By Sierra McGivney
Cross-country skiing is a staple sport of the Adirondacks. Miles of trails snake through the wilderness and at Nordic centers. When snow falls, it’s time to strap on skis.
Nordic ski centers have adapted to the pandemic by limiting capacity in the lodge. Cross-country and snowshoe trails allow for people to social distance outside while enjoying the winter. Skiers can enjoy trails that loop around lakes while appreciating winter wildlife. Beginner, intermediate and advanced trails with all different mileage can be found at cross-country ski centers.
Below I have put together five articles containing adventures at Nordic centers. I have added an extra article that lists almost all of the Nordic centers in the Adirondacks. Remember to check with the center about rules and changes due to COVID-19.
Lapland Lake: Where more than the skiing is Nordic
Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center is located in Northville, NY. They offer 50 kilometers of trails for skiing and snowshoeing. The trails range from beginner to advanced trails. If cross-country skiing isn’t your thing enjoy sledding, tubing or sleigh rides. READ MORE
Winter adventure at the VIC
The Visitor Interpretive Center at Paul Smith’s College lures skiers and snowshoers from all over the Adirondacks. The VIC offers 20 miles of trails on the property. Trails meander along lakes and mountains. Follow Dick Beamish on adventure exploring all that the VIC has to offer. READ MORE
Mr. Van Ski Trail
The Mr. Van Ski Trail—named for Henry Van Hoevenberg, who built the original Adirondack Lodge (as it was then spelled) at Heart Lake in 1879—was constructed by the state in the 1970s, according to Tony Goodwin, executive director of the Adirondack Ski Touring Council. Phil Brown skis the Mr. Van trail that goes from the Adirondak Loj to the Mt. Van Hoevenberg cross-country center. READ MORE
Kids enjoy the many trails and youth ski leagues at Dewey Mountain recreation center in Saranac Lake. Dewey is smaller than some of the surrounding Nordic centers but, according to kids, the “funnest.” Dewey Mountain Recreation Center has 13 kilometers of ski trails and 4 kilometers of snowshoe trails with levels from easy to expert. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. READ MORE
Garnet-to-Gore traverse
Garnet Hill Lodge located in North river; NY offers over 50 kilometers of cross-country skiing trials. Visitors can stay in rustic log cabins located all around the ski area. The lodge offers guided day tours. Alan Wechsler enjoys the all-day cross-country trip from the lodge to Gore mountain. READ MORE
Adirondack Park cross-country ski centers
Here is a full list of Nordic ski centers all over the Adirondacks. READ MORE
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