Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Party at Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Bask in the glow of the Wolf Moon on January 3, 2026.

There’s something quietly powerful about the first full moon of the year — a natural pause point between the bustle of the holidays and the long, steady rhythm of winter.

On January 3, 2026, Mt. Van Hoevenberg invites skiers and snowshoers to mark that moment with a Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Party, the first of four evenings that blend movement, moonlight, and Adirondack winter atmosphere in a way that feels both grounding and celebratory.

Designed for all experience levels, these events offer a rare chance to explore Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s cross-country trail system after dark — guided by instructors, warmed by trail-side fires, and capped off with music and après-style gathering inside the Mountain Pass Lodge.

What to expect on opening night.

Full moon through towering pines.

January’s full moon brings deep-winter stillness and crisp conditions, ideal for easing into nighttime Nordic skiing or snowshoeing. Trails glow softly under moonlight, and the evening pace is intentionally flexible.

Guests can:

• Join an instructor-led group ski or snowshoe

• Explore independently at a comfortable pace

• Warm up at bonfires placed along each loop

• Gather afterward in the lodge for drinks, food, and live music

Whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or visiting Lake Placid for a winter getaway, the atmosphere is welcoming rather than competitive — more about experience than performance.

Choose a route that fits your comfort level.

Participants can select from three trail options, each designed to match a different pace and skill level:

• Short / Easy
  A relaxed introduction to skiing or snowshoeing after dark, ideal for beginners and first-timers.

• Medium / Intermediate
  A steady, confidence-building route with more distance and varied terrain.

• Long / Advanced
  Designed for experienced Nordic skiers looking to immerse themselves in moonlit conditions fully.

Instructors are available throughout the evening to help guests navigate trails safely and comfortably, especially those new to nighttime skiing.

Fires, lodge lights, and a cozy finish.

Each loop includes a stop at a crackling outdoor fire, offering warmth, visibility, and a natural gathering point along the way. These fires help define the rhythm of the night — ski, pause, warm up, and continue under the stars.

At the end of the evening, guests are invited inside the Mountain Pass Lodge, where your ticket includes one drink ticket to use during the after-party. Live music and food are available, making it easy to linger, refuel, and reflect on the night.

Additional beverages may be purchased at the lodge.

Snowshoers welcome — rentals available.

Don’t ski? You’re still very much invited.

Snowshoers are welcome on designated routes, and ski and snowshoe rentals are available on site for an additional fee. This makes the January 3 event especially appealing for visitors or locals who want to try something new without a full equipment commitment.

Event details at a glance.

• Event: Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Party

• Date: January 3, 2026

• Location: Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid

• Meeting point: Outside the Mountain Pass Lodge

• Cost: $6 per person

• Ticket includes: Trail access + one drink ticket for the lodge after-party

• Extras: Rentals available for an additional fee

Why this January event stands out.

As the first full moon of 2026, this event feels like a reset — a chance to step outside, move through winter darkness with intention, and experience Mt. Van Hoevenberg in a way that daytime visits rarely allow.

It’s a reminder that winter doesn’t have to be rushed or conquered. Sometimes, it’s best experienced slowly, under moonlight, with skis or snowshoes crunching quietly beneath your feet.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s website.

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