Adirondacks In Winter: 5 Mistakes That Cost Families $1,000+
Adirondacks in winter season is the closest thing to living inside a snow globe. Think crackling fires, frozen lakes, and world class memories.
However, while the magic is free, the mistakes aren’t. Too many families accidentally spend an extra $1,000+ on things that could have been avoided with only five minutes of preparedness.
The Adirondacks in winter can turn skeptical teenagers into sledding maniacs, and makes your partner actually put their phone down.
However, there are 5 easily avoidable mistakes that can turn this dream into a $1,000+ headache for unprepared families. The good news is that you’re about to learn exactly how to dodge every single one of them so that you can have a winter vacation of a lifetime!
The Allure Of The Adirondacks In Winter:
Before we dive in, I cannot stress enough about the allure of the the Adirondacks in winter. It transforms into a beautiful, snow draped wilderness that promises the kind of family memories you’ll talk about for decades.
When families plan with winter in mind, the Adirondacks become quieter, cozier, and more memorable than any summer trip.
The difference between a $1,000 budget drain and a $1,000 memory maker:
For many, the allure of a snowy escape to the High Peaks, or just the Adirondack region as a whole, quickly dissolves into a series of expensive logistical nightmares that can easily drain a family bank account before the weekend is even over.
Many families misunderstand what makes the Adirondacks in the winter unique. Slower travel, fewer services, and weather driven schedules can all be a factor in the wintertime in Upstate NY. Those who expect a seamless vacation, without preparation often pay extra to fix mistakes that could have been prevented.
However, that’s only the case if you avoid these expensive mistakes.
Mistake 1- Booking Your Stay The Wrong Way At Adirondack Hotels:
The first, most frequent and expensive mistake is booking one of the many Adirondack hotels the wrong way for a winter based vacation by using summer proximity logic.
A lot of people don’t realize that many places in the Lake George, and the Adirondack region close for the season. Especially if it’s their first time coming to the Adirondacks.
For example, in the summertime, Canada Street in Lake George is usually hopping and thriving with a lot people. However, in the wintertime it’s a different story. There are not as many people unless an event is going on like the Winter Carnival, or Polar Plunge, and most places are closed for the season.
Some places can also look charming online, but may either have poor snow removal, or be at one of the locations that become isolated after storms.
Needless to say, families can end up having to upgrade mid trip, and pay a premium price of last minute rates just to stay sane, and be surrounded by convenience.
The good news is that winter ready lodging is abundant once you know what to look for. It’s also often more affordable than peak season stays.
Once you understand how winter changes access and convenience, choosing one of the right Adirondack hotels becomes surprisingly simple.
Mistake 2- Treating Mountain Roads Like Your Suburban Commute.
A “short drive” from a budget lodge to the main attractions can become an impossible task due to lake effect squalls.
If you aren’t prepared for driving during snow season on unlit, winding mountain passes, you’re one slippery turn away from a $500 backcountry tow fee, and that’s assuming you didn’t damage the axle. Not to mention the activities you’ll miss while waiting for the tow.
Visitors that aren’t accustomed to driving in the snow, or are used to plowed roadways, often rent the wrong vehicle, skip checking road conditions, or assume short distances mean easy travel. Missed activities, stress, and emergency expenses can add up fast if you’re not prepared in the right ways.
Tips For Driving During Snow Season:
- The first thing you will want to do, especially if you’re driving your own vehicle, and coming from a place where you’re aren’t used to the snow, is to 1. Either make sure you have all season tires on your car, or 2. Get a rental car with all season tires.
Don’t get me wrong, most of the roadways are plowed, but if you’re driving through the mountainous areas, they may not be.
2. DRIVE SLOWLY IN HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS and watch out for deer! Getting where you’re going is better to get there slowly, than not at all. Also, if you have to brake, brake slowly, not abruptly, if on icy roads.
In the fall months before snow even falls, deer will unexpectedly run out in front of your car. Especially if there are woods around a roadway. If you end up hitting that deer with your vehicle, you are at fault regardless.
3. If you lose control of your vehicle, steer towards where it’s pivoting. The natural instinct is to steer away, but you won’t want to do that. Just be mindful if that happens to steer in the direction the car is heading to do the opposite.
4. Driving during snow season in the Adirondacks is actually beautiful if you’re prepared. Grab a rental with AWD and all season tires, that costs $20/day vs. losing $500. Also, remember to take it slow, and enjoy the scenery.
5. Download offline maps ahead of time before your trip just as a precaution in case you lose service.
6. Check NYSDOT road conditions every morning.
7. Keep emergency supplies in your trunk: blanket, flashlight, phone charger, snacks.
With the right vehicle and expectations, driving during snow season in the Adirondacks is manageable, and often part of the adventure.
With these tips for driving during snow season you’ll confidently navigate to hidden gems in the Adirondacks while other families are stuck at their hotel.
