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Saratoga & North Creek Railway Continues to Grow By Andy Flynn The company has already spent millions of dollars along the rail line since the summer of 2011, fixing tracks, setting up The Exchange at North Creek retail shop, and establishing passenger service and specialty trains. Now it plans on extending its passenger service, opening freight service, and establishing high-end Pullman car service from New York City to Lake Placid. Iowa Pacific, based in Chicago, already has experience in the Adirondack Park with the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, which offers daily service from Saratoga Springs to North Creek in the warm months, a Polar Express train during the holiday season, and a Snow Train for skiers in the winter. It also connects to Amtrak service in Saratoga, making it possible for summer tourists to travel from New York City to North Creek. Now it is working with the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society to help resurrect the 118-mile Adirondack Railroad corridor between Remsen and Lake Placid by offering first-class overnight experience on historic Pullman cars through the Adirondacks to Lake Placid. "We are grateful to ARPS for the opportunity to work together on a project that can bring a dramatic rail service improvement to the Adirondacks," Iowa Pacific Holdings President Ed Ellis said. "Iowa Pacific has been working to revive rail corridors across the U.S. and in other countries for freight and passenger service for over a decade, and our recent success with the Saratoga and North Creek is an indication of what can be done in the Adirondack market." Iowa Pacific owns the Pullman Sleeping Car Company, which restores Pullman passenger, dining and sleeping cars from the glory days of high-end train travel and offers excursions from Chicago to New Orleans. The Saratoga & North Creek Railway also plans to start running freight trains this winter along the 30-mile Sanford Lake Branch from the old Tahawus titanium mine in the town of Newcomb and the Barton garnet mines in North River. The freight would be shipped through North Creek to Saratoga and beyond.
But the public is most acquainted with the railway's passenger service, which has undergone a transformation over the past year. The Saratoga & North Creek Railway launched its Snow Train last winter, with a total of 1,400 passengers enjoying their trip from Saratoga Springs to North Creek. Half were skiers, who were shuttled to Gore Mountain, and the remaining visitors spent their time exploring Main Street shops and restaurants. The railway expanded its summer passenger service in 2012 by offering daily runs from North Creek to Saratoga Springs. Several days of the week, the schedule allowed Amtrak passengers through service from New York City. Essentially, train travelers could have breakfast in Manhattan and dinner in downtown North Creek. This winter, the Snow Train returns Jan. 11 with an expanded schedule designed to serve day-trippers and skiers alike. The full-service passenger rail train will provide round-trip transportation from Saratoga Springs to North Creek with continuing shuttle service to Gore Mountain every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through midMarch. The expanded Snow Train schedule features two round-trip trains each Saturday during the 2013 season, providing an additional trip from last year's schedule. The Saturday schedule will offer both early and mid-morning departures from Saratoga Springs with return trips from North Creek in the early afternoon and evening. Fridays and Sundays will each offer one round-trip train. "Our new schedule provides a variety of options for both skiers and sightseers alike. By running two trains on Saturdays, we are offering passengers the opportunity to either tackle the slopes early for a full day of skiing or enjoy a leisurely winter afternoon in the scenic Adirondacks," said Saratoga & North Creek Railway General Manager Steve Torrico. "We hope winter enthusiasts opt to skip the drive and jump aboard the Snow Train for a special travel experience that will offer unparalleled atmosphere, service and convenience." The Snow Train offers a unique winter travel experience for those heading to the slopes or looking for a trip to the Adirondacks. The round-trip includes conveniences not typically found in today's rail service, such as complete ski and snowboard equipment handling and storage from Saratoga Springs to the base of Gore Moun continued on page 6
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For a NEW Adventure
Discover the Corridor Communities by
"Rail, River & Roads" Along the Upper Hudson River
2013 is the Bicentennial year of Warren County and many programs are being planned to share the history of our County and Towns. Stay in touch with your local chambers as you make plans for the future and share our history with your friends, neighbors, family and visitors. Here are just a few ideas for your "Family Fun Along the Hudson." Gore Mt. Chamber of Commerce: 518-251-2612 Winter/Spring Scenic Train: Jan to Mar., Downhill and Cross Country Skiing, Gore Mt. Festivals, Torch Run & Fireworks, Artisans Exchange, Restaurant Week Activities, Museum Depot Museum Exhibits, Waterwater Derby, Memorial Day Parade & Car Show. North Warren Chamber of Commerce: 518-494-2722 Riparius Winter/Spring Scenic Train Station Stop, Dynamite Hill Downhill and Cross Country Trail Skiing, Krazy Downhill Derby, North Country Art Gallery, Local History Museum & Public Library Exhibits and Displays, Sumi Photo Gallery, Community and School Public Events and North Warren Snowmobile Club Programs. Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce: 518-623-2161 Winter/Spring Scenic Train Station at Thurman, Hickory Ski History & Telemark Festivals & Moonlight Snowshoe Tours, Cross Country Skiing Trail, 2013 Yearlong Town Bicentennial Programs, Postal Cancellation, Valentines Dinner Dance, Local History Museum Programs, Unknown Oddfellows Ceremonial Burial, Perennial Swap, Golfing & Memorial Day Parade. Thurman Station Association: 518-623-9575 Winter/Spring Scenic Train Station Stop, Hickory Hill Ski Programs, "Valentines for Vets" Childrens Program, Thurman Snowmobile Club, Thurman Maple Sugar Party Benefit, Weekend Series of Maple Sugaring Tours, Martin's Lumber Guided Woods Walk, Tours and Crafts, Golfing at 1000 Acres and Townwide Sale. Stony Creek Chamber of Commerce: 518-232-5987 Winter/Spring Scenic Train Stop at 1000 Acres, SC Free Library Winter Concerts & Crafting Series, History Museum Exhibits with Bicentennial Programs, Group Outings and Horseback Riding and Memorial Day Parade. Hadley Business Association: 518-696-4947 Winter/Spring Scenic Train Station Stop, "Maple in April Weekend Festival" & Car Show, Rafting on the Sacandaga, Hadley Senior Programs, H-L Public Library Programs, H-L Historical Society Speaker Programs, Fire Tower Hikes and Spring Baseball Leagues. Lake Luzerne Chamber of Commerce: 518-696-3500 Winter/Spring Scenic Train Rides at Rockwell Station in Hadley, Adirondack Folk School Programs, Children's Fishing Derby, South Warren Snowmobile Club Programs, H-L Public Library Speaker Series & Exhibits, Kinnear Museum of Local History Displays and the Veteran's Hadley-Luzerne Memorial Day Parade Corinth Merchants Association: 518-654-2648 Winter/Spring Scenic Train Station Stop, Local History Museum Exhibits, Public Library Programs, Corinth Winter & Spring School Sports Programs, Benefit Dance Marathon, Drama Productions, Golf Tournaments and Memorial Day Parade & Car Show Saratoga Chamber of Commerce: 518-584-3255 Year round Amtrak Station with seasonal connections to North Creek though the First Wilderness, Additional City multi-modal connections, Upscale Shopping, Broadway Restaurants, Automobile, Childrens & Tang Museum Exhibits, Tradeshow & Conference Center Expos, Winter Farmers Market, Snowshoe Races, Wine Festival, Woodworkers Expo, Bridal Shows, Spring Home & Garden Show.
Warren County Planning Dept. First Wilderness Information and Travel Resources Tel: 518-761-6409 Email: email@example.com This advertisement was prepared for the NYS Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Act Photo Credit: Greg Klingler
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Explore the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor from Saratoga Springs to North Creek NORTH CREEK – The Saratoga & North Creek Railway is giving visitors an opportunity to explore the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor like never before. Established in 1999 as a way to boost tourism, the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor was designed to highlight the attractions, events, outdoor activities and businesses along the railroad corridor between Saratoga Springs and North Creek. The railway spans two counties – Saratoga and Warren – and follows the Hudson River north as it did when it first opened as Thomas Durant's Adirondack Railroad in 1871. "We looked at what was common to all the communities that share the rail corridor," said Wayne LaMothe, Director of the Warren County Department of Planning and ComStony Creek munity Development. "The rail line — and the river — was the pathway into the Adirondacks. And the Adirondack Park was the first area in the country that was officially set aside as wilderness by a legislative action. Hence, we came up with the name the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor." LaMothe's department is in charge of promoting the 62-mile corridor to the traveling public. "What we're trying to do is just showcase a way of life," LaMothe said. Thanks to the area's rich heritage, there are many stories to tell. Native Americans first used this region as hunting grounds. Then the French, English and Americans fought over it during the colonial wars. Mining, logging and tannery companies used much of its natural resources to build a nation. The state of New York decided to protect it under the state constitution as part of the Adirondack Park. And now it's one of America's premier tourist destinations. When it's fully implemented, LaMothe said the goal is to extend the corridor another 30 miles north of North Creek to the Tahawus mine in the Essex County town of Newcomb. There are currently two aspects of implementing the First Wilderness experience. First they have to answer the question, "What can people do when they come here?" "Those activities are more community driven — events, skiing, recreational opportunities, business opportunities, etc.," LaMothe said. Then there is the physical side — the infrastructure — such as improving streetscapes, upgrading or building train stations, etc. "At last count, I believe I have 21 projects going on in the corridor from Corinth up to North Creek," LaMothe said. "Enclosing train stations, designing new sites at the train station complex in Corinth. We've got a multitude of projects both big and small throughout the corridor." LaMothe approaches the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor project with one goal in mind: enhancing the economic opportunities by creating a corridorwide tourism experience. "When it all comes down to it, it's an economic development activity," LaMothe said. "There's no other reason for it. It is to enhance what the community has A) for itself and B) for the tourists that come here. Hopefully it's a quality experience for somebody and through word of mouth and promotions, other people will come here." "What Iowa Pacific has brought to the table is they have capital to invest, they are railroad people, they know how to run a railroad, and they know how to market and promote," LaMothe said. "Now Iowa Pacific comes in, we have the connection to Saratoga, and all of a sudden in the other communities along the corridor it's, 'OK, something is finally going to happen.'" LaMothe estimated that day-trippers spend about $80 a day when they come on the train, whether it's in the summer, on the Snow Train or on a spring weekend. "So if they bring up 1,000 people, that's $80,000 dollars pumped into the local economy," LaMothe said. "And you look at how many times that recycles through the community, and it suddenly becomes a significant number." The Snow Train transported 1,400 people to North Creek in the winter of 201112. More than 12,000 people traveled on the Saratoga & North Creek Railway in the summer and fall of 2011, and that number doubled in the summer and fall months of 2012. That's a lot of people traveling through the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor. And more are coming every season. For more information, visit online at www. firstwilderness.com By Andy Flynn
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When the temperature starts to drop, the lakes freeze, mountains are covered in snow, and a special excitement fills the frosty air. It's winter in the Experience some of the best downhill skiing in the Northeast, miles of peaceful crosscountry skiing and snowshoe trails, lakes for ice fishing and over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, plus skating, snow tubing, exciting winter events and many more winter activities indoor and out! Winter sparkles with romance. Get cozy in a rustic or romantic lodge, inn, B&B or cabin; or enjoy some family togetherness and fun at a full service resort, hotel or motel. Not crazy about the winter elements? Not to worry, there are plenty of cultural activities, shopping options and winter indoor activities for those who need a cure for plain old cabin fever! The Lake George Area is an easy-to-reach, affordable, year round vacation destination for the whole family. For free information on lodging, camping, eateries, outdoor recreation, events and things to do, call 800-365-1050 X5100 or VisitLakeGeorge.com
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6 tain; tableside breakfast and dinner menus with wine offerings and bar service; and picturesque views of the North Country aboard vintage midcentury dome cars. And the railway plans on extending weekend passenger service in the off-season months of March, April and May to show that it's a year-round operation, according to SNC General Superintendent Justin Gonyo, based in North Creek. "Iowa Pacific is eagerly looking to establish more of a foothold in the Northeast," Gonyo said. "And with the SNC not even being two years old yet, we've already achieved some pretty significant points here on the Adirondack Branch. Every day, it's pushing it forward, growing it more." The SNC is currently working on marjeting efforts for its 2013 summer season. They will be re-creating the D&H's Summer Paradise marketing campaign, creating packages for travelers that will include rail service, hospitality at palces such as the Copperfield Inn, and family entertainment at attractions such as the Lake George Steamboat Company. At one point, the D&H had owned the rail line between North Creek and Saratoga Springs, as well as the Lake George Steamboat Company. Visitors who want to take the train and a scenic ride on Lake George will be able to ride the train from Saratoga to Thurman, where they will be shuttled 12 miles to the Steamboat Company in downtown Lake George. "basically, your vacation can start once you get on one of our trains." Gonyo said. For more information, visit www. sncrr.com or call 877-726RAIL (7245).
