By Zach Lawrence
If it’s a more basic skating experience you’re seeking in the Adirondacks, you don’t have to look far to find appropriate ice. Many Adirondack communities around the park offer great opportunities for those with traditional skates, on rinks or outdoor ponds.
There are venues in Inlet, Long Lake and other places around the park. Below is a list of some. Keep in mind, skating availability is weather-dependent for some.
Fern Park Recreation Area (Inlet)
Offers a free indoor ice-skating rink which is open seven days a week, weather permitting. A warming room is available with a window looking into the rink so parents can keep an eye on their children. Hockey in evenings.
9 Loomis Road, Inlet. (315) 357-5501.
Gurney Lane Recreation Area (Queensbury)
Open every day including weekends and holidays. Skating and skate rentals are free to the public. There is a warming area with free hot chocolate available.
118 Gurney Lane, Queensbury. (518) 761-8216.
Warrensburg Recreation Field
Rink is an uncovered pavilion with ice conditions being weather dependent. Skating is free and open to the public during daylight hours.
3797 Main St., Warrensburg. (518) 623-9511.
Online
Long Lake Geiger Arena Adirondack Skating Rink
An outdoor skating rink with free skate rentals. There is a warming hut with snacks and hot chocolate available. Call ahead or check online for hours as they vary. Adult supervision is required for children under 10.
6 Pavillion Road, Long Lake.
(518) 624-3031 Long Lake Parks & Recreation: (518) 624-3077
The Dynamite Hill Recreation Center (Chestertown)
Features a covered outdoor rink. Depending on ice conditions, skating is available at users’ discretion at all hours of the day. No rentals available. There is a warming hut available when the free ski tow rope is open, which is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during school breaks and on weekends beginning Dec. 20. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase.
Dynamite Hill Road, Chestertown. (518) 494-2722.
Mirror Lake (Lake Placid)
When ice reaches a thickness of 6 inches, a track circumnavigating the lake is plowed. When the ice is safe, the 2-mile-long track is open all day. A space for hockey is cleared near the town beach, which is also a great place to get to the track.
Downtown Lake Placid. (518) 523-2445.
Lake Colby (Saranac Lake)
Human Powered Planet Earth will be hosting a demo day near the beach on Lake Colby Sunday, Feb. 2, from noon to 5 p.m. during the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. There will also be a night skating that evening. Volunteers hope to keep the ice open for two weeks following the event.
Lake Colby Beach, Saranac Lake.
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