Snowy Adventures & Things to Do in Winter Within an Hour of Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Is the Perfect Home Base for Your Winter Explorations
Winter fun is everywhere in and near Saratoga Springs, from cross-country skiing at Saratoga Spa State Park to snowshoeing in Middle Grove. With so many amazing things to do in winter within an hour of Saratoga, it’s the perfect home base for cold weather adventures. Plan your getaway today!
Get Settled In at Your Winter Accommodations
One of the main reasons people choose Saratoga Springs as their home base is because the city offers a wide range of comfortable lodging options.
You’ll want a warm place to return to after a full day of winter fun, and both The Inn at Saratoga and Saratoga Arms offer guest rooms with fireplaces.
Alternatively, you can opt for the modern flair of Spa City Motor Lodge or even the luxury of The Adelphi Hotel.
See more lodging options in the area »
Make the Most of Your Stay With Skiing, Skating, History & More
After you’ve decided on where to stay, it’s time to plan out what you’d like to do. Here are some of the best winter activities in Saratoga Springs and nearby!
Soak Up Saratoga Spa State Park's Natural Beauty
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no better place to be than Saratoga Spa State Park. Renowned for its mineral springs and natural beauty, this vast state park features approximately 12 miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
The gentle terrain is accessible for all skill levels, and snowshoe rentals are available at the Park Office for a fee.
In addition, Saratoga Spa State Park typically offers public ice skating at its outdoor ice skating rinks, weather permitting. Be sure to follow the Park’s Facebook page for the latest ice skating announcements.
Ice skating is also available at the indoor Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks on Weibel Avenue.
Discover Outdoor Adventures at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
Another popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing spot is the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park in Wilton, located 15 minutes from Saratoga. This recreational resource has over 25 miles of marked trails that are open to the public year-round.
During winter, volunteers groom 3.5 miles of trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. You can find the groomed trails in the Camp Saratoga North and Opdahl Farm parcels.
A limited number of skis and snowshoes are available for rental, and the Park & Preserve offers fun and educational outdoor programs.
Go Snowshoeing with Into the Woods Farm's Friendly Goats
One of the most unique winter experiences in the Saratoga area is snowshoeing with a herd of goats at Into the Woods Farm in Middle Grove. Into the Woods Farm is a small educational farm located about 22 minutes from the Spa City, which you may have heard about for their goat yoga in the summer.
However, when snow falls, the farm offers private group and family snowshoe adventures with friendly goats. Many visitors have praised the activity, with one noting, "What an AMAZING experience!! Snowshoeing with goats!! So peaceful, relaxing and beautiful!"
Be sure to book your own guided trek through the woods!
Experience Nordic Bliss at Lapland Lake
Located approximately 57 minutes from Saratoga Springs, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center is a premier destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Nestled in the southern Adirondacks, this winter haven offers 50 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails designed for both classic and skate skiing, as well as dedicated snowshoeing paths. There is also an ice skating rink and snow tubing trails.
"I bought a one day trail pass for XC skiing and it was phenomenal," said one visitor. "So good, I came back a few days later for another ski! The trails were fun and also well marked."
Plan a day trip or extend your stay in one of Lapland Lake's cozy, Finnish-style cabins. From peaceful winter adventures to active outings, this Nordic center offers an unforgettable experience just under an hour from Saratoga.
Head Out for Skiing & Snowshoeing at Brookhaven Winter Park
Just 10 miles from Saratoga Springs, Brookhaven Winter Park in Porter Corners offers a serene winter escape with pine-lined trails and golf course paths that are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The park features seven ski trails, two snowshoe loops, and 20 kilometers of terrain, catering to all skill levels from easy wooded paths to challenging glade routes. There is no admission fee, and ski and snowshoe rentals are available in the clubhouse at 333 Alpine Meadows Rd.
Brookhaven Winter Park's trails are open from dawn to dusk throughout winter as weather permits. You can visit their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Take a Journey Through History at the National Museum of Racing
Although Saratoga Race Course is closed during winter, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is open year-round and ready to introduce you to the history of horse racing in Saratoga and beyond.
The Museum is home to a diverse collection of racing-related art, trophies, historical artifacts, and other memorabilia that showcases all aspects of this exciting sport.
One of the highlights of the Museum is its signature 16-minute film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame. Narrated by Bob Costas and produced by Donna Lawrence Productions, the film takes visitors on an immersive journey through the world of thoroughbred racing.
