10 Adirondack Winter Activities Near the Fern Lodge

Experience the romance of a winter wonderland- the best Adirondack winter getaways start with us. Check out 10 ideas for things to do at this special time of year below. What do you think is the best thing about the Fern Lodge in Chestertown in winter?

a couple on snowshoes poses

  1. Downhill Skiing
    Downhill skiing is a  short 20 minute drive at Gore Mountain from the Fern Lodge Adirondack resort. Gore Mountain  boasts 2100′ vertical, 11 lifts, 75 trails and 95% snowmaking, Gore is a premier ski area of the Northeast. The lower part of the mountain (down by Gore’s Ski Town of North Creek) is the North Creek Ski Bowl – it offers night skiing (and it’ included with your day ticket!).
    Make sure you stop at barVino Wine Shop to grab a bottle of wine to enjoy in front of the fire when you get back! Another prime downhill skiing option close to the Fern Lodge is Whiteface Mountain, 1 hour away, plus West Mountain in Queensbury is about 45 minutes south.
  2. Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoeing
    You can snowshoe or cross-country ski right out the front door of the Fern Lodge on our trails or the lake (yes, we do provide snowshoes). And, there are close by facilities for snowshoeing in the southern Adirondacks at Garnet Hill, North Creek Ski Bowl, Dynamite Hill and Stone Bridge and Caves, as well as unlimited acres access on state land.
  3. Sledding
    Get back to the joy of being a kid again with your favorite person as you embark on sledding and tobogganing at nearby Dynamite Hill! BYOS s=sled!
  4. Ice Skating
    Ice skating is a perfect winter’s activity for the outdoorsy couple in the Adirondacks. If you have your own skates there is an outdoor rink at the aforementioned Dynamite Hill, or you could skate right on Lake George. The Warrensburg Recreation Field also has an outdoor facility. If you need rentals, your best bet may be the Glens Falls Recreation Center.
  5. Snowmobiling
    If you have your own machines, join the North Warren Trailblazers for miles and miles of groomed trail. If you would like to rent “sleds” there are options for guided 1 and 2 hour trips for single or double riders. Explore both beautiful pine woods and/or open frozen lake terrain, and return to our luxury Adirondack hotel for the ultimate in relaxation. C+C Adirondack Snowmobile Tours is located right here in Chestertown for guided trips. They cater to beginners!
  6. Winter Sleigh Rides
    Looking to snuggle under a blanket with your partner as you ride on a horse-drawn sleigh through a serene, snowy wonderland? The Circle B Ranch located in Chestertown is the place to go for this quintessential Adirondack romantic winter activity.
  7. Brewery Tours
    Visit Paradox Brewery up in Hudson, Bolton Landing Brewing Co in Bolton Landing, and/or the Adirondack Winery and the Adirondack Pub & Brewery in Lake George; Adirondack Winery also has as Queensbury location. Further choices include Davidson Brothers, Cooper’s Cave Ale Company (they also have gourmet sodas worth trying), and Mean Max Brew Works all in Glens Falls, and Northway Brewing in Queensbury. Lots of options!
  8. Winter Safari
    Let us arrange a local Naturalist/Licensed guide to take you on a personalized back country tour on snowshoes or cross-country skis for a once in a lifetime experience! A few winter safari businesses that we recommend include Adirondack Mountain and Stream, Rustic Homestead, and Beaver Brook.
  9. Day Trip to Lake Placid
    Lake Placid is a beautiful one-hours drive north. Home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, you’ll find a multitude of activities to enjoy here! Window shop down Main Street, stop for lunch at any number of great dining spots, tour the Olympics Sports Center, and you simply must go to the top of the ski jumps. Save room for a piece of pie at The Noonmark Diner in Keene Valley on your way back!
  10. A Winter’s Drive
    Drive over to Brant Lake via Route 8 (make sure you go around the backside-Palisades Road) and drive over the mountain to Hague and back down Rt 9N to Bolton Landing. Stretch your legs and check out the nice shops or get a drink or dinner at any of the nice restaurants along Main Street in Bolton Landing – go sit at the park and enjoy the magnificent view of frozen Lake George in icy splendor.

Learn More About Other Seasons in the Adirondacks

Fern Lodge is the perfect Upstate NY hotel getaway for all seasons! Be sure to check our seasonal hotel specials and deals – privacy, luxury and exquisite Adirondack lodging accommodations make every season in the Adirondacks romantic and unforgettable:

Ready to relax and unwind at our luxury Adirondack resortCheck your room availability online today or call (518) 494-7238 for more information. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

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