There is nothing cross country skiing on a forested trail in the Adirondacks. The ski trails go along frozen lakes, forested glades and towns from Lake George to Star Lake. It is the most accessible and easiest to learn winter sport. Ski along Northville-Placid Trail or Keene to Saranac Lake on the Jackrabbit Trail.
Take along a headlamp and ski under the stars. There are many cross country ski trails have many uses such as snowshoeing tracks. If you are looking for a more adventurous trip outfitters in the Adirondacks have overnight treks and back country expeditions. Don’t forget your binoculars to see all the wildlife and a blank for a winter picnic on the soft blankets of snow.
There is a cross country skiing retreat called the Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center in Benson that has skiing for the whole family. The retreat is owned by former US Olympic skier Olavi Hirvonen and brings Norway to the Southern Adirondacks. You can also visit Cascade Cross Country Ski Center which is in Lake Placid and has everything from ski and snowshoe rentals, lodging and a bar and restaurant to a fully outfitted ski shop. Be sure to catch Cascade’s Full Moon Ski Party which has live music, refreshments, and bonfires. While you’re there enjoy 20 kilometers of trails that connect to Mt. Van Hoevenbery which is part of the Olympic Sports Complex and is also the training facility for the Winter Olympics.
You can also visit Paul Smith’s Visitors Interpretive Center trails which have areas where you can view the wildlife. If you are up for it go to the Friday night Ski Jams that have live music and refreshments. Winding around the Adirondack foothills is Lake George offering recreational trails that parallel the Hudson River. Don’t forget to check out Barnes Corners Ski trail and Lowville Forestry Nature Trail.