Winter Weekends at Great Camp Santanoni

All photos courtesy Great Camp Santanoni.

Kick off winter with a snow-powered journey into Adirondack history.

The first Winter Weekend at Great Camp Santanoni sets the tone for a season of quiet adventure and historic discovery. On January 17–18, 2026, visitors are invited to ski or snowshoe into one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic Great Camps—an experience that feels equal parts outdoor excursion and time travel.

Accessible only by human power in winter, Santanoni rewards those willing to make the journey with preserved buildings, serene forest landscapes, and a rare glimpse into life at a turn-of-the-century Adirondack retreat.

What to expect during the January Winter Weekend.

During this special weekend, the Main Camp will be open for visitor tours, allowing guests to explore the historic lodge and learn about its architecture, preservation, and role in Adirondack history.

The journey follows the historic carriage road through the Santanoni Preserve, offering a peaceful five-mile route that’s well-suited to both skis and snowshoes. January’s crisp conditions often bring pristine snow and sparkling winter light—ideal for photographers and winter enthusiasts alike.

Warm up at the lakeside Artist’s Studio.

A highlight of Winter Weekends is the Artist’s Studio on the shore of Newcomb Lake, open from 10 am to 3 pm as a warming hut.

Inside, visitors can thaw out by the woodstove and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Bring your own mug—or borrow one—and take a moment to soak in the stillness of the frozen lake outside the studio windows.

Free snowshoes available for visitors.

Starting at 9 am, the Adirondack Interpretive Center offers free snowshoe loans for visitors without their own gear. Pick-up is at Newcomb Pines, 5699 Route 28N, Newcomb, making this event especially accessible for first-time snowshoers.

Preview a winter visit to Great Camp Santanoni.

This short video offers a glimpse of what it’s like to ski or snowshoe into Great Camp Santanoni during Winter Weekends. From the quiet approach along the historic carriage road to the warmth of the lakeside Artist’s Studio, it captures the magic of visiting Santanoni in winter.

Video produced by Adirondack Explorer, documenting a winter journey to Great Camp Santanoni.

Event details at a glance.

• Dates: January 17–18, 2026

• Main Camp: Open for tours

• Warming hut: Artist’s Studio, 10 am–3 pm

• Snowshoes: Free loan starting at 9 am

• Hosted by: Santanoni Partners (AARCH, NYS DEC, Town of Newcomb)

For more information and directions, visit Great Camp Santanoni’s website.

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Hear the story behind Santanoni’s preservation.

To dive deeper into the history and preservation of Great Camp Santanoni, listen to the ADK Taste podcast episode featuring Erin Tobin of Adirondack Architectural Heritage. we explore Santanoni’s past, its rescue and restoration, and what makes experiencing the camp in winter so meaningful. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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