Lake George winter activities extend well beyond the familiar resort corridor. In nearby Washington County, a friendly local ski mountain, tubing lanes, snow-covered rail trails and peaceful forests invite visitors to discover a quieter side of the season.
Start with downhill skiing at Willard Mountain, about 40 minutes from Lake George, or explore free cross-country routes near Fort Edward and Granville. Plus, snow tubing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling offer even more reasons to add Washington County, NY to your winter itinerary!
Where to Go Skiing Near Lake George
From lift-served slopes to quiet, snow-covered trails, skiing near Lake George comes in several forms. About 40 minutes southeast of Lake George, Willard Mountain offers approachable downhill skiing and snowboarding for beginners, families and experienced skiers alike. Its welcoming atmosphere, varied terrain and night skiing make it a refreshing alternative to the region’s larger resorts.
Prefer to trade the chairlift for a peaceful glide through the countryside? When conditions allow, the Feeder Canal Towpath Trail and Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail offer free cross-country skiing through historic communities and scenic landscapes. Whether you want a full day on the mountain or a relaxed afternoon on the trails, Washington County makes it easy to choose your own winter adventure.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding at Willard Mountain
Everyone has heard about the larger ski resorts of the Adirondacks, but Willard Mountain offers skiing near Lake George in a more accessible, relaxed setting. You’ll find “New York’s Coolest Little Ski Area” just a 40-minute drive away in Greenwich, home to the only downhill ski area in Washington County, NY.
Compared to other New York peaks, Willard is renowned for providing a big mountain feel in an accessible and relaxed family environment. This is a place where everyone knows your name and visitors new and old are treated as members of the family.
The ski resort has one base area that connects all of their activities and services, such as the learning centers, snow tubing lanes, main lodge, terrain park, and chairlifts. The mountain’s trails range in difficulty from beginner to advanced, giving skiers and snowboarders plenty of options to test their skills. You can even hit the trails under the lights for a fun night skiing/riding experience!
Enjoy the Freedom of Cross-Country Skiing Near Lake George
Downhill slopes are not the only places to ski near Lake George! When snow conditions allow, Washington County’s historic rail trails and canal paths provide free cross-country skiing through peaceful landscapes and small communities.
Here in the North Country, two places you may not have thought of as cross-country ski sites are the Feeder Canal Towpath Trail and the Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail.
The Feeder Canal Towpath Trail
Beginning at the Feeder Dam in Queensbury and ending at Mullen Park in Fort Edward, the Feeder Canal Towpath Trail is nine miles long and follows alongside the historic canal. The trail is open for walking, running, and biking throughout the warmer months, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
The Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail
Near the border of Washington County and Vermont, the Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail is another option for free cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The northern section mostly travels through Vermont while the southern section brings travelers through Middle Granville, Granville, and then across the Vermont border. Granville’s Slate Valley Museum is a block away from one of the main trailheads.
More Winter Adventures Near Lake George
Skiing may lead the itinerary, but these additional Lake George winter activities offer plenty of other ways to enjoy the snow. Choose a family-friendly tubing session, follow a quiet snowshoe trail or explore the county’s extensive snowmobile network.
Go Snow Tubing at Willard Mountain
Not only is Willard Mountain a major ski and snowboard destination, but the resort is a top place for family-friendly snow tubing in the North Country. Located at the base of the mountain, the snow tubing park features a tubing lift, multiple tubing lanes, and a lodge where you can purchase lift tickets and grab a bite to eat.
Snow tubing is an exhilarating activity and the perfect alternative to skiing and snowboarding. Family and friends can enjoy the easy ride up the lift and the thrill of zooming downhill on a snow tube.
Take a Self-Guided Tour While Snowshoeing at New Skete Monasteries
During winter, one of the most unique places you can go snowshoeing is the hiking trail at New Skete Monasteries in Cambridge. The churches, gardens, bell tower and trail may be explored during public visiting hours, although visitors should check current access information before making the trip. The grounds are often closed to the public for community retreats in the cooler months.
The 1.23-mile trail loop is an excellent choice for a peaceful winter hiking or snowshoeing excursion in a scenic location. Just remember to let a staff member or monk know you’re entering the trail!
Embark on a Scenic Trip Snowshoeing Through Forests & Preserves
Sometimes the best way to cure your cabin fever in winter is by gearing up for a trip through beautiful forests and nature preserves. These sites offer an escape from the stress of everyday life and are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing too. Get back to nature and check out these four forests and preserves in Washington County.
Goose Egg State Forest and Batten Kill State Forest
These two state forests are next to each other in the Towns of Jackson and White Creek, and both are open year round for recreational activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Folded Rock Trail travels through both forests and ends at a scenic vantage point.
Saddles State Forest
The 2,471-acre Saddles State Forest is a large state-owned property and an ideal setting for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the wilderness. There is a designated parking area in Whitehall near the Champlain Beef facility. Be sure to plan ahead, as there are no marked trails in Saddles State Forest for these activities.
Pember Nature Preserve
Owned and managed by the Pember Library and Museum, the Pember Nature Preserve features 125 acres of forest, wetland, and fields near Black Creek. The nature preserve is eight miles south of Granville on Route 22, and there are eight trails open to the public year round from dawn to dusk. Snowshoes are recommended during winter, and you can pick up a trail map at the preserve’s trailheads and the Pember Library and Museum.
Sucker Brook Preserve
Sucker Brook Preserve in the Town of Putnam encompasses more than 1,000 acres and over six miles of trails, including the property formerly known as Gull Bay Preserve. In winter, visitors can explore snow-covered forests, wetlands and scenic views overlooking Gull Bay. Most trails are considered moderate, although conditions and difficulty vary by route.
Rev Up for an Unforgettable Ride While Snowmobiling Across Washington County, NY
After a heavy winter snowfall in the Lake George Region, you can always expect to hear snowmobiles as riders head out on the trails. There are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails spread across the North Country, but some of the best are located in the rolling hills and picturesque farmland of Washington County.
From Greenwich to Fort Ann and Granville, local snowmobile clubs groom and manage many of the county’s trails. You can contact the clubs for up-to-date trail conditions, or visit a snowmobile rest stop and meet fellow riders.
Now that you’ve learned about some of the best destinations for snowsports near the Lake George area, it’s time to go outside and make new memories this winter. Pick a place that appeals to you and enjoy the snow!
Discover More Fun With Nearby Lake George Winter Activities
Ready to make the most of winter near Lake George? Choose your favorite activity, check current weather and trail conditions, and discover a different side of the season in nearby Washington County.
Continue planning with our guide to winter activities away from the crowds, take a closer look at Willard Mountain, or use our Trip Builder to find places to eat, stay and explore throughout Washington County.