Riding the Snow Train
When the Saratoga North Creek Railroad announced that they'd be running Snow Trains from Saratoga Springs to Gore Mountain, we knew we'd have to give it a try. We set our alarm clocks to get up early one Saturday morning last February, and arrived at the Saratoga Springs train station about 15 minutes before the 7am departure. Snow Train crew members loaded our skis and boot bags into the baggage car. Within a few minutes we boarded the train and found our seats in the dome car. The train was already moving as we sat down. I checked my watch: 7:02am, right on time. Our seating was spacious and comfortable - essentially an upholstered couch that wrapped around two small tables. In a space that could easily accomodate 6, our family of 4 had plenty of elbow room. Menus were already on the tables, and within a few minutes crew members came around to offer drinks and take our breakfast order. Food onboard the train was excellent: we enjoyed tasty omelettes, bacon, toast, orange juice and coffee. Crew members were professional, friendly, and enthusiastic about the Snow Train. The tracks are surrounded mostly by woods for the first half of the trip, but at around the 1-hour mark the train crosses a bridge 140' above the Sacandaga River, just upstream of its junction with the Hudson. From that point on, the Hudson River is in view all the way to North Creek. I must have driven Route 28 between Warrensburg and North Creek hundreds of times over the past couple decades, yet the landscape from the train seemed completely new. Our kids enjoyed the ride too - there wasn't a single "how much longer" from either kid on the ride up or back, and that's saying a lot for ages 4 and 7! Even though I was excited to ski, the trip was so relaxing and enjoyable I almost didn't want it to end. The two hours passed quickly, and we rolled into the North Creek rail station at exactly 9:00. The train crew unloaded our skis and bags, and we piled into a shuttle bus for the five minute ride up to the ski area. The ride back to Saratoga Springs was just as enjoyable as the ride up. As one Snow Train rider commented, it's kind of like enjoying apres ski drinks and snacks (the 4 of us split two club sandwiches, excellent), and when it's over you're home (well, almost)! Rates and additional information can be found on their website at www.sncrr.com. by Jeff Farbaniec
Snowmaking: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Snowmaking can be a skier's best friend, extending the season and making skiing possible when natural snow is in short supply. All snowmaking systems operate by forcing a mixture of water and air through a snow gun, but every ski mountain's snowmaking plant is unique, utilizing different equipment, strategies and techniques. Mike Pratt, General Manager at Gore Mountain, provides a behind-the-scenes look at Gore's snowmaking plant. These days, snowmaking is all about efficiency: maximizing snow output and minimizing energy consumption. With last winter's scant snowfall, the timing of Gore's addition of 160 new high-efficiency tower guns couldn't have been better. The new guns are a big deal: they represent the single biggest upgrade to Gore's snowmaking system since tapping the Hudson River 15 years ago. "With the new tower guns, we can make more snow faster and get more trails open earlier," Pratt explains. "And the efficiency of the new equipment is amazing: the new guns run about 20 - 25% of the energy consumption of the old guns. Basically we're running 4 guns for the energy of one old ground gun. A good analogy is that it's like switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs." Snowmaking systems utilize massive water pumps to deliver water through a network of distribution pipes to slopeside snowmaking guns. Most systems, including Gore's, also require huge quantities of compressed air distributed through a second network of pipes. The key to successful snowmaking lies in managing the air / water mix at each individual snow gun and in the system as a whole. When operating at maximum output in ideal conditions, Gore's snowmaking plant is able to cover nearly 30 acres with a foot of snow every 24 hours. Automated fan guns represent other opportunities for snowmaking efficiency. Some units are equipped with an on-board weather station, so as the temperature, wind and humidity levels change, snowmaking output is automatically maximized. 240-volt electrical service is required for these units, so they can't be used everywhere on the mountain. "The fan guns have made a real difference for us in key, high-traffic areas," Pratt explains. "The top of Sunway, for example, is frequently exposed to wind, so we installed a tower-mounted fan gun at the Saddle Lodge and that has really improved snow conditions in that area." The top of Pine Knot and The Arena are some of the other locations where fan guns have recently been added. Every ski mountain is different, requiring snowmaking crews to develop unique solutions, and Gore has its own set of challenges and opportunities. "We're lucky to have the Hudson River as our water source," says Pratt. "Before the Hudson pipeline (1996) we were pushing about 80 million gallons of water per year through the snowmaking system. Now we're pushing 250 million gallons through. Being spread out on nine sides of 4 mountains means you have to sequence the crews and equipment carefully and efficiently. We have sixteen distribution valve houses all over the mountain, so if you decide you want to make snow on Burnt Ridge for example, you have to go to a couple of different valve houses to send the water to the right places. But that variety and diversity of our terrain is part of what makes Gore so special, and with that comes a unique set of challenges." Of course the hard work of the snowmaking crew is a big part of the snowmaking operation. These are the guys who work through darkness and cold temperatures moving equipment, positioning snow guns, adjusting the flow of water and air. When you're on the slopes this winter and you have a really great run, let one of these guys know how much you appreciate their hard work and how much enjoy the snow they made – it'll make their day. Jeff Farbaniec is an avid telemark skier and Adirondack 46er who writes The Saratoga Skier & Hiker (saratogaskier.blogspot.com), a blog of his primarily Adirondack outdoor adventures.
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Gore Mountain Insider's Guide: With more than a decade of one game-changing improvement after another, few ski areas in the East have seen more on-mountain investment in recent years than Gore. The growth curve began in the late 1990s, with the creation of Gore's signature black diamond trails Rumor and Lies (1995) and completion of the Hudson River pipeline (1996) to supply water to Gore's snowmaking system. Those improvements were followed up with the installation of Gore's 8-passenger high-speed Northwoods Gondola in 1999. The new gondola opened up an entirely new summit (Bear Mountain) and trail pod, which was further expanded in 2002 with the addition of the Topridge triple chairlift and more trails. The terrain on Bear Mountain was rounded out in 2006 with the construction of Ruby Run, offering access to 1700 vertical feet of beginner terrain from the top of the gondola. Just as the Bear Mountain expansion was quieting down, the Burnt Ridge expansion was announced. An entirely new terrain pod, Burnt Ridge is serviced by a high speed quad chairlift that came on line in 2008 and provides access to more than 1400 vertical feet of trails and glades for intermediate and advanced skiers. And finally, in January 2011, the historic North Creek Ski Bowl was re-opened for skiing with a new triple chairlift serving 800 vertical feet of both new and historic ski trails that are interconnected with Burnt Ridge and the rest of Gore Mountain. Separated from the rest of Gore by the Pipeline and Cedars traverses, both the Ski Bowl and Burnt Ridge feel like ski areas within a ski area. So if you haven't skied at Gore recently, you can be forgiven for not knowing your way around. Here's some more of what you need to know. Gore is now spread out on nine sides of four mountains, offering the most terrain in New York State. Each pod of ski trails has its own character, offering different views, terrain, elevation and exposure. But no matter where you are on the mountain, whether it's the southern exposure of the Topridge pod or the northern views from the High Peaks area, you will be looking out across the unspoiled wilderness of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Moving efficiently around the mountain may require a little forethought, but you will be rewarded for your efforts. Even strong skiers may find it difficult to sample all that Gore offers in a weekend, let alone a single ski day. Because the mountain is spread out, you'll want to spend time exploring each section of the mountain, sampling its glades and trails, before moving on to another pod. This is particularly important when skiing Burnt Ridge and the Ski Bowl, which are separated from the other terrain pods by longer traverses. Just about every skier will want to spend some time on the trails in the Northwoods trail pod, the core of Gore's terrain. Served by the Northwoods Gondola and the Adirondack Express high speed triple chair, these trails are primarily blue cruisers of up to two miles in length and 1700 vertical feet. Snowmaking on these trails got a huge boost in 2011, when 160 new high-efficiency tower guns were installed. Nearby, the North Side trail pod offers beginner and low-intermediate terrain on trails that often feature natural snow surfaces owing to the North Side's northern exposure and protection from wind. At the bottom of the North Side, the Pipeline traverse leads to Burnt Ridge and the Ski Bowl. Gore's 3,600' summit rises above Bear Mountain and is continued on page 17
More Gore: Glade Guide
Glade skiing has seen a tremendous growth in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason. Skiing the trees offers challenge, adventure, diverse terrain and the opportunity to find untracked natural snow in quiet woods away from crowded slopes and trails. Gore Mountain was among the first Eastern ski areas to develop gladed terrain for its skiers, and now boasts 20 diverse named glades on its trail map. This extensive gladed terrain is one of Gore's features that sets it apart from other ski resorts. Here are some tips to help you enjoy skiing Gore's trees: Every one of Gore's seven terrain pods has opportunities for glade skiing. In general, glades on the lower mountain feature gentler terrain with open hardwoods. For beginners, the Otter Slide Glade is Gore's easiest – it's short and low-angled. Otter Slide Glade can be accessed from Sunway, near the top of the Sunway double chair. If you're comfortable with Otter Slide, try Chatterbox next. Located next to the Wild Air trail, Chatterbox is considerably longer than Otter Slide, but offers opportunities to bail out to Wild Air mid-glade. Chatterbox is mostly low-angled, although there are a handful of short, slightly steeper drops. Twister Glade is another favorite, comparable in length and difficulty to Chatterbox. Near the end of Twister Glade, where it exits onto Echo, there is a short steep pitch that is a notch higher in difficulty. For experienced glade skiers, the Cave Glade is a must-do. Accessed from Ruby Run, the Cave Glade drops all the way down into the Straight Brook valley and features nicely spaced evergreens with alternating steeper (but never really steep) and moderate pitches. Halfway down, on skier's right, is the cave for which the glade is named. Explore the cave, but be careful of the smooth-as-glass ice that flows from seeps within the cave. It's a great spot to stop with a thermos of hot chocolate and some snacks, especially for families. All of the upper mountain glades in the Straight Brook and High Peaks terrain pods come highly recommended. Many of these glades feature multiple lines and interesting terrain features. In general, these woods are steeper and tighter. If you only have time to sample a handful of these glades, try the Straight Brook, Mineshaft and Dark Side Glades. Then again, someone else might recommend the Chatiemac Glades and Darby Woods. One more glade deserves special mention: Cirque Glades, the longest glade in the East. Located on Burnt Ridge, the Cirque can be accessed from either Sagamore or Echo. The Sagamore entrance is recommended for its dramatic drop-in through a notch in the cliffs that run parallel to Echo. Be prepared for a long but beautiful tour as these glades extend all the way to the base of the mountain. Skiers on telemark or AT gear will feel right at home kicking and gliding between the challenging steep pitches, snowboarders not so much. As you explore Gore's woods, ski safe and keep the following precautions in mind: - Always wear goggles and a helmet. - Remove pole staps from around your hands. - Be alert for sudden terrain changes and unmarked obstacles. - Respect ski area boundaries and closures. - Ski with a partner. A group of three is better. - Look carefully before exiting the woods. - Be confident in your own ability before taking children or less experienced skiers into a glade. Jeff Farbaniec is an avid telemark skier and Adirondack 46er who writes The Saratoga Skier & Hiker (saratogaskier.blogspot.com), a blog of his primarily Adirondack outdoor adventures.
