Looking to ski or snowshoe? Make sure you check out our trail conditions before heading to our Outdoor Center. Click here for more info.
Adirondack Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at its Finest
When the snow arrives, Garnet Hill transforms into one of the best places to go cross country skiing in the Adirondacks and the entire Northeast. There are few other resorts that offer over 50km of groomed trails, on-site equipment and apparel sales, xc ski and snowshoe rentals, and lessons for all ages and ability levels with PSIA-certified instructors.
Experience some of the best cross country skiing in New York State right here in North River this winter. Discover miles of snowy ski trails in varying difficulty levels and soak in the stunning scenery. If you’re new to the sport, take a cross country ski lesson, or sign your kids up for one and introduce them to this entertaining activity. At day’s end, find the warmth of friends and good cheer by The Log House fireplace, a centerpiece of our rustic Adirondack resort.
The Garnet Hill Advantage
- 2000 ft. elevation – we always have snow!
- 55km cross country ski trails, groomed daily, set tracks & skating lanes
- Complete ski shop – rentals, sales, & repairs
- PSIA certified ski school with lessons daily
- Kids! Ski program, weekends and holiday weeks
- Unique “ski down – ride back” shuttle bus – the longest ski lift around!
- Full moon skiing program
- Ski Center open daily from 9am-4pm
- Lodge and Restaurant open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Adirondack Snowshoeing Trails
Snowshoeing has become quite popular in recent years due to exciting equipment advances, new trails, and a renewed spirit to get out and discover the outdoors in winter. Snowshoeing is easy to learn and has been around for eons. If you’ve been wondering where to go snowshoeing in the Adirondacks, you’ll be excited to know that Garnet Hill has a staff that is experienced with snowshoe equipment, techniques, and trail routes, and can get you out on the trails having a great winter experience in no time at all.
Our snowshoe trail system at Garnet Hill is extensive with 6 different routes intertwining with our Nordic ski trails providing 15 km of onsite trail snowshoeing. When combined with the wilderness trails in the area, snowshoers can easily enjoy a whole week of winter adventure. Some of the Adirondack snowshoeing trails at Garnet Hill are:
- Double Down Loop – a 1.5 mile loop starting and finishing at the Log House that takes you through our beautiful wooded terrain.
- Hooper Mine – a short (0.7 mile round-trip) but challenging climb up to the old garnet mine with wonderful views of the area.
- Balm of Gilead Mountain – 2.2 miles round-trip with 400 feet of elevation gain – offers a nearby summit with a great view, a classic Adirondack snowshoeing trek for those comfortable with a climb and looking for more of a challenge!
The newest equipment gives snowshoers a great advantage over the old “woodies.” Most new style snowshoes are constructed with a very light weight aluminum or plastic frame with a light weight decking.
In addition, these newer shoes have snow and ice cleats that grip into the snow creating a no-slip traction system that is great for steeper ascents and descents. Improved bindings round out the advances creating a very light, easy to use snowshoe.
Try them out! The Garnet Hill Outdoor Center rents and sells Dion and Atlas Snowshoes if you don’t already have your own set. Snowshoe (and cross-country ski) trail passes are complimentary for overnight guests of the Lodge, and trail maps can be picked up at the Outdoor Center. Guided snowshoe tours are available by arrangement and can be booked by calling the Outdoor Center at 518-251-2150.