Embrace the best of an Adirondack winter
So, it’s THAT time of year…
The time of year when the temperature drops and lake ice thickens across the Adirondacks, turning Hamilton County into an unfiltered winter playground.
This year forget hibernating… just gear up, pack the wool socks, grab that thermos of hot coffee, and dive into the classic snow day traditions that make winter in the central Adirondacks legendary.
Go skiing (the downhill kind)
If your idea of a perfect winter afternoon involves crisp air and zero lift lines, head straight to Oak Mountain. Nestled in Speculator, this hometown favorite delivers “big mountain energy” with small town warmth. With trails spanning scenic cruisers to technical black diamonds, it covers every skill level without the resort crowds.
Insider move: Take a run down from the chair summit for some amazing lake views, then pop into the Acorn Pub & Eatery at the base lodge to defrost over a hot lunch and local tap pours.
Find some “Finnish Zen” at Lapland Lake Nordic Center
Tucked away in the snow belt of Benson (just north of Northville and south of Hope), Lapland Lake brings authentic Scandinavian cross-country skiing to life. Designed by former Olympic skier Olavi Hirvonen, its expertly track-set and skate-groomed trails weave quietly through dense hemlock forests and frosted lakeshores. Glide across peaceful woodland paths, listen to the rhythmic click of your skis, and wrap up near a wood stove with warm cider. It is pure tranquility on two planks.
Lace up on the village ice
Nothing beats the retro charm of an outdoor community ice rink. Lace up your figure skates or hockey blades under the crisp winter sky at local village rinks in communities like Speculator, Inlet, Wells, Indian Lake, or Long Lake. Surrounded by towering pines and snowbanks, gliding across the ice (especially under floodlights as light flurries begin to fall) captures the simple nostalgia of a Rockwellian winter!
Go off-grid on snowshoes
Want to get deep into the backcountry without making a sound? Step into a pair of snowshoes and explore miles of snow-draped wilderness. Hamilton County is packed with accessible trailheads leading to frozen cascades, silent hardwood stands, and panoramic fire towers. Even familiar summer trails become entirely new landscapes once winter blankets the granite outcrops. Bring a thermos, watch for wildlife tracks in fresh powder, and enjoy peaceful solitude.
Fly downhill (old school sledding)
Wrap up the afternoon with pure, high-speed fun. Sledding hills scattered across town parks give kids (and adults who refuse to act their age) hours of unbridled fun. Check out Fern Park in Inlet, Mt. Sabattis in Long Lake, or the Ski Hut in Indian Lake for some amazing sledding hills!
Hamilton County shows that winter isn't just a season to endure but one of the best times of year!
