Written by Jaynie Ellis
Ski the 3 this winter! The Lake George Area is a premier ski destination with three first-rate ski resorts. Dive into fresh powder all season long at Gore Mountain, West Mountain, or Hickory Ski Center. With legendary terrain, varying features, and frequent upgrades at each resort, there is something for every skier or snowboarder.
Gore Mountain
Top Elevation: 3,600 ft.
Vertical: 2,537 ft.
Ski like the locals at Gore Mountain – the largest ski resort in New York. Located in North Creek, Gore is a popular, full-service recreation destination that attracts skiers from all over the East Coast.
From long cruisers to terrain parks and legendary steeps, Gore is a skiing and snowboarding mecca stretching across 9 sides of 4 peaks – Burnt Ridge, Bear, Little Gore, and Gore. Choose your own arctic adventure from a network of 100+ trails extending from 7 designated mountain areas. Head to the High Peaks for old-school Adirondack skiing, Burnt Ridge for a speedy lesson on local geology, or Northwoods for some family-friendly, easy terrain. The resort’s 14 lifts, including a gondola lift, will bring you to the top of the most exhilarating pistes.
Much like Gore’s trail systems, there is a wide variety of options for on-mountain dining. Refuel at the Base Lodge Food Court, Tannery Restaurant, Saddle Lodge, Open Pit Grille, or the Waffle Cabin.
Nordic Skiing at Ski Bowl Park
Experience more of Gore with Twilight Skiing and the Nordic Center at Ski Bowl Park. At the base of Little Gore, Ski Bowl Park offers extra opportunities for alpine skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
ALL NEW IN 2023!
Exciting improvements at Gore Mountain for the 2022/2023 season includes “Backwoods”, a new 60′ intermediate-rated trail with grooming and snowmaking capabilities that will enter near the top of the Burnt Ridge Quad and run alongside the Barkeater Glades, ending just uphill of the Roaring Brook Bridge at the bottom of The Pipeline.
Additionally, over 300 new HKD snowguns will be installed on the new “Backwoods” trail on Burnt Ridge Mountain, as well as Showcase, Uncas, and Chatiemac.
West Mountain
Top Elevation: 1, 470 ft.
Vertical: 1,010 ft.
Your winter home base, West Mountain is conveniently located off Exit 18 on the Adirondack Northway. This family-owned, family-friendly ski resort relies on a combination of natural and artificial snow for some of the best skiing, snowboarding, and tubing conditions in the region.
From beginner slopes to expert routes, there are thrilling runs for everyone at West Mountain. Skiers and snowboarders can carve out West’s 30+ trails or terrain park during the day, and ski past sundown on 15 of these trails that are well-lit at night.
What makes this mountain especially kid-friendly is the Tubing Park, featuring a total of 10 lanes and a “magic carpet ride” to access them that takes away the struggle of lugging your tube to the top. Slide down time and time again without getting tired!
After hours of fun in the fresh powder, head to the lodge for a grab-and-go pick-me-up at West Express Café or the cozy West Mountain Bar & Eatery for sit-down dining and bar service.
If it’s not already, West Mountain in the Lake George Area is sure to become a favorite destination for a family ski trip!
ALL NEW IN 2023!
Return of the 2-hr. ticket with West Mountain’s new RFID Direct-to-Lift ticketing system! Embedded right into your Season Pass or Day Ticket, this chip offers hands-free and streamlined lift access to keep the line moving. For more information on RFID, click here.
Hickory Ski Center
Top Elevation: 1,900 ft.
Vertical: 1,200 ft.
Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg is a hidden gem among East Coast resorts, offering a vintage ski experience with all-natural snow, open only on the weekends when Mother Nature allows.
Well-known among experienced skiers for its challenging snow conditions on backcountry glades, Hickory has 7 black-diamond runs out of a total of 18 trails. Groomed beginner slopes and intermediate bump runs balance out the skiable terrain.
Adding to Hickory’s charm are the vintage Poma lifts, circa 1950s. It may take some practice, but they make the ride up the snow-covered slopes as much fun as skiing them!
The authentic base lodge features a large, circular fire pit and built-in bench seats. Tend to the wood-burning fire while socializing with fellow skiers between laps.
Exceptional winter recreation destinations like Hickory still exist – come ski the region and see for yourself!
Pro Tip: Check snow reports, trail conditions, and familiarize yourself with trail maps that can be found on each destination’s website before heading out to ski or snowboard.
Après ski in scenic nearby towns might peak your interest before heading back to your authentic Adirondack lodging and resting up to hit the slopes again the next day. Visit our website for lodging and additional dining options while planning your winter vacay to the Lake George Area!