Skiing and snow tubing near Lake George range from big-mountain Adirondack terrain to free local tubing hills just off the Northway. Families can spend a full day on the slopes or squeeze in a few runs between other winter plans.
Options include:
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Lift-serviced and lighted tubing hills
- Cross-country ski trails through the woods
- Night skiing at select areas
Big-Mountain Skiing at Gore Mountain
North of Lake George in North Creek, Gore Mountain is operated by the state's Olympic Regional Development Authority. With a vertical drop of 2,537 feet across four peaks, it has terrain for every level, from long beginner cruisers to expert glades.
Highlights include:
- An eight-passenger gondola
- Night skiing at the North Creek Ski Bowl on select nights
- Nordic trails for cross-country skiing
Gore describes itself as offering the most skiable terrain in New York State, which makes it a strong pick for a full ski day or a weekend trip.
Snow Tubing Near Lake George
Tubing is an easy winter outing for mixed-age groups, since there's no lesson or special gear required.
At Gore's North Creek Ski Bowl, the Little Gore Tubing Hill sends riders down a chute about 800 feet long. A handle tow brings tubers back up, and the hill is lighted for evening riding. Children must be at least 36 inches tall for lift-serviced tubing.
Closer to the village, the Lake George Recreation Center off Transfer Road has a tubing hill with no parking or admission fee. Only snow tubes are allowed, with no sleds, and the hill is suggested for ages 5 and up because of its steepness.
Community Ski and Recreation Areas
Smaller community recreation areas round out the region's options. In Chestertown, Dynamite Hill is a four-season recreation area that offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating in winter. Cross-country ski trails and a nature trail add more ways to spend the day outside.
The Lake George Recreation Center also maintains the Gage Brook cross-country ski trails, which wind along the brook through hardwood forest. The trails double as snowshoe routes, and you can find more snowshoeing trails near Lake George around the region.
More ski areas operate in Queensbury and farther into the Adirondacks, so there's plenty of terrain within a day's drive.
Planning a Ski or Tubing Day
A few tips help the day run smoothly:
- Check snow conditions and operating hours before leaving, especially early and late in the season
- Dress in waterproof layers, with goggles or sunglasses for bright days
- Follow each hill's rules on tubes, sleds, age, and height
- Plan around shorter daylight hours unless you're heading to a lighted hill
For lodging, events, and more cold-weather ideas, see the Lake George Winter Guide.
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