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Betty Little: North Creek's Advocate in Albany
ALBANY – New York State Sen. Betty Little (RQueensbury) has spent much of her 17 years in Albany helping boost the economy of the Adirondack Park, and she has a special place in her heart for Warren County. This is her home. In 1995, she was elected to the New York State Assembly, and in 2002, she was elected to the New York State Senate. Since heading to the state Capitol in Albany, Little has compiled an impressive track record of supporting economic development in North Creek and the Gore Mountain Region. "Certainly I think North Creek is a great community. I've spoken to their business group before, and they really have taken things and tried to work together, and they've done very well at promoting North Creek and the businesses there," Little said. "It's an important part of the Warren County economy, and Gore Mountain is like the economic engine of Warren County in the wintertime and has activities in the summer as well." Little has backed her words with actions. She was at the Ski Bowl Park in North Creek on Dec. 21, 2007 when the triple chairlift — the Village Chair — opened on Little Gore. She cut the ribbon during the ceremony. It marked an important collaboration between the town of Johnsburg, which owns the historic Ski Bowl, and the state Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), which operates the Gore Mountain ski center. "I've just worked to represent those ideas and see that Gore Mountain had the improvements that it needed to have, that it was able to expand, and I was able to secure the money to connect to the old Gore," Little said. "Before we could do that, when I was in the Assembly, we had to have legislation that would allow ORDA to operate on town land. And so that was key." Little was also at the Ski Bowl Park on Jan. 26, 2011 to cut the ribbon for the new Hudson Chair to help celebrate the interconnection between Gore Mountain and the Ski Bowl. The redeveloped terrain on Little Gore features trails for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities and provides access to Gore's trail system. Joined by town and state officials, that moment was the result of years of hard work, lobbying and legislation. "This is where skiing began in the Adirondacks," Little said at the time. "This is an incredible moment on an incredible day." The senator played a key role in building the interconnect; she helped secure money for the project. The 2006 New York State budget included $5.5 million to help fund the ski connection between Gore Mountain and the Ski Bowl Park. Later in the year, then Gov. George Pataki announced that the state would spend $7 million on the expansion of Gore. North Creek's businesses are seeing a real return on the state's investment in Gore Mountain — specifically with its snowmaking capabilities. "Last year, when we desperately needed natural snow, Gore did a great job with the skiing and the trails and using their manmade snow," Little said. The senator has also supported the tourist trains that connect Saratoga to North Creek. Before announcing the $7 million for Gore on Dec. 16, 2006, Gov. Pataki was in Saratoga Springs announcing a $3 million investment in the rail line to help return the ski trains to northern Warren County that were popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Little sees the economic value in the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, with the Snow Train, passenger service and its connection to the North Creek Depot Museum But there's still plenty to do in Albany. Little now serves as chair of the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee, and she's hoping to continue her work on improving the economy of Warren County. When she looks at her district, she sees a strong economy in the north and the south. By Andy Flynn
North Creek a Town in Motion By Andy Flynn
NORTH CREEK – Izzy's Market & Deli at 282 Main St. is a great example of how the business climate in North Creek is changing for the better. Kathy and Dave Waite opened Izzy's on May 25, 2012. It was one of many local business openings and expansions in 2012, a banner year for this quaint Adirondack ski town. On the second floor, two other businesses opened – Betula's Gift Store and Kim's Closet, a consignment shop with new and gently used clothing. "The building was amazing," Kathy said. "We decided it was the right time in our life, and we felt the timing for the town was good, too. It was a nice feeling, a nice vibe going on." The Waites saw a need for a market and deli in North Creek, so these foodies took the plunge. And with the success of the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, they decided to piggy back on that theme, giving their sandwiches railroad names like the Boxcar Willie, the Iowa Pacific, the D&H and the Caboose. "Because the train was in our back yard, we decided to go with that theme, and it's been fun," Kathy said. "The locals love it. It reminds them what's going on in this town." There's a lot going on in town. In 2011, Iowa Pacific Holdings entered into a contract with Warren County to bring a tourist train back to the area. Launched in late July of that year, the Saratoga & North Creek Railway was an immediate success bringing thousands of visitors from the Saratoga station to North Creek. The train has become a catalyst for new business development and expansion of many existing businesses. It has pumped confidence into the local economy. The railway itself made an important investment on Main Street by opening The Exchange at North Creek retail shop at the old Mountain and Boardertown ski shop in June. The Exchange works in tandem with its local railroad operations in order to help North Creek create more foot traffic downtown. "You've got to have that shopping experience," said Debra Goodman, Iowa Pacific's special events director who spent last winter here setting up the store. "It took an attitude of 'I'm willing to do whatever it takes.'" The Exchange was the vision and pet project of Iowa Pacific Holdings President Ed Ellis. "I've not seen him do anything like this at any of his railroads," Goodman said. "It shows his commitment to the railroad and to North Creek." continued to page 10
Restored Turn-of-the-Century Merchantile
Roasting our own meats
Baking our own breads
Serving breakfast & lunch, fresh salads, homemade soups Craft Beer now and magnificent sandwiches! available to go! Tues. & Wed. from 8am to 3pm, Growlers filled $9.50 Thurs. - Sun. l! oo h Sc g 8am - 5pm. in ak m ad re B
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Izzy's • 282 Main Street, North Creek, NY 12853 518.251.3000 • Open 7 days Home to Kim's Closet & Betula's Upstairs
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Welcome to Tannery Pond Community Center! Visit the Widlund Gallery
Join us for Our Town Theater Group & Upper Hudson Musical Arts Performances Located in North Creek in the South Central Adirondacks Tannery Pond Community Center is close to wilderness hiking, mountain biking, white water recreation outfitters, and two ski centers. Tannery Pond Community Center provides educational, cultural, recreational and social opportunities for all ages. Our programs include: Widlund Gallery - When Woody & Elise Widlund built TPCC for the town of Johnsburg one of their dreams was to have an art gallery, not only to showcase many Adirondack artists, but to reach out to artists outside of the Blue Line. The exhibits, which change monthly, showcase a rich diversity of visual arts as well as those organized by our local Historical Society and our local school art department. For the gallery schedule go to http://www.tpcca.org/index.htm Our Town Theater Group provides a wonderful place for community people who love the theater to act, build sets, work on costumes, makeup - all the essential components associated with putting on first class theater. Through the support of the surrounding communities OTTG has been able to bring to TPCC two main stage, Seagle Colony and Pendragon productions. Please contact us at http://www.ottg.org/ Upper Hudson Musical Arts provides the Adirondack park region with classical and jazz concerts as well as other performing arts events. Currently UHMA is working in collaboration with Tannery Pond Community Center Association to provide a wider diversity of musical artists and presentations to the region in the current and upcoming
Tannery Pond Community Center provides educational, cultural, recreational and social opportunities for all ages! 518 251-2505 ~ www.tpcca.org 228 Main Street, PO Box 54, North Creek, NY seasons. For information regarding UHMA and TPCCA events please go to http://www.upperhudsonmusicalarts.org/ and http://www.tpcca. org/index.htm Teens Only! holds events ranging from dances to scavenger hunts two times each month during the school year. Our purpose is to offer the teens of our community and those in the surrounding areas a safe, fun place to be with friends. We welcome all who would like to join us as a participant, a member of the audience or a volunteer. For information about our programs or using our beautiful facility please contact us at: 518 251-2505, or email Bernadette Speach at firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.tpcca.org/index.htm
Tannery Pond Community Center is dedicated to serving the community by providing educational, recreational and social opportunities for all ages. 2013 Schedule of Events for the Widlund Art Gallery
Art Perryman: Sculpture, drawings and oils Dec. 29, 2012 to Jan. 23, 2013 Joann Quinlevin: Pastels Jan. 26 - Feb 24, reception Feb. 16, 5-7pm Johnsburg Central School - mixed medium Feb. 27 - Marh 27 Laura VanRosk: Oils March 30 - April 24 March 30 program and reception Coalescence V-Fiber Art April 27 - May 29, reception May 11, 5-7pm Program with demonstration, May 16, 5-7pm Delores Thomson: Ceramics Reception June 8, 5-7pm Curt Austin: Photos of wildflowers of the Adk. plus others June 1-26, reception and program June 20, 5-7pm Betsy Krebs: Oil paintings June 29 - July 24, reception July 13, 5-7pm Children's Awareness Museum: Dance Around the World July 27 - Aug. 28, reception Aug. 10, 5-7pm Johnsburg Historical Society 40th Anniversary and Warren County Bicentennial Aug. 31 - Sept. 25, reception Aug. 31, 5-7pm Serena Kovakosky: Gourds: Spirit Dancing Dave Francis: Pastels Sept. 28 - Oct. 23, reception and program, Oct. 21, 1-3pm Johnsburg Fine Arts: mixed medium and Helena Goodman: Jewelry Oct. 26 - Nov. 20, reception, Nov. 2, 5-7pm
Purely Adirondack
Natural adventures & classic comforts. Simply stated, your perfect year round vacation. Purely Adirondack.
Imaginative Spirit
This art glass was designed and created in 1991 by Arthur Carrara (1914-1995), architect of Chicago & Whitewater, WI for the entrace to "The Organic Tradition,", an Architectural exhibition in Chicago's Terra Museum of American Art. It is a gift to the Tannery Pond Community Center from Will & Nan Hudnot Clarkson. June 29, 2002
The Widlund Gallery at Tannery Pond Community Center is open weekends 12:30-3:30 or when the open flag is flying.
Gore Mountain Region Chamber of Commerce 228 Main Street, North Creek, NY 12853 518-251-2612 • email@example.com • www.gorechamber.com
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Art Store & Gallery featuring art and craft work of local and regional artists.
Exceptional Lodging in the Adirondacks
at north creek
a purely adirondackTM emporium Stop in and see our indoor goldfish brook and rainforest. Workshops and demonstrations by artists are scheduled regularly. New artists always welcome. See our web site for schedule. Like us on Facebook for up to the minute announcements. 273 Main Street • Village Square Plaza • North Creek, NY 518-251-3936 •www.ExchangeAtNorthCreek.com Why North Creek? "There's a synergy here," Goodman said. This area is well known for its top-notch skiing and winter sports activities, and the "off season" was considered the spring, summer and fall, even though it offered great opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, biking and other outdoor pursuits. With the train running daily from Memorial Day through the end of the fall, the off season is now as important and active as the busy winter sports season. Local entrepreneurs decided that 2012 was the time to invest in the region by starting businesses that will support a more robust year-round tourism base. As groups and individuals got together, discussions ensued on what type of businesses were needed and how soon they could be up and running in order to support the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, Gore Mountain Ski Center and all the other activities of the area. Local business owners continually support each other through the North Creek Business Alliance, which meets once a week to hammer out economic improvements and serve the needs of tourists, especially those arriving on the train. New tourist ser-
264 Main St. North Creek, NY 12853 518.251.2451• AdirondackAlpineLodge.com
Sure we're located in the heart of all Adirondack Mountain activities like skiing, rafting, fishing, hiking and kayaking, but we really can't blame you if you decide to stay indoors!
A good reason to stay indoors!
