Carve Some Nice Turns in the ADK
The Adirondacks are still the place to be for downhill skiing.
Whiteface Mountain
Downhill skiing in the Adirondacks has always appeared to be a tricky proposition. We are no experts, but in our estimation, the most important factor for a successful ski operation is reliable snowfall. And there’s never been a guarantee of that in the ADK or anywhere, really.
But then there are also the costs for fuel, insurance, operations, maintenance, labor, etc. It’s not a business for sissies.
That’s why we’re energetic supporters of the ADK ski community still operating today. We learned to ski on these hills and mountains and are staunch believers that if you can ski in the Northeast, you can ski anywhere.
Courtesy Gore Mountain
The ADK used to be filled with downhill ski areas – some no bigger than a rope tow on the biggest hill in town – but today, we count less than ten that operate regularly-ish.
Whiteface – the venerable ski area near Lake Placid. The Alpine skiing events were held here during the 1980 Olympics.
Titus Mountain – mountain resort in the northwestern corner of the Adirondacks
Gore – the largest ski area in New York by skiable terrain, including Alpine, Nordic, and snowboard trails.
Oak Mountain – family-friendly ski area in the Central Adirondacks near Speculator.
West Mountain – conveniently located in the Southern Adirondacks, one of the most accessible mountains.
Snow Ridge – located in the other Turin, in the Northwestern corner of the Adirondacks, is a fun family resort with ski trails and a dedicated tubing park.
Hickory Hill – The OG of ski areas in the southern ADK, they keep it real at Hickory. Skin, ski, hike, snowshoe, rock climb, or cross-country ski across their property. There are glades, a snow bowl, and plenty of un-groomed terrain.
Beartown - Perhaps the northernmost ski destination, Beartown offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing, Snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and Cross Country Trails
Mt. Pisgah - this sweet ski area is just outside of Saranac Lake. Learn to ski on their trails or just come for a good time.
Photo courtesy Hickory Hill
All of this information is subject to change, so be sure to check out websites and Facebook pages before you go.
But do go and support the scrappy ski resorts of the ADK.
ADK Ski Area Fun Facts:
America’s first organized ski patrol was born in the ADK.
The first rope tow in New York State was installed at North Creek, and what is today part of Gore Mountain.
The original t-bar installed at Oak Mountain in 1947 used the same motor that hoisted the cables to construct San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. The motor continued to hum until it was replaced in 2000 to make room for a modernized lift.