Mountains Archives - Surfside On The Lake

Jan 15 2022

A Family Winter Vacation in Upstate New York

Even though summer is the most popular time to vacation in Lake George, there is something special about our mountain town come winter. The snow falls on the Adirondacks, ushering in exhilarating skiing and the annual winter carnival full of fun for the family. Lake George is an excellent destination for a family winter vacation with outdoor and indoor activities everyone will love. Stay close to the action with Surfside on the Lake, one of the few hotels in Lake George village. Embark on a memorable winter vacation with these family-friendly activities.

Outdoor Activities for a Family Winter Vacation

It’s time to get outside and embrace winter in Lake George with the family. If your family is already familiar with skiing, head to Gore Mountain and shred the slopes of New York’s biggest mountain. For beginners, we recommend driving to West Mountain for skiable terrain suitable for all abilities. They also offer snow tubing for an easy and exciting day in the snow! For an affordable day outside, head to the Gurney Lane Recreation Area for free ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing.

The Lake George Winter Carnival is one of our favorite family-friendly festivals throughout the year. Every February, we celebrate winter all month-long with activities and events. Children’s arts and crafts are held daily at Shepard Park, as well as pony rides and s’mores in the park. This winter also brings ice castles where the kiddos can explore crawl tunnels, ice slides, and ice mazes.

Kid-Friendly Indoor Activities

When the weather gets too chilly to stay outside, head inside for family fun at Lake George Lanes & Games. Spend an afternoon bowling together, and then let the adventure continue with laser tag, arcade games, and an indoor playground.

Make the short drive to Queensbury for various indoor attractions for your family winter vacation. Splash into fun at the Six Flags Indoor Water Park with water slides, raft rides, and boogie surfing. The Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an excellent place for young and older kids to enjoy. Older kids and adults can challenge each other to ultimate dodgeball or race the Ninja warrior course. Children 6 and under can play in the Little Leapers area created for parents and little ones to enjoy together.

Family Owned Hotel in Lake George

Visit us in Lake George for a fun and action-packed family winter vacation- when you stay at our family-owned and operated hotel, Surfside on the Lake, children 12 and under stay for free!

Choose between our spacious rooms that can accommodate three to seven people, depending on the size of your family. Many of our suites offer kitchenettes for your convenience with amenities like electric cooktops and refrigerators. Join us in the Adirondacks and discover your new favorite family winter vacation destination.

Dec 03 2021

The Top 7 Lake George Winter Activities

When cold temperatures freeze the lakes and snow falls on the Adirondacks, there’s no denying that Lake George winter has arrived. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland full of unique adventures and attractions at every turn. Although many restaurants and hotels close their doors for the season, Surfside on the Lake remains open year-round for winter travelers. From festive carnivals to scenic snowshoeing trails, an unforgettable winter vacation in the Adirondacks awaits you in Lake George.

Discover Lake George During Winter

Lake George maybe a summer destination, but our Adirondack town is just as beautiful and exciting during the winter. Whether you want a fast-paced adventure or a chance to reconnect with nature, there is something for everyone with these Lake George winter activities:

Take in the beauty of the Adirondacks on the snowshoeing trails at Lake George Recreation Center or try cross country skiing at Cole’s Woods.
We are located a short distance away from two downhill ski resorts in New York. If you are an experienced skier, we recommend Gore Mountain, but if you are a beginner looking for family-friendly hills, then visit West Mountain.
Plan your winter getaway in February and join us for the annual Lake George Winter Carnival celebration.
Go ice skating on the frozen surface of Lake George or at the public rink at Gurney Lane Recreation Area. If you want to glide on the ice away from the cold, check out the indoor rink at Glen Falls Recreation Center.
The ice castles are a must-see for anyone visiting the area between January and March. When the ice castles are sculpted, you will be able to crawl through tunnels and sit upon icy thrones.
Go ice fishing on “The Queen of American Lakes” just steps from Surfside on the Lake. Lake George is an excellent place to fish for trophy lake trout and northern pike.
After a day of exploring Lake George, head to The Log Jam Restaurant for a cozy dinner next to a roaring fireplace.

