Jack Frost has returned, bringing with him the promise of winter fun. We invite you to come and take advantage of the many opportunities that only our winter season brings.
Step into a Snowglobe
With every season our landscape transforms and displays a character all its own. Winter displays its own special magic. Grab your micro spikes, snowshoes, or x-country skis to discover enchanting forests and fields bathed in shades of white from fresh fallen snow. There is nothing quite like the peaceful experience of nature in the winter where the sound of snow crunching underfoot may be all that you hear.
Choose one of the Champlain Area Trails, there are 56 different options, offering everything from a rigorous winter work out, to a smooth, serene glide across an open field. Or, take the Coot Hill-Big Hollow or Coon Mountain trail to a summit with incredible vistas. Perhaps consider the short hike up Belfry Mountain, or a longer hike up Poke-O-Moonshine, to historic fire towers with 360 views over the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley.
Consider a glide among 18th century fort ruins. The Crown Point State Historic Site grounds are open year round, sunrise to sunset. There is a well marked x-country ski trail that winds its way through the site’s 500 acres with breath taking scenery.
Book a winter tour at Ausable Chasm. Guides are prepared to outfit you with the appropriate gear for conditions and lead you into the depths of the chasm for some phenomenal winter-only experiences. See spectacular ice formations, 100 foot icicles, and ice covered trees sparkling like diamonds, while listening to the thunderous echoes of the Ausable River. The chasm in winter is a photographer’s dream and special photo tours with their resident photographer are also available.
Family Friendly
Families with youngsters may want to consider the LaChute Riverwalk Trail. Steps from downtown Ticonderoga and all its amenities, this well maintained, easy trail will wind you along the energetic river that connects Lake George with Lake Champlain. Learn some community history from the trail’s many interpretive panels before you end at Bicentennial Park whose sloping grounds welcomes slides and toboggans.
Ice is Nice!
Many of our lakeshore communities offer maintained public ice skating rinks, or, with the right conditions, our lakes and ponds become natural rinks with the option of doing a little fishing too. Local bait and tackle shops can provide the most up-to-date information on lake and pond ice fishing conditions and what seems to be biting and where. They also can supply you with the best bait for your target catch, and all the right gear. With the right conditions our local fishing guides, will also offer shelters from the weather, ice fishing shanties, that often tend to spring up like little villages on the frozen lake and pond surfaces.
After a day outside in the crisp fresh air, you will appreciate our dining options and the opportunity to sip a hot beverage in front of a warm fireplace. Many of our unique lodging properties will have a fire waiting for you too. From cozy, posh B&Bs to historical inns, there is a wide selection to choose from that will offer you a warm, winter welcome.