Where to Adventure in the Northeast this Winter and Spring?
You have most likely uttered the phrase “there is nothing to do” a few times (or more) since the beginning of the pandemic last spring. With travel restrictions, discouraged social gatherings and the closing of bars/restaurants/stores have led to a universal sense of boredom and countless hours spent at home. Its difficult to separate work from play as many people are now working from home.
While indoor workouts, like pilates, yoga and bodyweight strength training can be fun for awhile, they can become monotonous and even uninspiring. The psychological impacts of getting outside include: improved mood, lowered anxiety levels, mental restoration and relaxation etc. We will link some articles about all of this to the end of this post.
Even though it may be cold out and snowy, it doesn’t mean that you won’t enjoy your time outside either exercising or just leaving your house. Skiing, snowshoeing, walking and running outside are all great ways to move your body and feel the positive effects of being outdoors. This post is meant to show you different spots to check out in upstate New York that are hidden gems! We will divide each of these sections up based on activity (nordic skiing, backcountry/snowshoeing and running/walking).
Skiing!
While skiing can be cost prohibitive anywhere you go, it is also possible to discover free destinations to ski that are just as good! Skiing is a great low-impact sport and depending on what type of skiing you partake in, you can use different muscle groups that improve strength and endurance. Skiing is great cross-training for hiking, biking and running as well!
For nordic skiing, some free trails in the Northeast include..
Coles Woods
Location: Glens Falls, near the YMCA
Type of terrain: 5k windy loop trail. Does have some flatter sections that are great for beginner skiers!
Why we love it: These trails are lit at night for skiing and recreation which is great if you get out of work or school after the sun has set.
Queensbury High School trails
Location: Queensbury, right off the North way
Type of terrain: a 5k loop, fairly flat and not very technical, great for beginners.
Why we love it: Sometimes has great field skiing between the elementary school and the high school. Has some fun, hilly backcountry nordic skiing and snowshoeing as well off of the main 5k trail.
Lake George Elementary School trails
Location: Lake George, near the LG bike path
Type of terrain: a 5k loop with many twists and turns. Not a lot of flat, better for intermediate to more advanced skiers.
Why we love it: Exciting uphills and quick, turny downhills that keep you on your toes!
Cronin's Golf Course
Location: Warrensburgh, right out of town on Golf Course Road
Type of terrain: a very flat, ungroomed skiing on top of a seasonal golf course. One of the best locations for beginners given its gentle terrain.
Why we love it: Its overlooks the Hudson River and is a truly beautiful, scenic spot for some leisurely skiing.
Pack Forrest
Location: Warrensburgh, very close to Cronin’s Golf Course
Type of terrain: miles of ungroomed trails that are fairly flat. Recommended for those who regularly backcountry nordic ski.
Why we love it: These trails really make you feel like you’re detached from reality. There isn’t any service here and you don’t often see many other people skiing around on this natural terrain. A great spot if you feel like you need to 'get away' for an hour or two.
The Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park
Location: Wilton, Saratoga County
Type of terrain: fairly flat trails ranging from beginner to intermediate and groomed to ungroomed.
Why we love it: Closer to the capital district and has a beautiful Opodahl Farm that the trails encircle.
Other ski venues requiring a trail ticket you must pay for:
Garnet Hill
Location: North River, 20 minutes from downtown North Creek
Type of terrain: mainly very hilly and narrow. Great for a full day of skiing with rested legs!
Why we love it: Super old school terrain and so beautiful. Easy to get some solid training in here to get into racing shape.
Cost:
adult full day pass: $22
adult half day pass: $15
see more pricing at: https://garnet-hill-lodge.shoplightspeed.com/ski-shop-merchandise/passes-rentals/day-passes/
Mount Van Hovenberg
Location: North Elba, 9 miles E SE from Lake Placid.
Type of terrain: Mainly very difficult and hilly terrain, with little easy terrain.
Why we love it: Great for some hard training. Absolutely beautiful views of the Adirondack High Peaks and usually has great snow and spectacular grooming!
Cost:
FULL DAY PASSES
adults (ages: 20-64): $32
teens/seniors (ages: 13-19/65-69): $28
junior/70+ (ages: 7-12/70+): $24
6 & under (ages: 6 & under): $5
Link: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com
Lapland Lake
Location: Northville, 6 miles from Route 30
Type of terrain: Rolling, but very fun. There is a significant amount of flat terrain for beginners, but there are also some more up and down trails.