Located within the town of North Creek, The Alpine Lodge offers comfortable, moderate accommodations featuring Guest rooms & suites Efficiency rooms Gas wood stoves, Private Jacuzzis, Great Room,WiFi, Game tables, walk to restaurants & shops, One mile to Gore Mountain Ski Area, 1/2 mile to rafting outfitters.
vices that have come out of those meetings include the shuttle to Gore Mountain ski center for Snow Train passengers and the courtesy shuttle for summer train passengers, transporting them up and down Main Street. Some of the other new businesses include: •The Exchange at North Creek •Snowtrain Ice Cream Parlor •Seven Sisters Artisan Gifts •Adirondack Pedal Cab Company •North Creek Historic Walking Tours •Whisk & Wine cooking classes •Wilderness Management Properties •North Creek Trading Post (extension of Braley and Noxon Hardware) •Hudson River Trading Company's Outlet Store •Garnet Hill Lodge (new owners) Plus, another dozen local businesses expanded their services over the past year, including new hours for the railway, additional outdoor adventure activities at Gore Mountain, and a new zip line and paintball course at Whitewater Challengers. Learn more about businesses in the region at the Gore Mountain Region Chamber of Commerce, office in the Tannery Pond Community Center, www.gorechamber.com.
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GREAT STEAKS Fresh SEAFOOD BEST BURGERS FULL BAR ~ COLD BEER FREE WI-FI DAILY SPECIALS STOP BY SOON! For daily updates
3195 State Route 28 and info find us on: North Creek, NY 518.251.3100 www.basilandwicks.com
North Creek trivia night leads to 'Jeopardy'
NORTH CREEK – For local baker Sarah Williams, her passion for Trivia Night at barVino, 272 Main St., last winter eventually led to an appearance on the television show "Jeopardy." "We would play a lot, and we won a lot," Sarah said. "That gave me confidence when it came time for the online 'Jeopardy' test." Trivia Nights are held every Thursday night at 6:30, but on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, Sarah and her husband, Jeremy, weren't at barVino; they were at Basil & Wick's restaurant, packed around a television to watch Sarah compete on "Jeopardy." Sarah — the owner of Cafe Sarah at 260 Main St. — watched herself on the screen and was surprised. "It was a big blur in my mind," she said. "It happened so fast when I was there, and I didn't remember the ones I got right. That was surprising to me. I remembered
The Free Shuttle presented by the North Creek Business Alliance begins its service on Friday, December 21 and continues Friday-Sunday, and daily during holiday periods (excluding Christmas Day) until Sunday, March 17. During its first three years, the shuttle has transported almost 8,100 guests, with growth in ridership every season. Starting by 8am, a comfortable 14-passenger shuttle loops continuously between area accommodations, the Gore Mountain Base Area, Main Street, and the North Creek Ski Bowl.* The shuttle loops constantly, so there are not designated times/stops throughout the day. However, one can be sure to find the shuttle at the Alpine Lodge at 8am and 1:45pm, and at Gore Mountain for a final run from the Base Area at 4:30pm. Please note there is no service during the driver's daily lunch break from 1:15-1:45pm. The North Creek Business Alliance, who crafted the funding and operation of the free shuttle, notes several advantages to the service: *Enhanced Appeal of the Region to Destination Visitors *Opportunity to Service Local Residents & Gore Employees *Increased Safety on Area Roads and in Gore Mountain Parking Lots *Reduced Environmental Impact of Area Traffic *Ability to Service Guests Without Cars, Using Transportation from the Saratoga-North Creek Railway and Adirondack Trailways *Opportunity for Area Businesses to Advertise The shuttle is supported by Warren County occupancy tax, the Town of Johnsburg Town Board, the Warren County Board of Supervisors, shuttle advertisers, Business Alliance fundraisers and contributions, and Gore Mountain. *Ski Bowl stop occurs only during Ski Bowl Operations
the ones I got wrong." Sarah's "Jeopardy" journey began in January 2012 with an online test of 50 questions. In April, she received an email inviting her to an in-person audition at a New York City hotel on June 5. "You had to stand up there and be sparkly, and I pulled it off," Sarah said. "I walked out of there feeling pretty good about it. Exactly two weeks later, I got the call." Out of the 100,000 people who take the online test, 3,000 are invited to auditions, and 400 make it to the show. Sarah's show was taped Aug. 8 at the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Calif. She played against a medical magazine editor from New Jersey and a research chemist originally from North Carolina. With $800 going into Final Jeopardy, Sarah bet $799 and dropped to $1 with a wrong answer. She took home $1,000 for finishing third. by Andy Flynn
Try our
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FAMILY FRIENDLY environment!
For Daily Updates and Specials! (Black Mountain Resort)
25 Comfortable Rooms w/ private baths, cable tv and wifi!
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Weekend Getaway Package
For those late-night snackers: Burgers, Soups, & Salads
Full Bar • Local Breweries • Blackboard Specials
$189 per person
Midweek Runaway Package Starting at $175 per person
I Love New York Package $225 per person
Call soon for more information as well as a list of our black-out dates.
Availability is limited! All packages are based on a two person per room minimum. We do offer a shuttle service that can provide transportation to and from the mountain.
We'll serve you the burger your doctor doesn't want you to have!
THE BARKING SPIDER 518.251.9911 • 302 Main St., North Creek, NY
Here are a few key suggestions to make your whitewater experience the best All rafting trips on the Upper Hudson River include self-bailing rafts, PFD's (life jackets), paddles, helmets, specialized equipment, first aid supplies. Wetsuits, wetsuit booties and paddle jackets are available to rent. Temperatures and weather conditions vary quite a bit during rafting season – from winter like snow and cold in early spring to hot and sunny weather during the summer. If you are planning on wearing a wetsuit (spring, fall and cool days during the summer) plan on wearing non cotton long underwear or swimwear under the wetsuit. The better option is tops and bottoms made of synthetics such as nylon, polypropylene, capilene, polyester, fleece, silk or wool are all designed to keep you warm when wet. For most summer trips – shorts or a bathing suit are fine with either a short sleeve or long sleeve non cotton top. Footwear in the summer is ideally shoes that you don't mind getting wet and that will stay on your feet. In the colder seasons we wear wetsuit booties. Bring Extra clothing, Sunscreen, Water, Restraining Strap for Glasses, Waterproof Camera, and Smiles! Adult beverages are welcome after the rafting trip. Drinking or intoxicating drug
use is strictly prohibited before and during all trips. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule your trip if we suspect you have been drinking. Rafting is a great way to get together with your family, friends, coworkers or just have an adventure by yourself. The most important ingredient is a good attitude! Most rivers in the world are rated on the International Scale of River Difficulty, Class I-Class VI. Class I is flat water with some current – essentially moving water. Class VI is impossible and impassable - like a waterfall. Generally Spring levels can reach Class III, Class IV, and even Class V at high levels. The summer levels on the Hudson River are generally Class II to Class III+. However additional rainfall can quickly jump up river levels and rapid intensity. Even low water on the Hudson is still an adventure class whitewater rafting trip. It is never a float trip or "baby" water. Raft guides are CPR/First Aid Certified, and licensed by the state of New York as whitewater raft guides. Many guides are EMT's, Wilderness EMT's, as well as Swift Water Rescue Technicians. So, your choice is to pick the company with the most expertise on the water, guiding your raft, shaping your experience and focusing on your safety. by Dick Carlson
Nobody does river fun better than...
Beaver Brook Outfitters Your Choice for Canoeing, Kayaking & Tubing!
Whitewater Rafting for ages 5 and up: Sacandaga River WhitewaterRafting: Hudson River Gorge www.BeaverBrook.net 888-454-8433 518-251-3394
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Come Visit Our www.
Gore Mountain Farm is located at 2642 State Route 28 in Wevertown, just 1.3 miles past the Rte. 8 light. Drop by to see our gentle alpacas and visit the GIFT SHOP full of exceptional alpaca clothing & treasures. We have YARN from our own herd and the softest teddy bears you'll ever find. Call us at 251-3040 or go to www.gore mountainfarm.com
••• "Unicorns without Horns"
518-494-4888 771 Potter Brook Road • Chestertown, NY 12817 www.CircleBRanch.net
We breed and sell champions
Every year more and more people discover the beauty of these gentle camel family members from the high deserts of the Andes mountains. The gentle alpacas are prized for their fleece that is softer, warmer and lighter than sheep's wool. It is water repellent too, but unlike sheep's wool, alpaca wool has little or no itch and because alpacas are dander free, garments made from their fleece are virtually hypoallergenic. You can meet the alpacas "up close and personal" at Gore Mountain Farm during the winter. While you're visiting be sure to check out the Gift Shop. We have yarn (both domestic and imported) along with blankets, sweaters, gloves, scarves, hats and socks among the many fine items made from luxurious alpaca. So whether you're looking for that special gift (or would like to indulge yourself), want to learn about raising these amazing creatures or just need a reason to smile, drop by for a visit, we're at 2642 State Route 28, just over a mile north of the Wevertown (Rte. 8) traffic light on the way to, and spitting distance form, Gore Mountain Ski Area. You can find detailed directions on the web at www.goremountainfarm.com or email firstname.lastname@example.com or call 581 251-3040.
Your favorite brand name liquors at warehouse prices plus:
At Circle B Ranch in Chestertown, nothing tops a ride in the ranch's restored antique sleigh. Looking as if it slid right out of a Currier & Ives lithograph and into the current day, the powerful imagery has proved irresistible to many beloveds. "We've had 25 couples become engaged on our sleigh rides," said Circle B Ranch owner Chris Boggia. To bring the whole family together, or for a special group, Circle B Ranch has a large sleigh that holds 10 to 12 people. It's designed for comfort, with padded bench seats and warm blankets to snuggle under. After a 45-minute ride through the snow-covered Adirondack Mountains, you're certain to be in a great mood! Top off the excursion with free hot chocolate, hot mulled cider and cookies by the ranch's fireplace. One hour horseback rides are also offered throughout the winter months. Rides are tailored to riders' ability and experience. Circle B is open weekends and holidays and weekdays by appointment Group rates are available, and reservations are required. The Ranch also offers horse boarding, training and indoor riding. www.CircleBRanch.net
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Mon~Thurs: 9:30 - 8pm Fri & Sat: 9:30 - 9pm Main St. North Creek, NY Next to the Grand Union
All Credit Cards Accepted
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l u f i t u a Be
y l e n a s views In
e u q s e r u t c i P
You could look for a lifetime in the Adirondacks and never find a building lot such as this one, or a more charming town! Located in scenic North River, this three acre lot offers phenomenal southfacing views of Gore Mountain. Once part of the historic Shields Farm and located at the end of a quiet country road, the lot offers great privacy and a unique sense of history. There is plenty of land to build a wonderful country home, a barn, guest house, greenhouse or studio with garage below. The property has been cleared and a wildflower meadow planted. To the rear is a sweet-smelling hemlock grove and a small brook; it would be possible to dig a pond. The driveway is installed, the electric power is in and all permits are in place to build a home. It's not surprising that the property was a turn-ofthe-century farm because the soil is just beautiful – perfect for growing vegetable gardens, flowers, apple orchards, wildflowers and berry bushes. North River ... Sunday mornings you'll hear the church bells from the historic Methodist Church just down the hill. Hike up the next hill and visit a historic cemetery. Bike the winding road to pristine Thirteenth Lake. Enjoy nearby Garnet Hill Lodge for cross-country skiing or a cocktail by the fireplace. Just down the mountain is the beautiful Hudson River for rafting , swimming and fishing (from this lot, you can hear the river if you listen carefully). In July, the amazing once-a-year smell of the wood-fired chicken barbeque will lure you to walk down to the North River Volunteer Fire Department for dinner. Gore Mountain is just six miles away as is the revitalized town North Creek for shopping, dining or a train ride.
Ah … North River!
(ALMOST) EVERY WEEKEND! A blazing bonfire, hot chocolate, sledding for the kids … home designs all priced up. See our website for schedule, or give a call
(518) 812-7770 www.ShieldsFarmNorthRiver.com
Directions: Route 28 towards Indian Lake. Left on 13th Lake Road, go 1.2 miles, go right on Shields Road to top of the hill.
