Explore Winter

Saranac Lake is a small mountain town; a unique place born from its rich history and the contributions of the people who have long called it home. From hot winter events and arts and culture to traditional winter activities and sports, Saranac Lake definitely does not hibernate in winter. Visit for the day or for the weekend. Come see why Saranac Lake is so well loved and relax and have some fun!

Saranac Lake is buzzing with activity all year-round, and winter is no different.

Indoor Winter

You don't have to be outdoors to enjoy winter! Dive into local history at the Saranac Laboratory Museum, where you can learn about the history, science, and tuberculosis patient care that helped put Saranac Lake on the map.

For the art lovers, downtown Saranac Lake has art of some kind around every corner. The many galleries in town host regular art openings that feature photography, painting, jewelry design, sculpture, and more.

After an authentically Adirondack day, visit one of the many unique restaurants or breweries to find some food and drink that will please every foodie in your family. 

Outdoor Winter

Snow is a way of life here. If you’re new to winter outdoors sports, no worries. Local outfitters and ski centers will hook you up with all the gear and knowledge you’ll need for a fun day in the snow.

Looking for a weekend snowshoe getaway? Look no further than Saranac Lake, as this has been the destination for the Adirondack Snowshoe Fest. The trails at Dewey Mountain Recreation Center and Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center are locally adored for great snowshoeing, birding, and fresh fun.

Head over to Mount Pisgah for some downhill skiing, snowboarding, or tubing! Generations of visitors and locals have learned to ski and ride on these sweet slopes.

For more advanced cross-country skiers, the over 30-mile long world-renowned Jackrabbit Ski Trail, which passes through some truly wild places, can be accessed in Saranac Lake.

Saranac Lake is also an access point for the region's extensive snowmobile trail network that can take you throughout Franklin County and beyond.

If the powdery snow isn’t your thing, maybe a frozen lake is! With so many different lakes and ponds to choose from, Saranac Lake is an ice-fishing paradise. And you don’t even need to leave town. With fishermen and women abound, it’s not hard to see that Lake Colby, across from the hospital, is a popular spot. Unsure of where to start? Hire a licensed guide to help you catch that prized landlocked salmon!