Featuring stunning 8K footage from racetracks and farms nationwide and interviews with Hall of Famers, it explores the rare honor of earning a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Enjoy an Intimate Musical Performance at Caffe Lena
Caffe Lena in downtown Saratoga is a historic music venue and the ideal place to escape the cold for a couple of hours. Each week features an outstanding lineup of concerts and live shows in a relaxed setting where the artist is only feet away.
"It is a great place to see a show," said one concertgoer. "The space is intimate, not a bad seat in the house."
Craving something warm to sip? Caffe Lena serves up hot chocolate, hot tea, Kru coffee, and other beverages. We also highly recommend the famous Lena's Chocolate Chip Cookies to snack on during the performance.
Enter a Winter Wonderland of Fun in the Lake George Area
Lake George is becoming the winter place to be in recent years thanks to the area’s plethora of family-friendly events and activities, and it's only 30 minutes north of Saratoga. From winter celebrations in the Village to shopping at the Outlets, find out why Lake George is worth the drive!
Mark Your Calendar for Can't-Miss Winter Events
Lake George Lights at the Lake
Lights at the Lake is a new, free, walk-through attraction in Lake George. The majority of the lights are on display in Charles R. Wood Park, with more to see in Shepard Park.
It's free to walk through the dazzling winter wonderland, and you can get in on free ice skating at the Beach Road parking lot, too!
Lake George Winter Carnival
The annual Lake George Winter Carnival will make its grand return during every weekend in February.
Visitors can look forward to everything from outhouse races to cook-offs, ATV races, hot chocolate bars, fireworks, and more! It's easy to spend a winter day in Lake George enjoying the carnival and all the shops and restaurants around town.
Shop Till You Drop at the Lake George Factory Outlets
Take a break from all the outdoor winter events in Lake George and head just south of the village to the Factory Outlets. Open year-round, this local shopping destination features over 50 stores in one central location, offering a mix of brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories, candy, gifts, and more.
Visitors rave about the variety and convenience, with one saying, “Huge selection, because they have ALLLLL the stores! If you want it, you can get it—all in a couple of blocks.” Another added, “Great prices, great customer service in every store."
Whether you're hunting for deals on winter clothing for all ages, stylish footwear, or even unique finds like a wooden bear, the Lake George Factory Outlets have you covered. Plus, with several restaurants nearby, you can refuel and keep the shopping fun going.
Travel to Albany for Ice Skating at the Plaza, Captivating Concerts, and Other Activities
Located about 40 minutes south of Saratoga Springs, the City of Albany comes alive during winter with both outdoor and indoor fun. The highlight of the season is the Empire “Skate” Plaza ice skating rink, but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well.
Hit the Ice at the Empire “Skate” Plaza
Each winter, the Empire State Plaza in the heart of Albany transforms into the Empire “Skate” Plaza, an outdoor ice skating rink that offers free ice skating, weather permitting.
Over the years, it’s become a tradition for families and friends to return to the rink, skate around, and gaze at the Plaza’s impressive buildings and architecture.
As one visitor shared, "Such a fun place to skate right in the middle of Empire State Plaza! Beautiful views of all the cool surrounding buildings, including The Egg, which is right beside it."
Ice skate rentals are available at the Plaza for a small fee (and free on Saturdays courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets).
Buy Your Tickets to an Upcoming Concert or Performance
New York’s capital is the perfect destination for winter entertainment, offering a thriving performing arts scene to help you escape the chill.
The Egg at the Empire State Plaza and The Palace Theatre host a variety of events throughout the season, featuring music, dance, comedy, and film.
Cozy up indoors and enjoy a live concert by your favorite artist, be captivated by a stunning ballet, or share some laughs at a comedy show. Whatever your taste, Albany’s vibrant venues guarantee a memorable winter outing.
Explore the Wide Array of Exhibits at the New York State Museum
Open year-round to the public, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest state museum in the United States. As one visitor described it, the museum is "an absolute treasure trove for anyone interested in history, science, and art."
They highlighted the impressive collection of fossils and minerals, as well as the fascinating exhibits on Native American cultures and the history of New York State.
Noteworthy exhibits to keep an eye out for include “Adirondack Wilderness,” “Birds of New York,” “First Peoples,” “Ice Ages,” the always popular “Minerals of New York,” and more. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday - Sunday.
Winter fun awaits both in Saratoga Springs and within 60 minutes of the city, and it's the ideal home base for all your adventures. Start making plans for a winter vacation that you'll remember!
Learn about other Saratoga winter activities »
« Back to the Saratoga Winter Guide
