5 Great Ski Areas in the Southern Adirondacks

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly ski resort, or advanced trails and a terrain park, the Southern Adirondacks offer some of the best conditions, trails and facilities in New York State. In fact, many of the smaller, off-the-radar ski areas are actually more affordable and less crowded than the mountains of neighboring Vermont. With plenty of fresh powder already this season, and Lake George Winter Carnival every weekend in February, why not check out these 5 great ski areas near Lake George & Bolton Landing?

  1. Gore Mountain – North Creek NY

Recently named a hidden gem by OutsideOnline, Gore Mountain has 439 acres – more space than any other ski area in New York State – plus 14 lifts, including an 8-passenger gondola, and over 2500 vertical feet. You’ll find 110 trails for all levels, a ski bowl and plenty of glades, as well as a sweet terrain park and expert instructors. For après ski, there are six on-mountain dining options.

  1. West Mountain – Queensbury NY

At the southern tip of the Adirondacks, you’ll find West Mountain. Just a 15-minute drive from Lake George and Bolton Landing, and only 3 hours from New York City, West offers skiers and snowboarders more than 126 acres and 30 trails, as well as a terrain park, restaurant, bar and ski shop for rentals, tuning and more.

  1. Oak Mountain – Speculator NY

Self-proclaimed to be New York’s friendliest mountain for skiing and snowboarding, Oak Mountain Ski Center is absolutely family-friendly. The mountain boasts 650 feet of vertical, 3 lifts and 22 trails, as well as snow tubing, snow shoeing and ski instruction. Families can also enjoy dining at the Acorn Pub and Eatery.

  1. Whiteface Mountain – Lake Placid NY

A relaxed learning environment for beginners, lots of options for families, and the most advanced terrain in the east, make Whiteface Mountain a top pick for Adirondack skiing and snowboarding. Whiteface is home to the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, with 86 trails stretching over 22 miles and encompassing three peaks. It’s busier than the other mountains on this list, and a little further out, but it’s obvious why winter warriors make the trip.

  1. McCauley Mountain – Old Forge NY

Skip the long lift lines and high prices and go to McCauley. Home to two Olympic skiers, McCauley Mountain offers big fun in a small package. The mountain features 21 trails, a 633 foot vertical drop, bump runs and glades, double black diamond runs and a big bonus for novice skiers and snowboarders – easier trails from the summit. There’s also a ski shop and chalet with free WiFi. It’s almost 2 hours from Lake George and Bolton Landing, but well worth the trip.

Interested in a Vacation Home in the Southern Adirondacks?

If you like winter, the Southern Adirondacks is the place to be! And if you plan to make the trip multiple times each year, it might make sense to buy a vacation home in Lake George. There’s still plenty of winter left and I have several homes for sale in Lake George, Bolton Landing and the surrounding Southern Adirondacks that are close to mountains and trails. So take advantage of the winter’s lower home sale prices and give me a call at (518) 321-1870. Even if you’re not ready to buy, I’d love to talk about your goals and help you come up with a plan.