A Winter Getaway in the Adirondacks

Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and experience Lake George winter nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks. We are directly on the lake, so you can easily embark on a day of ice fishing or skating just a short walk from the property. Even though many of our amenities are closed for the season, we offer a prime location for shopping, attractions, and dining in town. Stay in one of our affordable resort rooms and wake up to gorgeous lake views and snowy landscapes. We also have suites equipped with kitchenettes, private balconies, refrigerators, and table seating if you are traveling with the family. If you have any questions about the area or our rooms, don’t hesitate to reach out at 518-668-2442.

Nov 15 2021

Where Can I Go Skiing Near Lake George?

The Adirondacks provide an elite destination for adventure no matter what time of year it is. When the snow starts to accumulate, the unique ice bars are set up, and nearby ski resorts reopen the lifts. Skiing near Lake George is one of our favorite ways to get outside and experience the thrill of ski hills or the tranquility of cross-country trails. Celebrate the winter season in Lake George and choose Surfside on the Lake to host your getaway.

Downhill Skiing Near Lake George

There are two epic locations for downhill skiing near Lake George. Zip down some of the best ski hills in the state at Gore Mountain or experience a day of family fun at West Mountain. No matter if this is your first day on the slopes or the 50th, you can find exceptional skiing in the Adirondacks at these locations:

Gore Mountain

Gore Mountain provides the most extensive trail network in New York, with 14 lifts and 110 trails to explore. There are seven mountain areas open for skiers ranging from easy to expert so that anyone can enjoy a day of skiing. We highly recommend booking your lift tickets in advance so you can guarantee a spot during your winter vacation.

If you want to explore snow-covered nature trails, then try cross-country skiing at the North Creek Ski Bowl and Nordic Center while you’re here.

West Mountain

Skiers of all ages and abilities will love the trails at West Mountain in Queensbury. Take the short 15-minute drive and enjoy skiing all day and night with a four or eight-hour ticket. This ski resort offers 30 trails that are guaranteed to be open all winter with their on-site snowmaking. Whether you are just learning how to ski or are traveling with the family, West Mountain is an excellent place to start.

Cross Country Skiing

Winter in Lake George is also an excellent time to slow down and enjoy the seasonal beauty of nature trails. Cross country skiing near Lake George is scenic, fun, and a relaxing way to see the best views in the area. Check out a few of the best spots for Nordic skiing in the Lake George area below:

The Best Lake George Skiing Vacation

Visit us this winter and discover skiing near Lake George on a New York getaway. Even though many of our amenities are closed for the season, there are still many reasons to choose Surfside on the Lake. We offer a wide variety of rooms to fit all budgets and needs, so you (and your wallet) can feel good staying Surfside. Browse all of our rooms and suites to find the best option for your group, and we’ll see you on the slopes!

Mar 15 2021

The Best Adirondack Hiking Trails Near Lake George, New York

One of the biggest draws to the Lake George region for outdoor enthusiasts has to be the number of high-quality Adirondack hiking trails. Traversing through rolling hills, interwoven with meandering creeks and sparkling water bodies, trekking the trails around our beloved region is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the seemingly endless beauty found at every corner. From captivating vistas to hidden waterfalls, it’s not surprising that the Adirondack Mountains are where American family vacations were born. Conveniently located along Lake George’s shores, Surfside On The Lake offers affordable resort lodging and a bevy of on-site activities and recreational opportunities, and access to some of the best Adirondack hiking. While it wouldn’t be tough to hop in the car and find the nearest trailhead, we’d like to offer some assistance in narrowing down a few options during your stay.

