Very few things in life create as much excitement as children awaiting Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve. For snowmobilers, that feeling is akin to waiting for Mother Nature to deliver snow. Snowmobiling is a wonderful way to explore the woods, the Lake Champlain Region, and see sights you might not otherwise. Whether you are local to the area, or visiting to enjoy the trails, opportunities for fun on the snow abound.
Preparing the Trails
The Adirondack Trailriders is a non-profit group that provides groomed, marked trails connecting Ticonderoga, Schroon Lake, Crown Point and Moriah. Many hours of work goes into preparing these trails. The Northern Washington County Trailblazers, similarly, works diligently to maintain and prepare the trails in Putnam and Dresden. The aim of both clubs is to promote safe and lawful riding for all enthusiasts. This year has been especially laborious due to damage caused by a heavy rain storm on Halloween. “Work days” are scheduled throughout the year, where members attack the trails with ATVs and chainsaws to clean up any storm related destruction. Once a decent amount of snow has fallen, they dedicate time to take equipment out to groom the trails so they can be opened and fully enjoyed. For updates on trail conditions you can follow the Adirondack Trailriders and the Northern Washington County Trailblazers on Facebook. To view interactive trail maps, safety tips, or to learn more about riding in the area, go to www.nysnowmobiler.com. New this year, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has launched an ADK snowmobile app with interactive trail maps and real-time GPS. The app is available for both iPhone and Android and can be downloaded at the app store.
Make it a Weekend
After a long day on the snow you will be ready to enjoy the hospitality that any one of the many lodging options in the area has to offer. There are truly a multitude of accommodations to choose from. From the plethora of amenities that can be found at hotels, motels and resorts to the cozy comfort of a local bed and breakfast there is something for everyone!
Fuel Up
To endure a day on the trails, you are going to need fuel…for both you and your sled. Stop by one of the many gas stations in the area, including Bain’s Sunoco and Stewart’s Shops to fill up your tank and pick up any necessities you may need.. To satisfy your stomach, you can stop at any number of our local restaurants, such as Maddens Pub, Hot Biscuit Diner, Burleigh’s Luncheonette, Dunkin Donuts, Burgoyne Grill, McDonald’s of Ticonderoga or Eddie’s Restaurant.
Professional Help
While you are in the area, if you are in need of parts, service, or are interested in shopping for a new (or new to you) sled, you can rely on the friendly and experienced staff at Tony’s Ti Sports.
More than just snowmobiling
While the Ticonderoga area is home to some of the best trails in New York, the area has so much more to offer! You could snowshoe along the Champlain Area Trails, take in the views at the Crown Point State Historic Site, enjoy a visit to the Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour, visit one of Fort Ticonderoga's Winter events, check the work of local artists at the Ti Arts Downtown Gallery, or visit any of the other many attractions in the area. With the Adirondack Trailriders trail system running through Bicentennial Park, riders have access to downtown Ticonderoga, affording them a full array of entertainment options.
Welcome
As we all wait patiently for some precious powder, now is the time to plan and prepare for your snowmobiling adventure. Check your gear, complete maintenance on your sled, contact the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce to finalize plans for your stay, and most importantly. THINK SNOW!
