Warren County, the southern gateway to the Adirondacks, is a string of charming towns and hamlets that opens the door to western New York cities like Rochester. It also draws a lot of road-tripping Canadians who take scenic drives along NY-9 or NY-418. At the heart of this Southern Adirondacks stretch lies Lake George. This crown jewel—a 51.5-kilometre-long lake with a maximum 61-metre depth—has been celebrated as one of the most pristine in the world. In winter, some areas of the lake turn glassy—its frozen surface popular for ice skating. After all, Lake George practically branded the notion of the “Original Vacation.”

An Array of Incredible Snowy Experiences

The county still radiates that outdoor spirit, especially during winter when it transforms into a snowy playground. A favourite frozen event is the annual Ice Bars strewn with lakeside eye-popping ice sculptures. Winter fun also happens at Adirondack Pub & Brewery, known for its Funky Ice Fest. The ice bar parties at venues like the Gem, the Lagoon, and the Sagamore have become legend-ary. For active fun, take part in a broomball game on Brant Lake or a lively human foosball match. Then, step into the magic of the Ice Castles, an enchanting display with 100,000 twinkling lights, colossal snowmen, and glowing trees. The Lake George Winter Carnival, a weekend fest every February, adds quirky thrills, from outhouse races and chili cook-offs to the invigorating Polar Plunge.

“Ski the 3”

For skiers, the county offers three top resorts. Gore Mountain, which boasts seven peaks, 14 lifts, 108 trails and a vertical drop of nearly 775 metres, is New York’s largest ski resort, yet retains a sense of discovery with uncrowded blue and black runs. Family-owned West Mountain has drawn snow lovers for generations, boasting 35 trails and a popular tubing park. Then there’s Hickory Ski Center, a small, independent resort with a charming vintage vibe, offering a challenging 366-metre vertical drop.

Go Cosy

Not every winter day has to be action-packed. An easy walk through the county’s enchanting forests doesn’t require snowshoes—just a sense of wonder. Or, enjoy the beauty through the windows at The Hyde Collection, a small museum that houses an impressive collection of European and American art, from Rembrandt to Rauschenberg. Afterward, cosy up with a leisurely fireside lunch, where you might just spot a white-tailed deer prancing across the snowy landscape. In the evening, catch a thrilling hockey game at the Cool Insuring Arena.

Did You Know?

Warren County’s outdoor charm isn’t new. Back in 1869, Boston minister William H.H. Murray’s Adventures in the Wilderness introduced the idea of wilderness as something to be enjoyed, not endured. Later, in 1941, LIFE magazine immortalized this spirit with iconic photos of a young couple vacationing in Warren County, near Lake George. R+R weekends in nature have been popular ever since.