Cross-country ski centers

Map by Nancy Bernstein

* All prices are for 2002/2003 season.

Lapland Lake

Reindeer, tupa cottages, wood-burning saunas, a guy named Olavi—are we in Finland? No, but owner Olavi Hirvonen, a former Olympic skier, is doing his best to make you think so. Lapland Lake, located off the beaten path in the southern Adirondacks, gets enough snow to stay open more than 110 days each winter. Most of its 50 km of trails are groomed. Offers lessons, rentals, lodging and meals. Adults: $12 weekdays, $15 weekends and holidays. Children, $7 every day. Seniors, $10 weekdays, $15 weekends and holidays. Under 6 & over 74, free.

Phone: (518) 863-4974.
E-mail: lapland@klinklnet
Web: www.laplandlake.com
Location: Off Storer Road in Benson near village of Northville.

Mount Van Hoevenberg

Although Mount Van Hoevenberg hosted the Nordic races during the 1980 Winter Games, you don’t have to ski like an Olympian to enjoy the place. The 50 km of trails offer something for skiers of all abilities. The trails connect to Cascade Ski Center and ungroomed trails in the High Peaks Wilderness. Lessons and rentals. Adults, $12. Children & seniors, $10. Under 6 or over 70, free.

Phone: (518) 523-2811
E-mail: info@orda.org
Web: www.orda.org
Location: About 7 miles south of Lake Placid on NY 73.

Cascade Cross-Country Center

Ski all day, relax next to the fireplace, eat dinner and then go out for more skiing under the lights or under the full moon. If you’re too pooped to drive home afterward, spend the night in the bunkhouse. Cascade has 20 km of trails. The network connects to the 24-mile Jackrabbit Trail, which is not groomed, and the trails at Mount Van Hoevenberg. Lessons, rentals, ski shop, restaurant/bar and bunkhouse. Adults: $8. Children: $4. Night: $6

Phone: (518) 523-9605
E-mail: cascade@northnet.org
Web: www.cascadeski.com
Location: About 5 miles south of Lake Placid on NY 73.

Dewey Mountain

You can ski for free on the 15 km of trails on Dewey Mountain, which is owned by the town of Harrietstown, but donations are appreciated. Most of the trails are groomed, but the more challenging routes on the top of the mountain are not. There are separate trails for snowshoers. Dewey turns on the lights every Tuesday night (when races are held). Lessons by appointment.

Phone: (518) 891-2696
E-mail: besttown@saranaclake.comx
Location: A mile west of Saranac Lake village on NY 3.

McCauley Mountain

Old Forge is known for snowmobiling, but the community also offers downhill and Nordic skiing at McCauley Mountain. The Nordic skiers can enjoy 20 km of trails. The ski lodge has a cafeteria and bar. Lessons, rentals and guided tours. $6 for adults and children. Under 6 or over 69, free.

Phone: (315) 369-3225
E-mail: oldforgeny@telenet.net
Web: www.oldforgeny.com
Location: McCauley Mountain Road on outskirts of Old Forge.

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