Adirondack Hiking and the Beauty of Lake George

Whether you’re on the lookout for a heart-pounding endurance hike or a leisurely trek amid New York’s most awe-inspiring vantage points, these Adirondack hiking trails are sure to provide a wealth of opportunities. Here are some of our favorites:

Buck Mountain is considered a moderate hike on the east side of Lake George, and patrons can enter from either the north or south entrance.
Sleeping Beauty Mountain is a moderately tricky loop that may be better for older children and teenagers due to the rocky outcrops found throughout.
Pilot Knob Preserve is a relatively easy 3.8-mile trail featuring a stunning waterfall and an abundance of green space.
Prospect Mountain Trail is a 2.8-mile out-and-back that is sure to give you a challenge. This trail comes with a reasonable difficulty but rewards its opponents with 100-mile panoramas.
Inman Pond is located in the Lake George Wild Forest and is a family favorite.

Lake George Resort | Discovering the Adirondacks

The Adirondack hiking trails we shared with you are just a few of the many corridors you can find in our neck of the woods. Aside from some of the best treks in the Empire State, Lake George offers a healthy dose of summertime fun that takes many forms. Whether you find yourself lounging at the Cabana Bar and Restaurant or exploring the nooks and crannies of the Adirondack Mountains, there’s something for everyone at Surfside On The Lake! Please visit our frequently asked questions page or call 518-668-2442 today!

Aug 16 2020

Adirondack Fall Foliage Tours Near Lake George, NY

Lake George, NY, is arguably one of the best places to enjoy the Adirondack fall foliage. Year after year, visitors from all over the Northeast and abroad make the trip to our treasured mountain range to immerse themselves in the autumn colors’ stunning visual beauty. Whether by hiking, biking, boat, or car, the scenic landscape that exemplifies the Adirondack Mountains offers a memorable experience that every outdoor enthusiast should undergo. Nestled within the heart of it all, Surfside on the Lake provides an excellent lodging solution well-suited for any fall vacation.

Fall Vacations in the Adirondack Mountains

While it would be reasonably simple to hang out at the resort and take in the gorgeous scenery, there are just so many amazing places to see the Adirondack fall foliage. This quintessential New York tourist destination will undoubtedly prove to be unforgettable. To make planning more manageable, we assembled a quick guide highlighting some of the best places to enjoy the brilliant assortment of reds, oranges, and yellows that transform our slice of paradise each fall. The most apparent byproduct of the autumn colors is the transformation of the many nearby landmarks and attractions. Places saw during spring and summer take on a new personality when pressed against a vibrant backdrop of red, yellow, and orange, creating a unique atmosphere to be explored, photographed, and shared. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the Adirondack fall foliage.

By Car

Considering the broad expanse of the area, sometimes the best way to get the most out of your fall vacation is to drive. Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway has some of the most amazing views in the Adirondack Mountains. The First Wilderness Heritage Corridor is an excellent route for those wanting to explore the quaint towns and villages of the Northern Hudson River valley. In comparison, the Lakes to Locks Passage is a 200-mile scenic byway that offers a 50-mile loop encompassing the west side of beloved Lake George.

By Boat

For over two centuries, the Lake George Steamboat Company has been running boat cruises for those wishing to experience the iconic waterway in its splendor. Boat cruises offer a unique perspective that can’t be witnessed from shore. With daily cruises on multiple vessels, the Lake George Steamboat Company remains a cornerstone for sightseeing in the Adirondacks.

From the Canopy

Northwoods Gondola Skyrides on Gore Mountain brings guests aboard a full enclosed eight-passenger gondola cabin or a four-passenger chairlift through the saddles of the Adirondacks’ most immaculate peaks. Patrons will have an educational experience as their guide teaches them about the local flora and fauna and the history of the mountain. Guests will also be afforded the chance to hike around the property or take on a formidable mountain bike trail.

Fall Vacations at the Best Lake George Resort

Fall vacations in the Adirondack Mountains are anything but ordinary, so why not stay at an extraordinary family resort? Over the years, Surfside on the Lake has proven to be the Adirondacks’ premier destination for family fun, no matter what season. For more information to plan your Adirondack fall foliage tour or to book your stay, please visit us online or call 518-668-2442.