New York’s Top Winter Getaways
Check the resort’s website for package deals and tips for what else to do in the area
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Whether to enjoy the snow or escape from the cold, you have many options for a winter vacation right in your own backyard.
Lake Placid is synonymous with winter sports and activities since hosting two Winter Olympic Games.
Skiing, ziplining over Olympic ski jumps, mountain coaster riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, sleigh riding, ice skating, dogsledding, bobsledding, scenic gondola riding and exploring Ausable Chasm and Olympic Games points of interest: if you want to experience all or any of these, stay at Whiteface Lodge (www.thewhitefacelodge.com), which is near all the best of Lake Placid’s attractions and events. Whiteface provides a classic ski lodge experience with all the luxuries you would want in a resort: on-site dining, fireplaces, hot tubs, indoor pool, fitness center, spa, surround sound movie theater, game room and more.
With views of beautiful Lake George, The Sagamore Resort (www.thesagamore.com) in Bolton Landing offers guests the option of a variety of lodgings, including a Victorian-style hotel, lodges and the castle. Relaxation is the word at The Sagamore, with a spa, whirlpool tub and on-site dining. Plan to visit nearby Gore Mountain, West Mountain, Crandall Park and Adirondack Extreme-Adventure Park.
Serenity is yours to enjoy at The Point in Saranac Lake (https://thepointsaranac.com), a tastefully rustic lodge that is adults-only (unless guests rent the entire facility). In addition to the Great Camp Era inspiration in the décor, guests can enjoy dining, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, curling and ice fishing on the property.
Windham Mountain (www.windhammountain.com) also welcomes children with a selection of smaller snowmobiles for the youngsters. Windham offers 54 trails, an inn, spa, three restaurants, snowtubing, snowboarding and ice skating and kids. Equipment trial, rental and purchase are all available.
The Mohonk Mountain House (www.mohonk.com) lodges guests in its unparalleled circa 1869 Victorian-style castle or its cottages and guest rooms. Tucked in the middle of 40,000 acres of forest, Mohonk offers ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, swimming in the indoor pool, yoga classes and luxury spa treatments. Check the website for events in the area.
A blend of luxury and chances to play in the snow, Hunter Mountain (www.huntermtn.com) boasts a large enough facility to keep guests socially distanced with 67 trails (with a 1,600-foot drop), and skiing and snowboard lessons, both for adults and children; perfect if you want to bring grandchildren. At the lodge complex, relax at the spa, cafes, bars, coffee shops and restaurants. Guests may also try equipment before they buy it at the Demo Center.
Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center (www.villaroma.com) is an all-inclusive resort that includes family-oriented activities both indoors and outdoors, such as snow tubing, bowling, children’s sledding, racquetball, indoor inflatable area and more. Choose from among numerous options for dining and relax at the on-site spa. The resort offers shuttles to ski locations in the Catskills. The lodging includes traditional rooms and up to two-bedroom suites with a jetted tub. The Villa earned Trip Advisor’s certificate of excellence in 2018.
Take your grandchildren to Rocking Horse Ranch Resort (www.rockinghorseranch.com) in Highland, rated as TripAdvisor’s top all-inclusive family resort. With a little for everyone, families can find plenty of things to stay entertained, including ice skating, snow tubing, horse-drawn sleigh riding, skiing, soaking in the hot springs and joining in family activities. All activities are included in the stay, making it perfect for groups that want to try a little of everything.
Wherever you take your winter vacation, check the resort’s website for package deals and tips for what else to do in the area, including special events.