What's better than a winter getaway? A winter getaway with friends!
Winter in the Adirondacks just isn't the same without a trusty troupe of adventurers by your side. Thankfully, the region was built to be shared! With long meandering trails perfect for catching up on snowshoeing, icy tundras for setting up camp and ice fishing, and the adrenaline-pumping snowmobile routes that make this region sing, there's no shortage of fun to be had with your buddies. When you're not playing in the snow, premier lodging and dining are just around the corner to fashion you with all the Adirondack comforts your heart desires (dare we mention the peanut butter wings?). Head up to the mountains for your winter getaway, and give your social media peers major FOMO while you soak up the season.
Lakeside lodging for you and your crew
When it comes to winter getaways with friends, Hamilton County delivers the kind of cozy, snow-dusted magic that makes you want to stay just one more night.
Start your weekend at the Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake—a historic gem with unbeatable lake access and old-school Adirondack charm. The hotel overlooks the glistening, snow-covered expanse of Long Lake, giving you front-row seats to some of the best winter scenery around. After a day of snowmobiling, cozy up in the restaurant or bar for hearty comfort food and that warm, small-town hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home.
For something a bit more intimate, Steamboat Landing offers a modern lakeside retreat, perfect for a group that loves equal parts relaxation and adventure. Here you have options depending on your party size, from small cabins to rooms perfect for two. With stunning views of the frozen lake and easy access to outdoor fun, it’s the kind of place where mornings start with hot cocoa and end with stories by the fireplace.
If your crew is craving peace and quiet, head to The Inn on Piseco Lake. Nestled along the shoreline, this spot gives you a postcard-perfect view of the snow-capped peaks reflecting off the icy lake. It’s ideal for unplugging—just you, your friends, and the tranquil beauty of winter in the Adirondacks.
Explore the trails
After you’ve settled into your cozy quarters, it's time to hit the trails. Hamilton County’s extensive trail network connects charming towns and breathtaking viewpoints, making it easy to plan a day (or several) of winter exploration. You’ll find groomed snowmobile routes winding through the woods and over lakes, making most accommodations perfect for snowmobile trail access. For slower exploration, scenic snowshoe and cross-country ski trails let you move at your own pace, pausing to soak in the stillness of a winter morning. There’s an endless network of trails that spiders throughout the region, with many that hug the Adirondack Great Camps of the Gilded Age, making for perfect winter pics.
P.S. To really prepare for your snowmobiling adventure, download the Adirondack Snowmobile App. With an interactive map and all the information you need to navigate snowy trails and find gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging properties, this app is your "one-stop shop" for all things snowmobile, accessible on the go.
End the day with a hearty meal
Okay, its time to eat. After hours spent outside, you'll need to warm your mitts and melt the windburn off your cheeks. Luckily, we've got just the thing: cozy pubs and eateries!
Kick things off at The Acorn Pub and Eatery at Oak Mountain in Speculator. Whether you’ve been carving down the slopes or just came for the après-ski vibes, The Acorn offers the perfect spot to unwind. Dig into burgers, wings, or a signature sandwich while taking in the mountain views—and don’t skip their local brews or seasonal cocktails to toast a day well spent.
In Inlet, Screamen Eagle is the go-to for pizza lovers and anyone craving a fun, laid-back vibe. This is where the famed peanut butter wings come into play. With its beautiful pies, creative toppings, and a great selection of craft beer, you'll want to hang back long after your bellies are full.
The Indian Lake Restaurant and Tavern delivers comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Think hearty soups, perfectly grilled steaks, and homemade desserts that taste like winter nostalgia. It’s the perfect stop after a day of snowshoeing or snowmobiling in the area, as most adventurers make this stop a staple during their trip.
Breakfast before a day on the ice
Before you set up camp for a day filled with ice fishing, there’s nothing better than gathering your friends for a hearty Adirondack breakfast. In Hamilton County, mornings are made for cozy diners, steaming mugs of coffee, and the kind of comfort food that fuels you for the trails ahead. Stop by the Long Lake Diner for classic pancakes, omelets, and a lakeside view that’s even more magical under a dusting of snow. In Blue Mountain Lake, Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner serves up homestyle favorites with a creative twist, home to a truly classic 1950s diner that was planted in Blue Mountain Lake. You'll be transported to winters of old with pancakes, home fries, and omelets of your creation. However, if you're itching to get on the lake and just can't wait, swing by the Blue Line Coffee House in Inlet for locally roasted coffee, baked goods, and breakfast eats that you can stow in your pack.
Ice fishing
Hamilton County is full of lakes stocked with wild fish for northern pike, pickerel, tiger muskie, and walleye, all hidden below the ice during winter. Want to combine the fun? Most local experts use their snowmobiles as the mode of transport to get to and from their ice shanties, making the experience all the easier and more fun! There's no shortage of spots to choose from, as ice fishing is permitted on most lakes and rivers, with the exception of Indian River.
Grab your buddies and head for the mountains!
This winter, there's no better time to round up your group and embark on an unforgettable trip to Hamilton County. From Snowmobiling on adrenaline-pumping trails to cozying up in local pubs, you'll find the perfect Adirondack fun for your group.