Mistake 3- Assuming Winter In The Adirondacks Is Only For Skiers
Another costly error affects winter family vacations for non skiers. Too many families assume winter equals downhill skiing, and nothing else. That’s far from the truth.
When skiing doesn’t fit everyone, boredom sets in, plans change, and money gets wasted on unused passes or rushed replacements.
Without a concrete strategy for off slope activities, families often find themselves panic buying high priced, last minute tickets or dining at overpriced restaurants just to keep the kids warm and occupied.
The Adirondacks offer winter family vacations for non skiers, but only if you plan for them accordingly.
Suggestions For Non-Skiing Adventures For The Adirondacks In Winter:
- Snowshoeing / Winter Hiking
- Olympic sites tours
- Ice fishing
- Winter Carnivals And festivals
- Tubing hills that don’t require ski passes
- Polar Plunge
- Snowmobile Rentals
Mistake 4- Not Packing The Right Clothing And Essentials
Packing is another silent budget killer. Ignoring proper packing tips, especially footwear, layers, and cold weather essentials means buying overpriced gear on arrival, or losing time searching for supplies instead of enjoying your trip.
Adirondacks in winter is a dream until the first sub zero gust hits your face, and you realize your “heavy” cotton hoodie is actually a cold trap.
The most avoidable “grand” you’ll ever spend, however, comes down to gear. Proper packing tips are a necessary financial protection.
Buying four sets of emergency wool layers and insulated boots at a boutique mountain outfitter because you brought sneakers will easily clear $800 in a single afternoon.
To keep your adventure from turning into a costly nightmare, focus on moisture wicking synthetics and a vehicle that can handle the terrain. Don’t let a lack of preparation turn your winter wonderland dream into a frozen financial drain.
Packing Tips To Make Your Trip A Little Bit Easier:
Winter Clothing:
- Base layers (moisture wicking, not cotton)
- Insulated boots rated to -20°F
- Hand/toe warmers
- Face masks for windchill
- Waterproof gloves
Winter Essentials:
- Ice Scraper
- Snow Brush
Mistake 5- Not Planning Your Itinerary Properly:
Many families arrive in the Adirondacks in winter with a loose plan, assuming they’ll wing it and figure it out once they get there. In summer, that usually works. In winter, it usually doesn’t.
Short daylight hours, weather shifts, and limited availability mean that the best winter experiences often require you to think ahead.
Families who don’t plan winter friendly activities ahead of time tend to overspend out of convenience on last minute tickets, overpriced dining, or long drives just to fill the day.
Whether it’s paying triple for a private last minute guide, or driving two hours out of the way (wasting gas and time) to find an open skating rink, the lack of a “local first” itinerary is a silent budget killer.
The Adirondacks in winter shine brightest when you lean into what the season offers. There are many things you can plan out such as: snowshoe trails, winter festivals, museums, Olympic sites, wildlife centers, scenic towns, and cozy indoor experiences. When those are penciled in ahead of time, days feel full instead of stressful, and budgets stay on track.
The families who rave about their trips didn’t stumble into magic. They planned for winter instead of fighting it.
How To Plan Your Itinerary Properly:
- First make a list of all of the things you want to do on your vacation so you can prepare, plan, and make sure you will have time to do everything you’re wanting to in the time you’re visiting.
- Be sure to give yourself some wiggle room for things that may come up that aren’t planned.
- Book key activities 2-3 days in advance (Wild Center, Olympic site tours, guided snowshoe trips).
- Have a “Plan B” list for inclement weather days (indoor attractions, cozy restaurants).
- Check hours before you drive. Winter hours and schedules can be unpredictable.
- Check the local calendars for towns like Saranac Lake, Lake George, Lake Placid, and Long Lake at least three weeks out. Booking your “must do” activities early doesn’t just save your sanity, but it can in a lower rate before the surge pricing kicks in.
The families who usually have the most fun are the ones who knew what was happening before they left the driveway.
When you plan your itinerary ahead properly, you’ll move confidently while other families are circling parking lots hoping something’s open, and struggling to figure out what they’re going to do.
Final Thoughts On Adirondacks In Winter With 5 Mistakes To Avoid:
Adirondacks in the winter can be a magical, cozy and fun filled vacation.
The snow capped mountains are absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. The allure of sipping hot cocoa by a fireplace in a log cabin near the lake is an actual reality.
The charm, nostalgia, and peacefulness of just being in the Adirondacks can all be part of your vacation if you avoid these mistakes when planning your trip.
A winter Adirondack trip doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful, but it does reward preparation. The families who enjoy it most are simply better informed before they arrive.
The families who rave about their Adirondack winter trips just knew these five things before they packed the car. Now you do too.
Your kids won’t remember the hotel brand or the meal prices. They’ll remember building snow forts with mountain views, hot chocolate after snowshoeing, and the night you all saw the stars without light pollution.
That’s the Adirondacks in winter, and it’s waiting for you prepared, excited, and ready to make it unforgettable.