Why we love it: Old school trails. There’s some great lake skiing as well!
Cost:
FULL DAY PASSES
lodging guests: free
adults: $25
seniors (ages: 65+): $20
youth (ages: 12-17): $20
juniors (ages: 6-11): $10
kids (ages: under 6): free
AFTER 2PM PASSES
lodging guests: free
adults: $22
seniors (ages 65+): $18
youth (ages 12-17): $18
juniors (6-11): $8
kids (under 6): free
Link: https://www.laplandlake.com/rates-rentals/
Cascade Nordic Ski Center
Location: near Lake Placid (right next to Mount Van Hovenberg)
Type of terrain: Easy to intermediate terrain with shorter trails.
Why we love it: Great scenic spot where the whole family can learn. The terrain is not intimidating and everyone is very friendly!
Cost:
FULL DAY PASSES
adult pass: $15
children pass: $8
Link: https://www.cascadeski.com
The Gore Ski Bowl
Location: in North Creek, about a 2 minute drive away from downtown North Creek
Type of terrain: Fairly technical 5k loop with lots of uphill and curving downhills. More suitable for more advanced skiers.
Why we love it: Good for some hard training that gets you in great shape for racing and awesome for cross training as well!
Cost:
FULL DAY PASSES
adult pass (ages: 20-64): $
teen/senior passes (ages: 13-19 and 65+): $18
junior/70+ (ages: 7-12 and 70+): $12
6 & under: $10
twilight (4 pm-close, for ages 7+) $12
Link: https://goremountain.com/the-mountain/nordic-center/
Alpine Skiing!
Backcountry
Whiteface Toll Road
Location: Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway in Wilmington
Type of terrain: 2,400 elevation gain, consistent, steady uphill/downhill (depending on direction) without any steep sections.
Why we love it: Great for both nordic skiers and backcountry skiers. Offers beautiful views of the High Peaks.
Cost: Free!
Link: https://www.whitefaceregion.com/cross-country-skiing/whiteface-toll-road
Hickory Ski Center
Location: Warrensburgh
Type of terrain: 1,200 ft high. An old alpine ski resort.
Why we love it: Its free and has great terrain!
Cost: free!
Link: https://www.facebook.com/hickoryskicenter/
Alpine/Resort
Gore Mountain
Location: North Creek
Type of terrain: beginner/intermediate/hard!
Why we love it: ?? I’ve never been!
Cost:
FULL DAY PASSES
adult pass (ages: 20-64): $105
teen/senior passes (ages: 13-19 and 65-69): $80
junior(ages: 7-12): $60
ages 70+: $50
6 and under: $10
Link: https://goremountain.com/tickets-passes/winter-lift-tickets/
Whiteface Mountain
Location: Wilmington
Type of terrain: More advanced, very windy and cold here
Why we love it: Great views of the high peaks and long runs!
Cost:
FULL DAY PASSES
adult pass (ages: 20-64): $115
teen/senior passes (ages: 13-19 and 65+): $90
junior(ages: 7-12): $70
ages 70+: $50
6 and under: $10
HALF DAY/LATE PASSES
adult pass (ages: 20-64): $100
teen/senior passes (ages: 13-19 and 65+): $80
junior(ages: 7-12): $65
ages 70+: $50
6 and under: $10
Link: https://whiteface.com/tickets-passes/lift-tickets/
West Mountain
Location: Queensbury
Type of terrain: Easy to moderate. Great family mountain!
Why we love it: Small mountain that has made many infrastructural improvements recently
Cost:
4 HOUR PASS
adult pass (ages: 19-64): $49
teen pass (ages: 13-18): $39
youth (ages: 7-12): $29
senior ages 65+: $39
6 and under: free
college/military: $39
beginners access (rope toe/magic carpet): N/A
8 HOUR PASS
adult pass (ages: 19-64): $59
teen pass (ages: 13-18): $49
youth (ages: 7-12): $39
senior ages 65+: $49
6 and under: free
college/military: $45
beginners access (rope toe/magic carpet): N/A
Link:https://westmountain.com/lift-tickets/
Links about the positive impact of being outside in nature on the body and mind..
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature
https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/mental-health-benefits-of-getting-outside/
https://www.johnstonhealth.org/fitness-health/health-matters-blog/fitness-nutrition/2018/mental-benefits-getting-outside/
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