The property is being developed by Leslie Clement who offers 30 years of design/build expertise. Leslie's philosophy is to build a "new old home" whose design and use of materials is inspired by traditional homes. A "new old house" can look like it belongs to the site and has always been there if it is built to respect the neighborhood architecture as well as the natural features of the land. "Most old houses were made of rugged materials which have withstood the test of time", she says. "Poor quality materials make even a well-designed new house look fragile and inauthentic. There are no substitutes for clapboard or shingle siding, stick built roof rafters, solid wood doors and windows with true-divided panes. These sturdy materials are expensive initially, but they pay for themselves in building character and durability for the long term." Leslie lives in an Adirondack Craftsman style home on a family compound which abuts the Shields Farm. Summers, she and her daughters run the North River Hobby Farm where you can buy fresh produce, or come for a Saturday night farm-to-table dinner.
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GARNET HILL LODGE An Adirondack Gem since 1936 Upholding the Traditions of Quality Lodging,Dining and Outdoor Recreation
Skiing like you remember! 55k Groomed Trails | Unlimited Backcountry Skiing 10 miles Gore Mt.
www.garnet-hill.com Garnet Hill Lodge | 39 Garnet Hill Rd. | North River, NY 12856 | 518-251-2444
Garnet Hill Lodge Nestled in the hills above Thirteenth Lake, at an elevation of 2,000 feet, lies Garnet Hill Lodge, well known as one of the best cross-country ski centers in the Northeast. The lodge itself, also known as the Log House, was built in 1936 as an Adirondack Great Camp retreat for artists. As time went on, the Lodge expanded to offer year-round guest accommodations, and in 1971 cross country ski trails were added that have since expanded into a 55 km network that is meticulously groomed with set track and skating lanes. Garnet Hill Lodge now operates as a four-season resort for couples, families, outdoor clubs, nature enthusiasts & special interest groups (photography, painting, writing, etc.). Garnet Hill Lodge changed hands a couple of times in recent years before being purchased by Don Preuninger and his partner Mindy Piper in December of 2011. Don and Mindy are intent on bringing the Lodge back to its premier status as a cross country ski center and year round destination for vacations and retreats in a natural and authentic Adirondack setting. Don describes his and Mindy's vision: "Garnet Hill Lodge is a place where people come to escape the pressures of daily life and to experience a different side of living. We both have a passion for nature and outdoor activities as well as for good food, the arts and entertainment. So for us, the Lodge is a perfect undertaking where we complement each other's strengths and weaknesses to create what we think is a pretty great guest experience!"
Garnet Hill has been recognized nationally since the 1970's for providing a quality ski experience. Visitors will find: - 55 km of groomed trails (traditional & skating track) - Professional PSIA Ski School Instructors and free ski clinics - Ski instruction for all ages & skill levels - Complete retail sales, rental and repair shop - Unique "ski down, ride up" shuttle service In addition, Garnet Hill is located on the edge of the 113,000 acre Siamese Pond Wilderness and GHL's trail network connects with the Thirteenth Lake to North Creek backcountry trail system, offering outstanding opportunities for backcountry skiing. If you visit in the summer, Garnet Hill's trail system remains open for running, hiking and mountain biking. Guests can take a refreshing swim from the lodge's beach access on pristine Thirteenth Lake or paddle one of the lodge's kayaks or canoes. by Jeff Farbaniec
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Skiing the Historic Ski Trails of North Creek and 13th Lake Skiing has a long history in North Creek, with roots in the early 1930s. Early "Ride Up, Slide Down" skiers arrived by train and then rode in flatbed trucks to the Barton Mines property on Gore Mountain where a network of ski trails led back to North Creek. The trails were immensely popular, with hundreds of skiers arriving in North Creek on weekends with good snow conditions to ski trails like Halfway Brook, Raymond Brook, Pete Gay and Rabbit Pond. Those early trails even gave rise to the first Ski Patrol, experienced skiers who assisted injured skiers with first aid kits and toboggans and swept the trails at the end of the day. Eventually World War II intervened, interest shifted to development at the North Creek Ski Bowl, and the old Ride Up, Slide Down trails fell into disuse. Until Steve Ovitt came on the scene. Ovitt, a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Ranger for more than 20 years (he recently retired), recognized the potential these trails had for backcountry skiers. In the 1990s, while developing DEC's Unit Management Plan for the area, Ovitt incorporated plans to restore the historic 1930s ski trails, and finally in 2004 Ovitt and a group of inspired volunteers – the Siamese Pond Trail Improvement Society – started building. Starting with the old Halfway Brook trail, which runs from Barton Mines Road, past Garnet Hill and on to Thirteenth Lake, Ovitt and his crew did more than just clear brush. "The trail was originally used by miners traveling between the Hooper Mine and Barton Mines," Ovitt explains, "so it wasn't originally laid out with skiing in mind." So they kept the best parts of the original route and re-routed other sections to make the trail suitable for backcountry skiers. "A great example is between Balm of Gilead and Harvey Mountains. We moved the trail from the north side of the pass – where the slope faces south – to the opposite side. Now the snow stays dry and powdery." The Raymond Brook trail, from the Halfway Brook trailhead on Barton Mines Road to Route 28, was next. In order to avoid private property, Ovitt's crew created two miles of new trail from Barton Mines Road to a notch between Pete Gay and South Mountains and down the other side to where it eventually joins the historic 1930s Raymond Brook trail. At that spot stands of one of the 1930s Ski Patrol toboggan sheds. Ovitt claims it's likely the oldest Ski Patrol structure in existence. Again Ovitt's crew put extra effort into designing and constructing the new trail for a great ski experience. "If the trail had to go through the worst imaginable blowdown, then that's where it went. The guys on the crew worked really hard, but I kept a chainsaw running in case they mutinied," Ovitt jokes. "I told them, you'll thank me in the winter." They do. Ovitt calls Raymond Brook one of the best tours in the East for advanced skiers with backcountry gear and a telemark turn in their quiver of skills. The new section
WHAT'S NEW: Try a coffee or espresso at the GEAR SOURCE CAFE! Call and ask about our BACKCOUNTRY TOURS!
Offering EVERYTHING for the Winter Enthusiast! Ski Tunes, Rentals, Gear Exchange and More! 518.538.7834
of trail switchbacks down a steep, north-facing drainage that holds some of the best snow in the area. Run-outs and glades allow skiers to take best advantage of the terrain. Ovitt enthuses "Where else in the East can you get almost 1400 vertical feet of downhill in three and a half miles, with just 70 feet of climbing? It's just a hoot with decent snow and good skills" But the trail system isn't just for expert skiers. Beginning backcountry skiers can start at the Ski Bowl and ski the Raymond Brook trail all the way up to the old Ski Patrol sled shed. Turning around and retracing your tracks, it's a beautiful but gentle glide all the way back. The Botheration Pond loop is another tour that makes a great introduction to backcountry skiing. The loop can be skied in either direction, starting and ending at the Old Farm Road trailhead near Garnet Hill Lodge. The loop utilizes part of the Halfway Brook trail and a completely new trail created by Ovitt and the Siamese Pond Trail Improvement Society crew. Skiers will find dramatic views of Gore Mountain and the surrounding wilderness from Botheration Pond, plus two new bridges spanning the East Branch of the Sacandaga River. During the UMP planning process in the '90s, Ovitt recognized the importance of having trails located where people could use them. "When you looked at a map of the area back then, there were no trails between Thirteenth Lake and North Creek. Now there's a loop around Thirteenth Lake, the Botheration loop, plus Raymond Brook that connects all the way back to the Ski Bowl in North Creek and the multiple trails that go out from there. Having trails where people want them and can use them – that's been the key for building support in the community." Although Ovitt considers the trail network to be just about complete, there's still a section or two he hopes to add. "What we've got here is true, high quality backcountry skiing. With the right gear, you can kick-and-glide, get a few turns and kick-and-glide some more through great scenery for miles and miles." Skiers should make sure they're prepared with extra socks, gloves and warm clothing. Parties should carry a first aid kit and basic repair kit. A headlamp is essential, as are map & compass and the knowledge to use them correctly. Maps of the Thirteenth Lake to North Creek Trail System are available at The Gear Source, located on Ordway Lane in North Creek. The Gear Source stocks a full line of backcountry ski gear, has rental equipment available, and is a great source for current backcountry conditions and local information. Garnet Hill Lodge in North River, is another resource. Garnet Hill occasionally offers guided Gore to Thirteenth Lake backcountry tours, partly traversing some of the restored 1930s ski routes. Jeff Farbaniec is an avid telemark skier and Adirondack 46er who writes The Saratoga Skier & Hiker (saratogaskier.blogspot.com), a blog of his primarily Adirondack outdoor adventures.
Take the path less traveled for a unique, backcountry yurt stay
Sky dome to the stars
Year round Hike‐In Yurts in the Adirondacks
email@example.com 518‐761‐6187
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Gore's Backcountry - Skiing the Siamese Ponds Wilderness by Dick Carlson The Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area is located near Gore Mountain, and is loosely bounded by NY routes 8, 28 and 30. It is contained in the hamlets of Bakers Mills, North Creek and North River in the town of Johnsburg, Warren County, and towns of Indian Lake, Wells, Lake Pleasant and Speculator in Hamilton County. The wilderness area is over 113,000 acres of wilderness with over 40 miles of mapped and marked trails. Additional bushwhacking routes make this an almost endless canvas for winter ski adventure. Many of the views from Gore to the west overlook this vast wilderness area. Many of the ski routes in Siamese Ponds have existed for years. However, new bridges constructed in the past three years have opened up many trails that formerly had to rely on shaky and unreliable ice bridges. While there are almost endless ski tours in wilderness area, here are three of the most popular. The Botheration Pond Loop – This trek begins and ends at the Old Farm Road trailhead, just off Thirteenth Lake Road in North River, about nine miles from North Creek. Looking at the loop on a map you can ski it clockwise or counterclockwise. This route is about eight miles in length and usually is an intermediate skills ski trip. Highlights include two bridges over Botheration Brook (aka East Branch of the Sacandaga River), and great views of Gore Mountain – ski directly onto Botheration Pond (if safe) for the best view. For a leisurely ski, plan for about four hours. Ski Tour to Route 8 – This has always been the signature ski trip in Siamese Ponds. It is long at 11 miles, has some formidable uphills, and a few tricky stream crossings. But it gets skiers into the heart of the wilderness with great views and sporty downhill runs. While there are advocates for skiing in one direction or another, most skiers will opt to ski from the Old Farm Road trailhead and end at the trailhead on Route 8, just outside the hamlet of Bakers Mills. Allow all day for this ski, six hours or more. You will need to position a car at the Route 8 trailhead or arrange for a ride back. For a great route description, check out Tony Goodwin's excellent guidebook Classic Adirondack Ski Tours (ADK). Raymond Brook Trail – This is technically not in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area, but it is connected to the trails originating from the Old Farm Road trailhead and is the ski tour most favored by gravity junkies. Raymond Brook is one of the original 'ride up, slide down' trails popular with skiers in the 1930s and 40s. Skiers will even pass one of the original rescue sled shacks on the way down. The trailheads for Raymond Brook are located on the upper end of Barton Mines Road in North River, and a new parking lot on Route 28 just outside of North Creek as the lower terminus. The ski is about 4.5 miles long with some great downhills. Combine this with a portion of the Botheration Loop trail for an all day adventure. Again two cars will be required. An added spur of the Raymond Brook Trail will also bring skiers all the way to the North Creek Ski Bowl. Don't forget, backcountry skiing is serious stuff. Being stuck many miles from a trailhead with an injury or broken equipment can quickly turn into a disaster. Everyone should have eye protection, extra gloves, socks, warmer clothes, water, food and a headlamp. Someone in the group should have a first aid kit, ski and pole repair materials, ski wax, minimal bivouac materials, matches, area map and compass. Don't bite off more of a trip than you are able. No backcountry skiing is rated for true beginner skiers. It is also rare that light touring equipment is appropriate except for accomplished skiers in good snow conditions. Most importantly, upgrade your equipment to backcountry skis, boots, bindings and poles. Snow and trail conditions: Check with the folks at Garnet Hill Lodge Cross-Country Ski Center, which is adjacent to the Old Farm trailhead. Garnet Hill is also a resource for backcountry ski rentals and area ski guide service (www.garnet-hill.com, 518-251-2444). The Gear Source in North Creek (Ordway Lane) is also a great resource for backcountry skiing information, rentals and shuttle service 518-251-2357. A Map is available at www.crosscountryskinewyork.com Dick Carlson (email@example.com) of North River is president of Cross-Country Ski Areas of NY.
