Beginners welcome!

If you’ve come up to the Adirondacks for a comfy cozy winter weekend in the mountains, you’ve probably heard by now the familiar engine roar of snowmobiles making their way down the trails. For those unfamiliar with the thrilling feeling of slicing through the densely wooded forests of the region, or breaking out onto the icy tundras of our frozen lakes, the act of snowmobiling may sound a little daunting, but it's totally not! The region is filled with riders who are passionate about this way of exploring the region, and there are plenty of ways you can get in on the fun, you don’t even have to bring a sled (the cool kid's term for snowmobile).

No sled? No problem

There’s no need to worry about trailers, sleds, etc when you’re learning the ropes. Around the region, several outfits offer rental snowmobiles, gear, and more for your next excursion, and for a reasonable price, making your snowmobiling dreams a reality. At Sara-Placid Sled and Spoke, consult with the experts before your next outing, and choose from their fleet of Polaris sleds. Their rentals include a variety of different models suited for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders. In addition to their wide selection of rentals, they are also conveniently located right off the Adirondack Rail Trail, so you can grab your rental and get on the trails without a hitch. 

Get the grand tour

Speaking of trails, there are lots of them here in the Saranac Lake region, and it can be a bit overwhelming to decide where to start. Luckily, Saranac Lake is primed with expert guides and tours available to familiarize you with the wild terrain here. With outdoor recreation like snowmobiling, education is the difference between a great first ride… and a less-than-great one. That’s where the guides come in! At Sara-Placid Sled and Spoke, safety comes first before each tour, including a safety rundown that you can use in the future when you’re finally riding solo. Lessons first, then fun! Sara-Placid Sled and Spoke, in addition to their brilliant selection of rentals, also offers guided tours and instructions so you can fully experience the wide range of trails and scenery via sled, without the stress of figuring out where you are. You’ll learn about safety and procedures, while also having the freedom to take on new trails in the vast region of Saranac Lake.

A more low-key outfit but full of local expertise, Charlie's Inn Junction Campground offers touring and rentals, and its location couldn't be more convenient. Located just off the Adirondack Rail Trail, you'll be able to do it all. Stay in their rooms or cabins, rent a sled, and take a tour! Charlie's is a staple for riders all across the region, and with a tour to start your stay, you'll be able to ease into a weekend of snowmobiling stress-free. The bonus? A restaurant and bar as soon as you get off the trail, as your reward of course. 

Farmhouse Snowmobiling starts and ends your tour with a scenic ride through snow-covered farmfields - it doesn’t get better than that! The views are nice, but this also assures both you and your guide that you can control your sled in open terrain before heading out on the more narrow routes around the region. Along the trip, you’ll encounter the different landscapes of the Adirondacks, along with chances to stop and take pictures, or chat with fellow riders in your group. With 25 years of experience, they also offer a comprehensive safety brief before you head out on the 1.5-hour tour. From classic to brand new 2024 Ski-Doo Expedition sleds, you’ll be geared up to take on the trails while you follow your guide through the wilderness of the Saranac Lake Region. 

The Adirondack Rail Trail

Perhaps the best place to start your snowmobiling journey is on the Adirondack Rail Trail. This 34-mile recreational trail offers seamless travel between the towns of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid, with a maximum of a 2% grade throughout the entire route. Well-maintained and wide, this is the perfect trail for beginners to practice their proficiency, while taking it slow among other snowmobilers and recreators. What’s more, you can hone your skills all while visiting nearby Adirondack towns and unique backcountry scenery you won’t find on the road. 

Where to stay

Before you even step foot on the freshly fallen snow here, you’ll need to book a stay before your weekend (or week) of snowmobiling escapades. Saranac Lake has lodging fit for every kind of winter adventurer. For those keen on a waterfront stay with resort-style amenities, the Saranac Waterfront Lodge is centrally located in Saranac Lake, right on Lake Flower with views of the nearby lakes and adorable lakefront homes that dot the shoreline. The hotel blends adventure with comfort as you can unwind in a pristine room at night, and go scouring the backwoods terrain during the day. With its convenient location, you can walk right downtown to any of the boutiques and coffee shops to explore.

For all the Rail Trail lovers out there (you know who you are) you might not want to leave your beloved stomping grounds, and we don’t blame you! If you’d like to keep your eye on the trail at all times, even from your room, book your stay at Charlie’s Inn Restaurant and Junction Campground. The property includes a restaurant and bar, perfect for apres-trail riding, and rooms prepped for groups of all sizes. If you’ve still got your sled in toe, the Inn also boasts a 24-hour premium gas station open for riders, so there are no obstacles between you and the miles of Adirondack wilderness you’ll explore.

Explore some more

Snowmobiling isn’t the only fun you’ll get up to when you visit Saranac Lake. With an adorable downtown filled with unique boutiques, restaurants of every taste, and even a ski mountain perfect for practicing your tricks, there are endless possibilities for adventures to get up to when you’re here. From newbies to veterans, riders from every walk of life can enjoy a snowmobiling getaway in Saranac Lake.