Winter Fun Guide
North Creek has always been a Winter Sports Mecca mostly due to our location adjacent to the Skiing Facilities at Gore Mt. Ski Center. Recent Covid constraints have seen a surge in outdoor recreation interest and have forced some additional restrictions at Gore Mt with some limits imposed on Lift Ticket and Season Pass Sales. So, here is a compendium of other great Winter activities and attractions in the North Creek area and beyond! Most businesses and all indoor spaces require mask use and social distancing. For Additional Alpine Ski Areas consider Oak Mt, Speculator, NY (35 miles), or West Mt., Queensbury, NY (35 miles). They may or may not have available tickets. Check their websites:
Oak Mountain | West Mountain
Read about local restaurants, take-out food during Covid – CLICK HERE!
Snowshoeing
This is the Winter equivalent of hiking during the warm months. You can visit a remote pond, top out on a mountain summit, or just take a walk in the winter woods. Most everyone can snowshoe, even kids! That said – some basics of winter recreation are in order. Dress the part – you will need warm winter boots, and layers of mostly non-cotton clothing. Alpine skiing clothing will generally fill the bill, but the large bulky parka will probably be too much as you warm up. Other essentials include a small day pack, extra clothing – warmer gloves, winter hat, water, snacks, and especially this time of year – A HEADLIGHT or flashlight.
Where to go? Many of the favorite Summer hiking trails are perfect for snowshoeing! The North Creek Area is adjacent to the 114,000 acre Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area with over 70 miles of mapped and marked trails. Use our Hiking Guide to select an adventure. These are more than casual walks especially if you are breaking trail (the first ones after a big snowfall). Additional trails are available off the Schaefer Trail (Parking just outside the Transfer station near the ski bowl). Also see our Backcountry Ski and Snowshoe Map Here.
If you are brand new to snowshoeing – rentals and easy packed trails are available at the 2 Cross Country Ski Centers – Garnet Hill in North River and Ski Bowl Nordic at Gore on Rt. 28. The Ski bowl has a few Kilometers of snowmaking so it might be the best bet if many other trails are washed out or thin. Other rentals are available at Beaver Brook Outfitters and Cunningham’s Ski Barn. Another unique snowshoe venue is Stone Bridge and Caves in Pottersville with snowshoe rentals and guided tours. More Info, Click a link below:
Garnet Hill | Ski Bowl Nordic | Beaverbrook Outfitters | Cunningham’s Ski Barn | Stone Bridge and Caves
Cross Country Skiing
The North Creek area has 2 full service cross country ski centers with rentals, lessons, and groomed trails.
More Info, Click A Link: Garnet Hill Outdoor Center | Gore Mt. Ski Bowl Nordic | Backcountry Skiing
More Activities, Click a link:
Snowmobile Tours – C and C Tours, Chestertown
Sleigh Rides – Circle B Ranch, Chestertown
Best Rainy Day Activities Most indoor spaces are closed due to Covid Restrictions but The Wild Center in Tupper Lake is open with a spectacular light and music show on one of their trails. Well worth the 1 hour 15 min drive. But it is ALL outside – the indoor exhibits are not open (restrooms are open). More Info on their website The Wild Center
Sledding and Ice Skating!
The Town of Johnsburg Sledding Hill and Ice Skating are now Open! Drive into the ski Bowl Park and take a left turn to the Beach. Park here and access the sledding hill with a short walk to the right. Ice Skating (loner skates available at the Pavilion) is on the pond and has been cleared of snow.
Sledding and Ice Skating – another great venue is Dynamite Hill in Chestertown