Look Then Book!
with the area's newest Full Service Fly Shop & Outfitters! Check out our web site filled with fishing and hunting options for the sportsman/ woman then contact us to plan your adventure! If you're in the area, please stop in and check out our inventory of fly gear and rental plus stock of 10,000 hand tied flies! We also ship flies too!
Streamside Fly Shop Outfitters Visit Our Web Site
36 State Route 28N North Creek, NY 12853 518-251-4038 www.rustichomestead.com firstname.lastname@example.com
continued from page 7 home to much of Gore's expert terrain. The Straight Brook terrain pod, on the east side of the summit, features a half dozen black and double-black runs of 900 vertical feet, including Rumor, Lies and Hawkeye. On the north side of the summit is the High Peaks pod with steep, narrow trails like Hulabaloo and Lower Steilhang. Expert level glades, perhaps some of Gore's best, can be found throughout both terrain pods. A few final tips: be sure to check out Gore's ski & stay packages for multiple-day visits, and consider picking up your lift tickets at the Ski Bowl lodge the day before you ski. If you're planning a single day visit and have the flexibility to ski mid-week, lift tickets are $42 every non-h oliday Wednesday when you bring any Coca-Cola product to the ticket window. And last, if you're figuring out how to get around the mountain or just want to know where the best snow is, don't be afraid to ask – Gore is home to some of the friendliest skiers in the East! Jeff Farbaniec is an avid telemark skier and Adirondack 46er who writes The Saratoga Skier & Hiker (saratogaskier.blogspot.com), a blog of his primarily Adirondack outdoor adventures.
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General Store
Well marked trails & map
Snoeshoe Trails/Tours/Rentals
Disc Golf Included
Pottersville, NY Exit 26 I-87 • 518-494-2283 See Website for days/hours • Mid Dec–March
Café Adirondack
For dinner tonight...
Thursdays November - April non holidays Only $18 for soup or salad, entree, dessert, AND beverage! ...enjoy an array of tender seafood, including crabcakes, salmon, shrimp 4-5 different entree choices are offered every week. and scallop scampi, and more It's a chance to try a ...sample the incredible house made unique, creative dish soups- including our famous Charles- by Chef Tony...at a very reasonable price! ton style she crab soup!
...savor filet mignon steak hand cut and cooked to perfection, finished with sauce bernaise
Fall/Winter Hours • Dinner: Thurs-Sat – 5-9
8015 State Route 9 • Pottersville, NY (518) 494-5800 CafeAdirondack.com for directions Café Adirondack brings to diners the talents of husband and wife team Tony and Ann Specializing in authentic Coastal Southern Seafood, unlike anything else in the North Country! They take the time to make everything fresh in house- from the salad dressings, house brewed ginger peach iced tea, homemade bread... even hand cut filet mignon steak. Café Adirondack is open year round and is widely known for its chefs dinners in the fall and winter season. Locals enjoy the ever changing entry items that Chef Tony brings to these dinner on Thursday nights. Here to you will find the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park. The massive stone bridge arch - the largest marble cave entrance in the east - dominates this spectacular display of Adirondack geology. Originally named Ponte de Dios (Bridge of God) by Spanish explorers and later described in Morse's Geography of 1790, the stone bridge has captivated visitors for over 200 years. Unlike the slow forming limestone caverns, these marble caves were rapidly formed during the last ice age by an unusual East-West trending fault which exposed a layer of ancient marble to raging acidic floodwaters from melting glaciers.
The Guide to An Adirondack Winter is produced by Interface Communications, Wevertown, NY 12886. No images, advertisements or editorial materials may be used without the written consent of the publisher. Interface Communications and the individual advertisers are not responsible for typographical errors. For more information about advertising in the Guide, call Interface at 518.251.5537 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com or email@example.com Copyright 2012-2013
Visit a genuine 160 year old North Country general store. Start your day with a hearty home-cooked breakfast in our family style dining area. Or, stop by a warm yourself by our wood stove in a rocking chair with a bowl of homemade soup for lunch. While here, be sure to browse our selection of North Country gifts. Breakfast served daily until noon. On your way to our store, drive north along East Shore Drive of Schroon Lake, enjoying the pristine water, beautiful homes, and magestic views of the High Peaks. 899 East Shore Dr. on Schroon Lake Adirondack, NY 12808
Winter Hours: Sun. 7:30 - 1pm Tues. 7 - 2pm Mon., Wed. & Sat. 7 - 5pm
This 160 year old Adirondack General Store can be found at the end of East Shore Drive. A trip worth taking, this old fashioned general store is chocked full of blankets, Adirondack furniture, crafts, custom designed clothing, fishing tackle and gift items. You'll find a deli, and comfortable seating to enjoy home cooked meals for breakfast and lunch. If you go for breakfast be sure to try the sweet potato pancakes they are just marvelous. Jay and Debbie Close purchased the business 10 years ago, although arriving in Adirondack from Rhinebeck with a background in retail, the couple says this is a different lifestyle entirely, but they wouldn't trade it. Says Jay "There are no regrets about the major life style change. Even though Adirondack is off the beaten path "people either come here on purpose or they're lost," Close quips. This is a must visit, check out the shops web site at www.adkgeneralstore.com Strap on snowshoes and hike over 5 miles of well marked trails. Marvel at the largest marble cave entrance in the east, frozen waterfalls, sink holes, ledges and more. Can't see it all in a day? No problem, season passes available. Try Disc Golf in snow, included for no additional charge. Every Saturday evening, lights illuminate the Stone Bridge and guided tours (by reservation) include headlights and return to a warm fire, complete with marshmallows.The caves are easily accessed, only 2.5 miles off of I-87 Exit 26 at the end of Stone Bridge Rd. For information call 518-494-7190 or visit www.stonebridgeandcaves.com
Publisher / Editor: Laurie Prescott Arnheiter Cover Design: Linda Wohlers
Writers: Brett Hagadorn, Dick Carlson, Linda Ellingsworth, Laurie Arnheiter, Jeff Farbaniec, Andy Flynn Advertising Associates: Dave Bulmers
GRAPHIC DESIGN & Typesetting: Robert Rezin, Rose Romari, Ed Deso WEB SITE DESIGN: bhumerang.com
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Winter in Indian Lake: Time to Get Outside by Lindsay Yandon
As the temperature plummets and Indian Lake takes cover under a blanket of snow, locals and visitors alike have the opportunity to brave the cold and take advantage of the host of winter activities available in the village and it surrounding areas. The snow capped peaks of the Adirondack Mountains form a perimeter around a winter wonderland of outdoor recreation. One of the premiere snowmobiling destinations in the northeast, Indian Lake hosts and provides access to more than 750 miles of trails on Hamilton County's system. Snowmobilers will encounter frozen vistas, paths that meander from open fields to thick forest, cross Adirondack lakes and beaver ponds, and experience some of the most primitive and naturally stunning areas of the Adirondack Park. The season usually starts in midDecember and ends in March. The Indian Lake region is often referred to as a hub of northern New York snowmobiling and offers exciting trips for all types and ages of riders. Hamilton County's groomed trails connect via state corridor trails to Essex, Fulton, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Herkimer, Warren and Saratoga Counties. Indian Lake as well as other snowmobiling destinations that dot the trail system offer affordable lodging, restaurants and ample trailer parking for visiting riders. Most trails offer expansive views and occasional glimpses of native wildlife and their tracks. Trail lengths and difficulty levels cater to all types of skiers and offer the perfect weekend getaway or an hour long trip.
Oak Mountain Ski Area Purchased by O'Brien Family
Oak Mountain Ski Area, located in Speculator, NY, was purchased earlier this year by the O'Brien family from the Town of Speculator. Matt and Laura O'Brien had operated the ski area two winters ago under contract with the former owners, and have more than 20 years' experience in the ski industry. The O'Briens are in the process of renovating the base lodge, and have expanded the mountains snowmaking system onto Oak Mountain Run, one of the ski area's black diamond trails. Oak has been in operation since 1948, and the O'Briens are looking forward to keeping the ski area's family-friendly tradition alive and prospering. The mountain has a well regarded ski school, and the O'Briens are looking to expand Oak's ski and ride programs. "90% of our instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) or by the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). So many people have learned to ski here, and I just love to see how well the children are doing by the end of the season," says Laura O'Brien. The O'Briens' plans include an expansion of summer activities as well. A lift-served downhill mountain bike trail system is already under construction and will be open in the spring of 2013. Oak Mountain boasts three lifts including a Quad chair, a newly renovated lodge, snowmaking, 14 trails and 650 vertical feet of classic Adirondack skiing. Check out Oak's exciting winter calendar at www. oakmountainski.com.
Indian Lake • Blue Mtn. Lake • Sabael • Miles of Groomed Trails, NO PERMIT! • Direct Trail Access to Gas, Services, Dining & Lodging • FREE Regulation Ice Skating Rink • Winter Events Include: Country Christ Tour, Poker Run, Annual Winterfest and St. Patrick's Day which includes Irish Road Bowling!
For Trail Maps and Calendar of Events: 1-800-328-LAKE 518-648-5828 www.Indian-Lake.com
The Town of Indian Lake also encourages residents and visitors to enjoy perfect sledding and tobogganing opportunities for snow lovers young and old. The town also offers a plethora of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Ice skating is also available at the town-operated ice rink. Hours are posted and offer free skate opportunities as well as organized ice hockey games for those who enjoy a little competition on the ice. Those who flock to motorized winter sports like snowmobiling or those who prefer to experience the quiet of an Adirondack forest from a pair of skis will find their seasonal niche in Indian Lake. Recreation and beauty combine to make it a must-see winter destination. Trail maps are available for snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe systems through the town activity department and more information about all that Indian Lake has to offer during the winter months is available by calling 1-800-328-LAKE.
