a blanket of snow.
Book a snowmobile tour with C + C Adirondack Snowmobile Tours, explore the area’s trail systems with 1 of the 4 nearby snowmobile clubs, or discover the available options on your own.
With suitable trails for all experience levels, snowmobiling is both an exhilarating and a welcoming activity during the winter months.
*To learn more, check out our Snowmobiling page.
**For tips and regulations on Snowmobiling, check out the New York State DEC’s Snowmobiling page.
Lake George Area Snowmobile Clubs
Ice Fishing
Who said you needed it to be warm to go fishing?
Ice Fishing is a unique fishing experience to behold. The frozen surface allows access to many sections of lakes and ponds that would otherwise be inaccessible without a boat, providing plenty of premier spots throughout the area.
Dress warm, find a stable setup point, and fish for local species such as chain pickerel, yellow perch, rainbow trout, and many others.
*To learn more, check out our Ice Fishing page.
**For available locations around, check out the New York State DEC’s Ice Fishing in Warren County page.
Igloo Dining
For a truly unique experience, dining with friends and family in a heated igloo is in a league of its own. Be seated in a warm and cozy dome, savor delicious food, and take in picturesque settings with a snow or winter-themed landscape as your canvas.
Partake in Igloo Dining from some of the area’s most popular restaurants, such as The Barrel, the Bolton Landing Brewing Company, Park 26 at the Queensbury Hotel, and more.
This seasonal specialty is highly regarded in the area, so trying for yourselves is certainly recommended.
*To learn more, check out our “Igloo Dining” blog.
Romantic Getaways
Do you and your partner wish to have an intimate time together this Valentine’s Day? Or, perhaps you’d just like a romantic weekend getaway anytime during the month of February (we don’t judge).
Well, you’re in luck because the Lake George Area embraces a captivating atmosphere with its many restaurants, cultural spotlights, and lodging properties.
Warm up with a dinner for two at highly regarded spots such as the Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Cooper’s Cave Ale Company, and The Gem.
Enjoy a riveting performance or exhibit at the Charles R. Wood Theater or the Chapman Museum.
And then afterwards, settle in for the night and snuggle up close with nearby options like Romeo & Guilietta’s Hideaway Inn or the Bell House Inn.
*For more getaway ideas, check out our "Romantic Dates in the Lake George Area" blog.
Arts & Culture
If you’re an arts aficionado, then make sure to check out the theaters and museums that make themselves home in the Lake George Area. The area is a major supporter of the local arts scene and, as such, is an important facet for all trips and vacations.
From the enlightening exhibits displayed in the Hyde Collection and Chapman Museum, to the performances shown at venues like the Charles R. Wood Theater and the Tannery Pond Center, as well as various mediums and outlets in-between.
Check out these select events and shows happening during February:
February Arts & Culture
Along the Hudson
- Chapman Museum
- Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
On Screen at The Hyde
- Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic House
- Feb 22, 2025 - May 31, 2025
Rent - A Rock Opera
- Charles R. Wood Theater
- Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
*To learn more, check out our Arts & Culture page.
What to Pack
Before participating in any of the above events or activities, it’s important to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for whatever weather and/or environment you can expect to encounter.
Below are some helpful suggestions for packing for your Lake George Area trip during the month of February.
Dress Warm
Make sure to bundle up, because February is one of the coldest months of the year (especially if you’re out and about during the early morning or late-night hours). As such, an essential part of packing should be to make sure you dress warm for the chilliest of temperatures.
Besides wearing additional layers, you should also consider:
- Scarves
- Mittens and/or Gloves
- Jackets
- Long Pants
- Long Sleeves
- Sweaters
- Proper Winter Boots
Ice Safety
Though this mostly applies to the above Ice Fishing section, anyone attempting to traverse frozen Lake George, or any other body of water, should do so with extreme caution.
Check out the New York State DEC’s Ice Safety Guide for more information on safely crossing, as well as more tips and tricks in regards to Ice Fishing.
*Ice thickness can vary on a lake, so make sure you check the ice periodically.
Winter Rentals
Want to hit the slopes or the trails this season but don’t have your own gear? Or perhaps you’re a beginner looking to get into the outdoors more.
Either way, there’s no need to worry. Check out these local businesses and locations that offer equipment rentals for public use on their property.
- West Mountain - Offers Ski and Snowboard rentals seasonally and daily when available.
- Gore Mountain – Offers Ski and Snowboard rental packages.
- C + C Adirondack Snowmobile Tours – Provides snowmobiles for tours.
- Garnet Hill Outdoor Center – Offers Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe equipment rentals.
- North Creek Ski Bowl - Offers Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe equipment rentals.
- Natural Stone Bridge and Caves - Provides Snowshoe rentals for use on trails.
- Up Yonda Farm – Provides Snowshoe rentals for on-site use.
- Glens Falls Recreation Department Ice Rink - Provides Ice Skate rentals (*Limited Supply).
- Lights at the Lake - The Ice Skating rink (adjacent to Fort William Henry) provides skate rentals.