Lake George, NY
Skiing
Gore Mountain
Gore Mountain is a very popular and beautiful place to ski in the Lake George Region. If you know Whiteface Mountain, home of the 1980 Olympics, you should also know Gore Mountain, because they go together to form a twin skiing package that represents the best of Adirondacks skiing. They are both state-owned, and Gore is undergoing multiple improvements so that it rivals its sister mountain, Whiteface. In fact, the new Gore Mountain ski area is now one of the best ski areas in the Northeast region. There are 46 trails, and the summit is over two-thousand feet high. It's very easy to get to, since it's in the southern part of the Adirondacks, not far from Lake George. You can get to the summit in a high-speed triple chair in only six minutes, which means more skiing for the buck. The triple-chair lift is detachable, which means your seat detaches when you reach the top, slowing down on the cable that's designated for slow-down and dismount, and once you're off the chair, it merges again with the high-speed cable system.
Some trails take you more than mile downhill, and some trails offer bumps and steeps for snowboarders and advanced skiiers. Advanced skiiers will also appreciate the new super-steep trail built a few years ago.The improvements include new trails and lifts as well as a new lodge at the summit and a renovation of the lodge at the base. There's also a new high-speed gondola to teh summit. There's an expanded snowmaking capacity, using water from the Hudson River, piped in over two miles of new, bigger pipe.
There is a well-developed set of programs for all levels of abilities, including courses, family programs, and even a beginner's lift and beginner's area. There are more and more places to stay around Gore, too, as condos and new hotels spring up each year.
During the ski season, Gore is open every day. Gore Mountain is located on Peaceful Valley Road, which is a turn off of NY Route 20 in North Creek.
West Mountain
Anyone who drives the Northway in the Lake George area can't help but notice West Mountain. It's clearly visible as you drive north, and in the winter you can see the white snow trails reaching down the sides of the mountain. The summit is just 1000 feet, but West Mountain is great skiing, and locals in the Lake George area love to ski here. It's very close, and there are hardly ever long lines. There is night skiing on most of the twenty-two trails, and the night views of the small city of Glens Falls below are exciting and beautiful.
They have creative ticket packages, prices are reasonable, and it's open every day during ski season. West Mountain is located on West Mountain Road in Queensbury, which is just up the northway, exit 18, from Lake George by car.
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