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Live Entertainment on Saturday Nights Cocktails and Dinner | Kids under 5 eat free Signature dishes: Roasted Prime Rib Au Jus & Daily Specials
518-623-5599 177 Hudson Street, Warrensburg www.TheLodgeOnEchoLake.com
Hudson Headwaters Serves Adirondacks, Lake George/Glens Falls Area Whether you are looking for health care in the Glens Falls area or in a community further north, you will find one of Hudson Headwaters' 15 health centers nearby. Hudson Headwaters Health Network was established in 1981 with the four original health centers located in Chestertown, Indian Lake, North Creek, and Warrensburg – centers that have each been expanded and upgraded. The Warrensburg Health Center, which is open seven days and six evenings for appointment and "walk-in" care, will be entirely rebuilt beginning in 2013. The residents of 11 Adirondack communities depend on the Warrensburg Health Center for specialty care and as a back-up to health centers in their own towns. In the Glens Falls area, residents and visitors are served by five health centers – in Fort Edward, Glens Falls (on Broad Street), Moreau and two in Queensbury (Queensbury Family Health and West Mountain Primary Care). Hudson Headwaters is a Federally Qualified Health Center, meaning we care for everyone in the community, regardless of income or insurance. In the Adirondack communities we serve, Hudson Headwaters is the only local source of health care. In addition to comprehensive primary care (including pediatrics and OB/GYN), Hudson Headwaters provides behavioral health, dentistry (in Warrensburg),
With 15 health centers throughout the Adirondack/Lake George/Glens Falls region, Hudson Headwaters Health Network is dedicated to providing the best care, and access to that care for everyone in our communities.
diagnostic imaging, lab tests and some specialty care services, such as Day and night — we're here for you. cardiology, orthopedics and podiatry. Each year, Hudson Headwaters serves more than 60,000 patients accounting for more than a quarter million patient visits, while providRooted in Your Communities ing $3 million in charitable care, including a Sliding Fee Program and pharmaceutical discounts for low-income patients. Hudson Headwaters is recognized by the National Committee on Bolton • Champlain • Chester • Fort Edward • Indian Lake Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home practice. Glens Falls • Moreau • Moriah • North Creek • Queensbury For more information about our health centers, providers, or serSchroon Lake • Ticonderoga • Warrensburg vices, visit us on the web: www.hhhn.org or find us on Facebook! --- www.ADKWinterGuide.com • Your direct link to our advertisers websites • Our interactive travel agent to "Adirondack Winter"! ---
Hickory Ski Center
difficult for him to ride, but we had a blast riding the T-bar and skiing the lower mountain's beginner and intermediate runs. All had been groomed or rolled and had great natural snow coverage. In many places an inch or two of untracked powder lay on top, with deeper powder along the sides. And between the trails: plenty of short woods shots with great snow, even untracked in places. To be clear, Hickory isn't for everyone. If you are expecting manicured slopes with deep snowmaking bases and high-speed chairlifts, you'll be disappointed. The surface lifts can be challenging for some skiers and especially for very young kids. But if you are an advanced skier seeking some of the best lift-served expert terrain in the East, if you have a sense of adventure, or if you're a family simply looking to enjoy an afternoon of relaxed skiing without the multihundred dollar commitment of the big resorts, Hickory may be just the place. Jeff Farbaniec is an avid telemark skier and Adirondack 46er who writes The Saratoga Skier & Hiker (saratogaskier.blogspot.com), a blog of his primarily Adirondack outdoor adventures.
Hickory Ski Center, in the southern Adirondacks, was recently brought back to life after having been shuttered from 2005 to 2009. Since the area re-opened in January, 2010, the lodge has been renovated, new grooming equipment and an electronic ticketing system have been purchased, and the lifts have been refurbished. The things that have always made Hickory a fun and special place to ski haven't changed a bit: friendly relaxed vibe, natural snow, and Hickory's classic, narrow trails that are full of character and fun to ski. Hickory's challenging upper mountain terrain and its natural snow conditions (no snowmaking) have long appealed to advanced skiers, but Hickory is also looking to emphasize the area's appeal to families. "We've had many families associated with the mountain for a long, long time and I think that's one of our strong suits," said Bill Van Pelt, a shareholder. "Our target market is absolutely families." The state-ofthe-art winchcat purchased in 2010 now allows the ski area to provide groomed corduroy conditions on its mid- and lower mountain terrain, broadening the area's appeal to beginners, intermediates and families. As if to prove Van Pelt's point, I visited Hickory two winters ago (Hickory was mostly closed during 2011-12's poor snow season) with my 6-year-old son. The upper mountain Poma surface lift proved too --- www.ADKWinterGuide.com • Your direct link to our advertisers websites • Our interactive travel agent to "Adirondack Winter"! ---
arl 's C Bar & Grill
Just off Exit 18 of I-87 • West Glens Falls
Saturday – Sunday open for breakfast at 7:30 am Monday-Thursday open at 11am for lunch Open for late dinner & cocktails
call for winter hours!
mExican NEW Envuelto ..9.95
2 lb St. Louis Baby Back Ribs $19.95 1 lb St. Louis Baby Back Ribs $14.95 1 lb St. Louis Baby Back Ribs & Chicken $13.95
Available after 4pm
• All entrees include rolls and fresh tossed salad or soup •
Top Sirloin (8 oz.) ...................... 13.95 Sizzle Steak ............................. 14.95 NY Sirloin (12 oz.)...................... 15.95 Stuffed Chicken Breast ................ 12.50 Cajun Stuffed Chicken ................ 11.95 Blackened Ahi Tuna .................... 13.95 Roast Breast of Turkey ................ 10.95
Fantastic Wings!
Chorizo sausage, jalapenos, melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses wrapped in a 13" flour tortilla and served with a side of rice and refired beans.
Burrito ............9.50 Chimichanga .....9.50 Tacos ..............9.50 Quesadilla ........9.95 Sizzling Fajitas Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Chicken & Steak Combo & C Steak & Shrimp
Combo ..........11.95-13.95 Taco Salad ........9.50 Baja Tacos ........9.95 Aztec Pie ....... 11.95
Ski, board, hike or bike; When you get off the trail, ask for Adirondack Brewery's all~natural, unpasteurized, award~winning beer & ales at fine taverns & dining establishments throughout the Adirondacks, Hudson Valley & the Catskills. Headed through Lake George? Stop in, take a tour, meet the brewers, visit our gift shop & sample our latest brews! For a complete list of taverns, restaurants and retailers who offer Adirondack Brewery's beer and ales, and for events and tour hours go to AdkBrewery.com
Margaritas All DayEvery Day!
Frozen Margarita ................. 5.95 Guervo Golden Margarita ....... 7.95 Tequila, Triple Sec, lemon & lime juices blended with ice and served in a 15oz. Margarita glass.
Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice and sour mix blended with ice.
Strawberry, Raspberry or Banana Creamsicle Margarita ............ 7.95 orange juice, Triple Sec, vanilla ice cream Margarita ......................... 6.95 Tequila, and lime juice blended with ice and garnished with a fresh orange slice. Plus many more...
Carl R's Chef Salad ............... 8.95 Blue Ox Salad ................... 9.95 Cashew Chicken Salad .......... 9.25 Chicken Fiesta Salad .......... 8.95 Buffalo Chicken Salad........... 8.95 Ceasar Cajun Chicken Salad . 8.95 Buffalo Shrimp Salad .......... 9.95
BurgErs & sandwichEs
Cheeseburger ................ 6.95 Buffalo Burger ............. 10.95 Bacon Burger................. 7.50 Mushroom Burger ........... 7.50 Reuben ........................ 8.50
Carl R's Chicken Philly ... 8.50 French Dip .................. 8.50 Buffalo Chicken Wrap .... 8.50 Fajita Chicken Wrap ...... 8.50 Carl R's Sliced Steak ...... 9.50
Kid's Meals
$4.95 33 Canada St., Lake George, NY • 518-668-0002 • AdkBrewery.com
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23 In the thirteen years since John Carr opened the Adirondack Brewery & Pub on Canada Street in Lake George, the brewery has become a popular destination thanks in part to the fact that craft brews' share of the beer market has grown from 2% to 29%, and that craft brew fans occupy a growing share of the travel and tourism market. "Craft beer drinkers go out of their way to visit a local brewery," said Carr. "When we first opened, most of our customers were casual tourists. Today, they tell us they're making it a point to stop here on their way to Lake Placid, New York City or Montreal." Carr's customers gather weekly to sample and critique the newest beers." I call it the camaraderie of hops," said Carr. Increasingly, more and more women are drawn to craft brews, Carr said. "Women drink our beers as though they were wines," said Carr. "The beers are interesting enough to linger over. The visibility of the Brew Pub has also grown because its beers are now distributed not only to bars and restaurants, but also to markets and beverage centers. The recent additions to the brewery will nearly double the brewery's output. "I'm too independent not to want to brew, bottle and sell my beer myself," said Carr. Some microbreweries outsource their production. Worse, some entrepreneurs are inventing brands, paying large breweries to brew the beer, and then presenting their wares as authentic craft brews at festivals. Moreover, multi-national corporations are buying up small breweries, brewing the beer in bulk and then distributing it without disclosing that it's now a national brand, just with a cooler label. "We call them faux craft beers," said Carr. An innovative, American style brewery, Adirondack Ale production ranges from classics such as their most popular beer, Bear Naked Ale to the summer favorite, Dirty Blonde Ale, to their IPA called Iroquois Pale Ale, to their unique selection of limited edition brews. The brewery has won numerous awards and recognition in brew contests within the northeast. Looking ahead, the brewery hopes to expand its distribution even further and hopes to vault into the ranks as one of the top microbreweries in the nation~one ale at a time! Best of all, when John gets a hankering for the taste of high-quality European brew, he just pours himself cold Adirondack Ale.
"Here's to an Adirondack Ale at the end of every trail!"
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Buy It Build It Fix It
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The Gore Mountain Lake George Region of the Adirondacks accommodates every need. Throughout its rich history, the Gore Mountain region of New York State's Adirondack Park has earned a well-deserved reputation for having something to offer everyone. Whether you are visiting for a few days, staying for the season, or making the region your second home – the area can accommodate any taste and every imaginable need. As a matter of fact, many of the region's occasional visitors have found themselves eventually calling the region their home and they have helped to establish a local business base in response to their unique tastes. With a loyal following, they have help to create a local tradition of blending architectural and stylistic influences from across the country (and around the world) while expertly blending them with traditional Adirondack and regional influences.
Buy It
Jct Rt 28 & 8 Wevertown, Ny 12888
518-251-2422 Visit our website at:
Where else can someone travel within a tank full of gas from the east coast's largest population centers and live in a virtually unspoiled wilderness – all without sacrificing the luxuries and conveniences to which they have become accustomed? In the Gore Region, dozens of real estate professionals stand at the ready to find the perfect condominium, timeshare, building lot, or second home. Many of the region's real estate professionals have been through the relocation process themselves and are keenly aware of the special needs and considerations that prospective property owners will have. Looking for that cute little camp off the beaten track? Or how about a luxury condominium overlooking the slopes? No matter what your budget is or what you are looking for in a home – the region has dozens of real estate professionals standing ready to assist you.
Build It
Has your quest for the perfect Adirondack home brought you to the decision to build your own? Are you looking to fulfill that lifelong dream to build your custom retreat that is truly a reflection of you? If so, the Gore Region has a number of skilled craftsman and contracting firms that can turn your dreams into reality. From the recreation of an Adirondack Great Camp to an ultra-modern family retreat, teams of seasoned professionals can take your project from concept to reality. Does your existing Adirondack home need some changes to make it "perfect" or to accommodate your changing lifestyle and family needs? The same professionals that can build that custom retreat can also expertly remodel your existing home.
Fix It
So you've settled in your new vacation home and everything is going great until the inevitable happens. The idea of "roughing it" in the mountains is a romantic notion until the unforeseen happens on a cold winter's night. When the furnace goes out and you are facing the prospect of frozen pipes – what is a new resident to do? For the do-it-yourselfer the region boasts several area hardware stores staffed by trained professionals, many of them that have worked in the construction trades, to guide you through the product selection and repair process. They can also offer experienced advice and recommend local service technicians for those times when a simple fix turns into a complicated repair. Speaking of service technicians, in a region devoted to servicing the needs of seasonal residents and a booming construction trade, there are countless business people who are a mere phone call away. Whether you need a light switch installed, a new furnace, or you've been putting off that front porch in need of repair. A simple look in the phone book or an inquiry at the local hardware store will get you pointed in the right direction.
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Adirondack "By Owner" Real Estate for Sale • Vacation Rentals • Timeshares 1,000+ photo listings of properties in every price range and style located throughout the Adirondack region.
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Your Authorized Independent Rep. in the Adirondacks
Tree House Post & Beam, LLC John Shafer 518-744-6026 firstname.lastname@example.com www.timberpeg.com
AttentionWinter Sports Enthusiasts!!!
