Skiing and activities near Lake George, NY

[hammer]

I just got reservations to stay at The Sagamore in Lake George, NY during the Christmas vacation week. The place looks pretty nice on the website, but I've never been to the area. It looks like Gore Mountain is not too far away, so I'm wondering what kind of terrain would typically be available there around that time. Also, are there other non-skiing activities in the area or other ski areas within a reasonable distance?

 

[skiprob]

do it

The Sagamore is a destination resort. I would expect that there are a number of indoor and outdoor activities year round on site.

Gore will be open during Christmas week. It is a good size mountain with several areas that would suit most skiers for a few days. The summit area is distinctly separated from the other parts of the mountain. Some people do not like that.

Also, West Mountain is open nights and has more of a local feel. From the Sagamore, West might be further away than Gore.

If you go to Gore Mt, consider dinner at Friends Lake Inn - they have a well regarded wine list.

X-country skiing is at Garnett Hill which is just a little further down the road from Gore.

The Great Escape has a hotel that has an indoor water park (big) - BUT last year it was only available for hotel guests. I wonder if they will open it to the public this winter.

That is the best I can do off the top of my head. I am not sure what kinds of activities you are looking for... kids, empty nesters, fine dining, outdoor, etc...

Good luck and have a great holiday.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

The Sagamore runs a free shuttle back and forth from Gore. I suggest you go to SKIADK.com and post your question there as well.

 

[hammer]

The Sagamore runs a free shuttle back and forth from Gore. I suggest you go to SKIADK.com and post your question there as well.

Done...thanks.

 

[ChileMass]

Hammer - my family has lived in Lake George since 1981. The Sagamore is really beautiful around the Holidays. It's a very upscale and classy facility - you will have a very good time. Bolton Landing is pretty quiet that time of year, but some of the bars and clubs on Main Street may be open. Lake George Village is 9 miles south on route 9N, and is fun for getting out with the family for shopping, etc. There are some clubs, restaurants, etc. As someone pointed out, the new water park at the Great Escape/Six Flags may be open to the public and looks like a lot of fun (never been there myself). If the lake is frozen over, rent a snowmobile and have at it. If you feel really adventurous and it's not too cold, the trail up Black Mountain on the east side of the lake is a classic viewpoint. I think the auto road up Prospect Mountain in LG Village is closed, though. If it's open it's a gorgeous overlook point. Glens Falls is the nearest large town (30 min from Sagamore) and Saratoga is another 20 minutes further, but worth the drive. Saratoga is F-U-N 12 months a year, especially around Christmas (go to Caroline Street). West Mountain is closer than Gore, but Gore is a much better ski hill. West only has about 6 trails worth skiing and only 1000' of vertical.

Have fun - CM

 

[RISkier]

Don't know anything about how close it is to skiing but from earlier posts it sounds pretty convenient. I did have the good fortune to spend a weekend at Lake George several years ago in the fall. What a pretty area. I think you'll have a great time. I'm jealous.

 

[kcyanks1]

I just got reservations to stay at The Sagamore in Lake George, NY during the Christmas vacation week. The place looks pretty nice on the website, but I've never been to the area. It looks like Gore Mountain is not too far away, so I'm wondering what kind of terrain would typically be available there around that time. Also, are there other non-skiing activities in the area or other ski areas within a reasonable distance?

Gore will be about 40 minutes. They'll have have intermediate and some expert trails, but the glades and Rumor (the hardest/signature expert trail) will likely be closed. You might luck out and have Lies open (second steepest expert trail). You can drive to Whiteface, Sugarbush, MRG, and Killington in under 2 hours (Whiteface being the closest, probably 1.5 hours). Those times are driving about the speed limit. Okemo maybe a little further, if I remember correctly (but why would you want to go there? ).

 

[riverc0il]

pico/kmart are just over an hour from lake george.

 

[mattchuck2]

Yeah, but he's up near Bolton Landing, so he kind of has to go down and around the lake (or up and over) so it'll be more like 1.5 - 1.75 hours to Killington.

At Gore, Lies was open last year, and the year before, by Christmas and Rumor was open two years ago on New Year's Day. So, it's possible that you might get lucky and get at least one of those . . . Even if you don't, Hawkeye, Chatiemac and Topridge will most likely be open, so you'll have plenty of options.

 

[kcyanks1]

Yeah, but he's up near Bolton Landing, so he kind of has to go down and around the lake (or up and over) so it'll be more like 1.5 - 1.75 hours to Killington.

Down and around is the way I've done it, also from Bolton Landing. I-87/Northway to Exit 21. Take Rt. 149 to route 4 to Killington. Doing the speed limit it's just under 2 hours to the Killington Peak base lodge, if I remember correctly. MRG is about 1:45 I think under the same conditions, SB slightly further. Of course, some might drive a little faster.