Winter in the ADKs: Your Questions, Answered

Tri-Lakes & High Peaks RegionLake George AreaCentral AdirondacksGore Mountain & Schroon Lake AreaLake Champlain & ADK CoastSouthern Woodlands

Feb 16

Written By Jane ADKTaste

Sunlight through trees in the Adirondacks in Winter.

Winter in the Adirondacks doesn’t come with an instruction manual—yet somehow, everyone is expected to know what “six inches of snow” really means, when you need snowshoes, and whether the Lake Placid toboggan chute is thrilling, terrifying, or both.

In this mailbag-style episode of ADK Talks, hosts Jane and Steve do what they love best: talk like locals, answer real-world questions from listeners, and share ideas that help visitors (and proud Adirondack regulars) plan smarter winter days—without turning the episode into a lecture. The Adirondacks are six million acres of winter possibility. The trick is knowing where to go, what to prioritize, and how to set yourself up for a great time.

This episode drops on Presidents’ Day, one of the busiest weeks of the season—when the villages feel lively, the parking feels scarce, and the mountain forecasts suddenly matter to everyone. But the advice here isn’t only for one weekend. In the Adirondacks, winter can stretch well into March and April, and a “regular” Tuesday can be just as magical as a holiday Saturday—especially if you know where to look.

In this episode.

Skier at Gore Mountain in North Creek in the Adirondacks. — Gore Mountain.

Jane and Steve answer listener questions that hit the sweet spot between practical planning and Adirondack trivia—so you can get inspired and avoid the classic winter mistakes.

You’ll hear their take on:

Where to ski during a busy holiday week.
From the big-name mountains to smaller, family-friendly hills—and a few options that can feel refreshingly uncrowded when the main resorts are humming.
Why conditions matter more than hype.
Snow quality, base-building, and that uniquely North Country truth: if it stays cold, you may be skiing deep into spring.
The Lake Placid toboggan chute.
Worth it? When to go? What to expect? Jane gives the straight answer, and Steve adds the local color—plus a small warning that you may laugh-scream loud enough to be heard across Mirror Lake.
Winter hiking: breathtaking, special… and unforgiving.
The hosts talk about why winter magnifies small mistakes, what people most often underestimate, and how guided outings can be a great way to try winter hiking without becoming an expert overnight.
Snowshoes on frozen lakes (and what to bring).
This one’s for anyone eyeing a guided walk across Lake George—or wondering how exposed a frozen lake can feel when the wind picks up.
Dog-friendly winter outings.
If your pup is coming along, the conversation covers practical considerations—fatigue, hydration, and whether your dog is a husky who lives for this… or a doodle who might appreciate booties.
Loons, loonlets, and a very Adirondack parenting mystery.
Super Fan Gina (thank you, Gina) asks a question only this audience would ask: why do the babies always seem to ride on the male loon? The answer is both wholesome and fascinating—and yes, it’s normal loon behavior.
How to find winter fun without the crowds.
The Adirondacks can feel “busy” in the villages without ever being truly crowded. Jane and Steve explain how to plan around that, and they share quieter-town ideas for winter weekends and day trips.

Riders on the Lake Placid Toboggan chute on Mirror Lake. — Toboggan Chute on Mirror Lake. Photo courtesy LakePlacid.com (ROOST).

A few highlights we reference:

This episode is designed to help you go deeper—so we’ve included links to related ADKTaste.com stories and recent ADK Talks episodes in the show notes, including:

Fresh powder and big plans: Adirondack ski season outlook 2025–2026 (a must-read if you’re choosing where to ski this winter).
Powder Days on the Tug Hill Plateau: Snow Ridge’s Deep Snow and Indie Spirit (for listeners who love big snow and indie mountains).
Cold, Wet, And Unprepared: What Really Happens When Winter Hikers Underestimate The Adirondacks (smart, practical winter safety from people who’ve seen it all).
Winter weekends at Great Camp Santanoni and Snow Days at Great Camp Sagamore (the Great Camp winter experience is a vibe).
Tupper Lake stargazing (yes, it’s one of the darkest-sky areas in the region—perfect for winter nights).

And because winter doesn’t end with Presidents’ Day, we also flag late-winter events worth planning around: Lake George Winter Carnival, Tupper Lake BrewSki, Snowcade, Frozen Fire & Lights, Krazy Downhill Derby, Barrel Fest, and full moon ski/snowshoe parties—plus a reminder to keep an eye on ACLC Loon Zooms if you love loon lore.

Where to eat, warm up, and make a weekend of it.

This episode is about activities—but it’s also about making winter feel easy. The show notes include links to recent ADKTaste.com favorites, including places to stay, sip, and snack in between your cold-weather adventures.

Keep the questions coming.

Mailbag episodes only work if listeners send questions—and we love them, especially the oddly specific ones. If you have an Adirondack travel planning question (or want Jane and Steve to settle a friendly Adirondack debate), email info@adktaste.com.

And if this episode helped you plan—or rethink—your next trip, please consider rating and reviewing ADK Talks. It’s not just for our egos (though Steve would absolutely accept a loon named after him). Ratings help more people find the show.