Whether buying or selling in the Gore Mountain region of the beautiful Adirondacks, get headed in the right direction with your real estate endeavors! James "Cork" Nester NYS Lincensed Real Estate Broker/Owner
www.7SquireCircle.com • 4 bedroom home on 1.19 acres • Nearby skiing and outdoor sports • Year round or vacation get away • Beautiful Adirondack setting • Vaulted family room • Cozy warm fireplace virtual tour: http://www.realestateshows.com/633586 • First floor master suite
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Call today Michelle Jones 5187964209 firstname.lastname@example.com
Hudson River Trading Co. Accommodations Phone: (518) 251.4461 • Toll Free: (877) 370.3337 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Website: www.HudsonRiverTradingCo.com Newly restored historic home located Downtown Main Street North Creek between the fitness center at the Copperfield Inn and an assortment of restaurants and taverns. Enjoy plowed off -street parking and a propane fireplace. This 2nd floor townhome which overlooks the Hudson River off the See our YouTube Virtual Tour here: back porch and Gore Mountain off the front porch is on the Shuttle http://youtu.be/ZfsRZk0MSO0 Route! It is just a 1 minute walk from Saratoga/North Creek Railway (Snow Train) Depot running Friday - Sunday beginning January 11th. Accessible from Rensselaer or Penn Station via Saratoga Springs. This townhome features new appliances, furniture and lighting. Concrete countertops, handcrafted arts and crafts cabinetry, oversized granite sink, dishwasher, convection oven with glass top, French door refrigerator with ice and water in the door. Butlers Panty features stackable SamSung washer and dryer, entry features a heated ski storage closet Two Bedrooms furnished in Arts & Crafts and Crofter Style includes new 4 Star Plush Serta queen beds. All window treatments and bedding custom made by Abode of North Creek. A chair and ½ (in the reading room) converts to single pull out sleeper. Town home accommodates 2 couples easily 4 max 5 individuals. Designed and decorated by Adirondack Interiors of North Creek and furnished by Hudson River Trading Co. No smoking or pets please.
Your Trusted Plumbing & Heating Professional Top Quality Craftsmanship Since 1987. Residential & Commercial
Figurski Mechanical
Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Chestertown, NY 518-494-3909 518-494-3903 Fax 845-629-1652 Cell
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Buy It Build It Fix It A home away from home For the many who yearn to leave behind the "tired masses yearning to breathe free" for a chance to commune with nature, These Buy It options offer the part-time resident the best of today's modern creature comforts to better enjoy their Adirondack experiences. The following are regional development projects that have something to offer any taste, every need, and anyone's budget. Top Ridge Townhomes: A little bit off the beaten path but within sight of Gore Mountain, lies the Top Ridge Townhome development. Located along Claude Straight Road in North Creek, the development offers "in town" convenience with the benefit of being mere minutes from the slopes. With the "phase 1" development firmly in place, developers Eric Piper and Rudd VanVoorhis are confident their homes embody the appeal of Adirondack style architecture combined with subtle personal touches that only a true Adirondack Craftsman could provide. Ski Bowl Village: By far the most talked about and anticipated major development project in the region, the Ski Bowl Village at Gore Mountain. The ambitious $250 million development will offer a unique blend of residential, resort and commercial facilities on a 430-acre property adjacent to Gore Mountain Ski Center and North Creek's Ski Bowl Park. The four season resort complex calls for a phased development to include ski-in/ski-out accommodations, a 120-room hotel, "Country Inn" lodging, townhouses, private homes, restaurants, an equestrian center, and a nine-hole golf course. "The connection with Gore Mountain, the restoration of the historic Ski Bowl for public skiing and the development of the FrontStreet complex will collectively bring
significant revenue, economic growth, and employment opportunity to the surrounding communities including the town of Johnsburg and the North Country in general," a FrontStreet statement said. FrontStreet's plan, will be completed in phases over the course of several years. If fully realized, Ski Bowl Village will consist of two, 40-room luxury hotels; a
34-room inn; a 60-room inn; a 120-room hotel; a restaurant with seating for 150; a private lodge; 131 townhouse units; 18 single-family dwellings; and equestrian center for use by residents; a spa and fitness center; artists studio; workforce housing; golf course; and wastewater treatment plant. We asked a few new residents:
We chose the Gore Mountain region because we had history here; and also because: -for skiing the mountain is beautiful, varied, and doesn't get the crowds of other resorts -there are lots of other winter activities right outside the door; hiking; snowshoeing; cross country skiiing -in the summer there are lots of activities right outside the door; hiking, canoeing, mountain biking; river rafting, fishing -lake george is close if we want boating -north creek is close to more hiking opportunities in Vermont and New Hampshire -north creek is close to major cities: Montreal, Boston, NYC; and assessable by train as well. -north creek is quaint, and the people are friendly and welcoming; and have very nice restaurant and shopping opportunities with Bar Vino -and Friends Lake Inn and Hudson River Trading; very much a community which is one of our major criteria. We choose Top Ridge because of the quality of the building and because we could customize to our wish list for a quarter of what we would have spent in the other areas we considered for lesser quality work in less desirable locations. The artistry and the craftsmanship of the building is stellar and the location to the ski resort, and mountain views are fantastic; and nothing we looked at came close to this quality and detail and location for less the several million dollars. We feel at home here and can't wait to be spending more time up here all year long. Char & Tim McEwen North Creek and Texas
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olt Landscaping www.voltlandscaping.com
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The Preserve at Gore Mountain is 3 miles from Gore and surrounded by over 500 acres of "Forever Wild" wilderness lands, includes Oven Mountain Pond that is seen from the top of the Fox Lair ski trail. The community shares a Club House~gym, heated pool, sauna, & tennis courts. "Showcase Lodge" is our newest built, custom deluxe home, and her many fine features are too numerous to list!! Architecturally designed by the Phinney Group of Saratoga Springs, you'll be dazzled and amazed. $879,000
Mountain Meadows in North River
Quality constructed home with 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, with ample room to sleep 12ppl. Accommodating design with a lovely kitchen and dining room for family gatherings. Screened-in porch for an added 3rd season of living space. Enjoy the cozy country ambience next to a radiant wood stove after an exuberant day at Garnet Hill Cross Country Ski Area~5 miles away! Fun & exploration awaits you in on over 3.5 acres, easy access, low maintenance home for $299,000
235 Main St., North Creek, NY 12853 518-251-0103 • www.Broderickrealestate.com firstname.lastname@example.com
The Greatest of Escapes
Winter in Wevertown Completely remodeled, this house was impeccability rehabbed with the utmost attention given to all of the details in 2012. This is truly a "turn key" property, all beautifully appointed and tastefully decorated, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, new kitchen~large dining~livingroom w/a propane woodstove. Includes a large 2 stall garage, for the boat, as Loon Lake is only 9 miles away, play on a green and grassy yard, relax and read in a nice airy screen porch. A charmer at $223,250
A very, very quiet and secluded setting on on over 11 acres of forest and woodlands. Spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath vacation home with an open kitchen~dining~living room, lower level family room, plus an office, and two car garage. Deluxe construction, multizoned propane heating system, generator, w/d hook-ups, easily maintained, fabulous value at $193,000
"The Lodges at Top Ridge" are luxurious Adirondack 2,100 Sq.Ft. townhomes, located only one short mile from the Gore Mountain Ski Resort. These home sites have commanding and breathtaking views of the winter white ski slopes, the surrounding mountain range and the high peaks. Enjoy maintenance free living, energy efficiency, air conditioning and top quality construction with a choice of cabinetries, countertops, and flooring, propane or wood fireplaces. Starting at $325,000 with builder's incentives. Visit our Model Home at 18 Bear Club Drive The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from sponsor. File No.H-07 0016
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Browse floor plans, products & home styles at www.AdkLogHomes.com
An Adirondack Tradition Distinctive Log, Timber and Hybrid Homes Log Siding and Railings Energy Efficient / Green Built On site and In-House design consultations Custom Architectural Planning and Design Full Service Interior Design and Decor Custom Cabinetry Design and Products
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Browse floor plans, products & home styles at www.AdkLogHomes.com
Timber Frame Special Free Stainless Steel Appliance Package with any timber frame home package ordered before April 1, 2013.
Log Home Special The Adirondack Cape 2040 Square Feet 6x8 Logs: $51,500 8x8 Logs: $55,500 Complete Shell Package including your choice of Andersen or Pella Windows
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Shopping For The Adirondack Look That Other Winter Sport!
The lowest prices on brand-name carpeting, vinyl & wood flooring~Guaranteed! Big in-stock selection~installed in days! No hidden costs and financing at 0% interest! Plus, a huge selection of famous-brand "perfect" remnants in many styles and colors including pet-resistant Magic Fresh.® BuyLowFlooring.com
Originating in the late 1800s for the moneyed owners of "Great Camps," the Adirondack Rustic look has become one of the hottest home décor trends to emerge in recent years. If you're enthralled with mountain-grown look of twig chairs or birch bark-covered furniture, a visit to the Adirondacks brings you directly to the source of this wildly popular style. If you're lucky enough to have already purchased your own Adirondack home or built your rustic cabin and looking to furnish an entire room in Adirondack style or you simply want to take home a small piece to remind you of your Adirondack vacation, there are some wonderful shops and galleries in the area that work with homeowners to create that perfect "Adirondack" look. Located in the historic ski town of North Creek, the Hudson River Trading Co. has become known for its quality handcrafted oak and hickory furniture. Beds made of hickory trees so large you can't fit your hand around them, delight customers of rustic furniture. Solid oak side rails bolt into both headboard and foot board to make the entire bed unshakable. "These are real Papa Bear Beds", says owner Laurie Prescott Arnheiter. Laurie counts herself lucky with her 6 custom builders that supply her with furniture. Everything is hand made, and care is taken with each piece to make it strong yet affordable, ensuring that it will last from one generation to another. Club chairs, love seats and sofa frames are crafted by her builders and local craftsmen upholster cushions using quality fabrics available at Hudson River Trading Co. Coffee tables, side tables and lamp tables complete the scheme. North woods lighting, taxidermy, bedding, and just about any item you would need to complete your home or camp. Over the years, Laurie and her builders have created a number of chair styles to meet customer needs. These chairs go well with the wonderful solid oak tables embellished with hickory legs and make a great rustic statement without breaking the bank. "I checked out the prices on the web sites of some of the big name rustic companies, and we come in at a fraction of their cost." states Arnheiter. Interspersed among the Lodge and Camp-themed items is an eclectic mix of antiques and rustic accessories. For the customer who wants a period without the bark, this store specializes in Arts & Crafts furniture and is always looking for that special piece that will make someone's space unique. "We'll help our customers furnish a small space or their entire home" says Arnheiter, Our Adirondack Interiors services assist clients with rugs and fabrics as well as custom draperies and upholstery. The shop is as also known for its clothing lines for the entire family. "We offer good quality at fair prices" states Laurie "There are not many places in this area where you can find Wool rich, Royal Robbins, Dansko, Isis for Women and EMU boots and clothing." The store is located on Main Street in North Creek. The experience of a visit to Hudson River Trading Co. should not be missed. This shop is open daily at 9:30 till 5:00pm, later on weekends and in the summer. Check them out on the web at www.HudsonRiverTradingCo.com So, whether you're a local or a guest, take some time this winter to visit as many of our fabulous galleries and Adirondack Stores that you can. Return often as inventory changes regularly, you will be delighted with the depth and range of the merchandise.
Abode Adirondack Architectural 704 Glen St., Queensbury, 518.792.2665
Stephanie Kralovec LEED AP •Project Manager
Abode Adirondack Interior Design 518-251-4461 800-370-3337
Laurie Arnheiter Hudson River Trading Co.
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Gore's Only Ski-in / Ski-out Ski Bowl Village at Gore Mountain An Adirondack Great Camp & Four Season Sporting Community Available Now:
Townhouses, Single Family Homes, Building Lots
79 Ski Bowl Road www.SkiBowlVillage.com
518-Ski-Bowl 518-754-2695
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Adirondack Winter Recreation, Shopping, Lodging, Dining and More! Filled with great articles of things to do while you're here. Support our...