Winter in Saranac Lake

A decidedly fun winter getaway!

From countless adventures to local food, beer, and art, and the incomparable Winter Carnival, winter in Saranac Lake is decidedly different and completely unforgettable! Hot winter events, arts and culture, and traditional winter activities and sports all make Saranac Lake the best place for a winter getaway. This is a town that's easy to navigate, whether on the sidewalk, street, or trail. Trust us about the fun level; we don't hibernate in winter.

Outdoor adventures

Snow on the ground means fluffy playtime is on tap, with Downhill Skiing, XC Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Winter Hiking all available in and around the Saranac Lake area.

Our newest winter playground is the Adirondack Rail Trail, which offers smooth trails for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and snowmobiling. The Rail Trail connects communities and highlights great scenery. In addition to the Adirondack Rail Trail, there are several great spots for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.

Dewey Mountain Recreation Center located a mile west of downtown Saranac Lake, features groomed ski trails, night skiing, and backcountry trails to the summit.

The Paul Smith's College Visitors Interpretive Center (VIC) along with cross-country and skate skiing, offers environmental education, wildlife viewing, and local art, as well as miles of groomed trails.

The Jackrabbit Trail is a 50-kilometer trail that runs from Keene, through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, to Paul Smiths.

For downhill, Mount Pisgah has recreational downhill skiing and snowboarding with snowmaking to keep the slopes in tune all winter. Day and night skiing and tubing are available.

Events and activities

Saranac Lake likes to celebrate, and there are many uniquely fun and memorable things to do in Saranac Lake in winter! You won't want to miss the annual Winter Carnival and a uniquely designed Ice Palace, Sparkle Village, the beloved New Year's Eve celebration First Night, and more!

Downtown Saranac Lake is packed with fun, too! Art is everywhere, with shopping and opportunities to enjoy a town full of creativity, from drop-in painting classes to live music, while family activities — game nights, open skating, Lego building, and more — brighten the snowy days. Warm your heart and soul (and belly) by visiting historic sites, indulgent shopping, and delicious farm-to-table eateries, bakeries, and cafes.

Stay for awhile

Grand hotels, charming motels, quaint B&Bs, and a huge variety of private rentals meet the needs of every visitor and budget. The lovely lodging in Saranac Lake is sure to please, whether you’re here for a night or a week.

Saranac Lake's winter activities make the cold season the best season of all! Start planning your trip to Saranac Lake now! Winter fun and smiles await.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack?

Layers, layers, and more layers! Trust us, you'll want to be ready for anything—whether it’s a chilly morning walk or a snowy adventure in the mountains. Here's your winter packing must-haves:

Thermal base layers (tops and bottoms)
Insulated snow gear (pants and jacket)
Winter boots (waterproof with good traction)
Cozy hat and mittens (bonus points for fleece-lined!)
Wool socks (keep those toes toasty)
Neck gaiter or scarf (wind protection!)
Sunglasses (yep, snow glare is real)

And if you forget something, no worries! Downtown Saranac Lake has you covered with charming shops ready to help you find those last-minute winter essentials.

Will there be snow?

In Saranac Lake, winter usually sticks around! We typically see reliable snowfall from November to April, making it a winter lover's dream. However, in recent years, occasional thaws have grown more common, and can impact your favorite winter activities.

For the latest updates on conditions, be sure to check out backcountry conditions at dec.ny.gov or follow your go-to recreation center for real-time trail updates.

So, you've heard about Winter Carnival and you want to know more.

You're in for a treat! Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the longest-running event of its kind in the eastern U.S., and it’s packed with unique traditions and good times for all ages. From the famous Ice Palace (yes, a castle made entirely of ice!) to the quirky parades, fireworks, and the always-entertaining Winter Carnival Royalty, this 10-day celebration has something for everyone.

Whether you're ready to join in on a frosty competition, warm up at a cozy bonfire, or simply want to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, the Carnival guarantees memories to last a lifetime. Don't forget to check out the full schedule and get the scoop on all the fun at saranaclakewintercarnival.com.

Prepare to embrace the cold and celebrate winter like never before!

When is the best time to visit?

Honestly, there’s no wrong time to experience winter magic in Saranac Lake! With a lineup of events all season long and endless winter recreation, you’ll find plenty to do whenever you visit. For the best snow base (ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter fun), January through March is your prime window.

So whether you’re here for the legendary Winter Carnival or just want to explore our snowy trails, winter in Saranac Lake is waiting!