Glide Through Winter
Cross-Country Skiing in Saranac Lake
Experience Saranac Lake on skis
Quiet trails, fresh snow
There’s something special about the moment the first snow falls, when the woods quiet down and the trails transform into a winter playground. In Saranac Lake, cross-country ski trails offer more than just a seasonal activity. They’re a favorite way to explore the outdoors, stay active, and take in the beauty of the Adirondacks at a slower pace. Whether you’re gliding through groomed trails or breaking your own path, it’s an experience that’s both invigorating and peaceful.
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Find ski trails perfect for your adventure
For a groomed experience, head to Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, just a mile west of downtown Saranac Lake. With 15 kilometers of groomed trails, night skiing, and additional backcountry routes to the summit, it offers something for every level.
About 12 miles from downtown, the Paul Smith’s College Visitors Interpretive Center (VIC) features more than 20 miles of groomed trails for both cross-country and skate skiing, along with opportunities for wildlife viewing and environmental education.
With enough snow cover, the Adirondack Rail Trail provides 34 miles of wide, level terrain ideal for longer outings. The trail is shared with snowmobiles and fat-tire bikes in winter, so be sure to stay aware and yield when needed.
Chase your own tracks
Want to find your own rhythm? The famous Jackrabbit Trail begins in Paul Smiths and stretches to Lake Placid and beyond, offering miles of scenic terrain to explore. And it doesn’t stop there. Backcountry skiing opportunities are abundant, from old logging roads to area hiking trails, with endless routes to discover something new each time you head out.
Love Your ADK
Cross-country ski centers near Saranac Lake
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