New York

Choose Your Pace: Cross-Country Skiing the Adirondacks

Program No. 23189RJ
Learn about the winter wonderland of the Adirondacks as you explore by snowshoe or cross-country ski! Choose from different activities each day with expert instructors.

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At a Glance

The Adirondacks of New York offer stunning vistas and dynamic terrain, perfect for an active winter learning adventure with Road Scholar! Join expert instructors each day as you break into groups by activity level to explore 30 miles of groomed cross country ski trails, dedicated snow shoe trails and direct access to marvelous backcountry ski trails at Garnet Hill Lodge. Plus, learn about area wildlife and nature, and delve into stories of the garnet mines that make this area famous. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier or snowshoer, you’ll love exploring the winter wonderland of the Adirondacks. Transfer available at added cost.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Choose from cross-country skiing or snowshoeing options each day based on your desired level of challenge, up to eight miles and 1,200-foot elevation gain. For more experienced skiers, backcountry trips will be offered.

What You'll Learn

  • Decide among three activities each day based on your desired level of challenge, from introductory cross-country ski lessons to a nighttime snowshoe trek.
  • Rendezvous at the charming Sugar House in a cabin in the woods for your picnic lunch by the wood stove.
  • On some days, choose from other active adventures like snowshoeing and outdoor survival lessons instead of skiing.

General Notes

Program does not include ski rentals. Skis can be rented for the duration of the program from Garnet Hill Lodge upon arrival at the rate of $70. Snow shoes can be rented at $50 for the program duration. Airport transfer available at added cost. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Jim Rucker
Jim Rucker and his wife are the owners of Garnet Hill Lodge. Jim is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and skiing. Whenever the opportunity arises, he is out hiking the trails or canoeing the lakes and rivers of the Adirondack Mountains. Jim has had a home in the Adirondacks for more than 20 years and is thoroughly familiar with the trails, both easy and more challenging, that are accessible from the lodge. He enjoys introducing Road Scholars to these activities.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jim Rucker
Jim Rucker View biography
Jim Rucker and his wife are the owners of Garnet Hill Lodge. Jim is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and skiing. Whenever the opportunity arises, he is out hiking the trails or canoeing the lakes and rivers of the Adirondack Mountains. Jim has had a home in the Adirondacks for more than 20 years and is thoroughly familiar with the trails, both easy and more challenging, that are accessible from the lodge. He enjoys introducing Road Scholars to these activities.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5 B 4 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
North River, NY
D
Garnet Hill Lodge

Activity note: Shuttle from Albany Airport will be leaving at 2:00 p.m. at the latest; driving about 88 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. If you plan on taking the shuttle, please complete and return the shuttle information form that can be found in the information packet. Upon receipt of the form, a Road Scholar representative will reach out to you confirming your pickup location and shuttle time.

Afternoon: Program Registration: Registration will be completed with the hotel front desk staff, and you will receive any materials that reflect new changes, other important information, and confirmation of the location of the Orientation session. Orientation will take place at 5:30 P.M. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program does not include ski rentals. Skis can be rented for the duration of the program from Garnet Hill Lodge upon arrival. Skis only (includes skis, poles, boots): $70 Snowshoes only (includes snowshoes, poles, boots): $50 Skis and snowshoes (includes skis, snowshoes, poles, boots): $100 Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At 5:00 p.m., we will enjoy a special welcome reception at Garnet Hill’s Log House Restaurant. Guests will meet the Group Leader and mingle with fellow Road Scholars, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. At 6:00 p.m., dinner will be served.

Evening: Immediately following dinner, our Group Leader will review Monday’s activities in detail, giving you an opportunity to sign up for your track choice. We will then be given the opportunity to introduce ourselves and enjoy time visiting by the grand fireplace in the main lodge. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Winter Sports at Garnet Hill
North River, NY
B,L,D
Garnet Hill Lodge

Activity note: All groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on our trails. Participants may choose from a snowshoeing lesson, an easy ski with an instructor, or a more challenging ski with an instructor.

Breakfast: At Garnet Hill Lodge’s Log House Restaurant.

Morning: After breakfast, we will meet at the Outdoor Center. Garnet Hill will run shuttles to the Outdoor Center at 8:45 a.m. From 9:00-10:00 a.m., we will be fitting participants with equipment. Snowshoe: Trek on Hooper Loop where we will see the Old Hooper Garnet Mine and William Blake Pond returning to the Outdoor Center. Track 2: Easy Ski: Lesson 1 – Getting used to our ski equipment. Track 3:Intermediate Ski: Lesson 1 – Kick, Snow-Plow. Track 4: Advanced Ski: Ski with instructor on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails who can evaluate participants skill levels and provide guidance.

Lunch: Each participant will be able to make their own lunch from a delicious and varied picnic lunch spread laid out during breakfast. Participants will pack up their lunch. Unless otherwise noted, lunch will be had by Road Scholars at our Outdoor Center.

Afternoon: After lunch, participants will choose an afternoon track. Track 1: Snowshoe: A short trek on Garnet Hill’s snowshoe trails for those who still want more exercise! Track 2: Easy Ski: Continue Lesson 1 Track 3: Easy Ski: Ski with the instructor on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails staying in the Upper Trails Area. Track 4 – Advanced Ski: Ski a challenging route on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails and finish at the Rogers Road Pick-up where a van will meet participants to take them back to the Lodge. Alternate Afternoon Activity: Watch a video on the history of the Adirondack area. At 5:30 P.M. join us for the early evening meeting during which we will hear about and sign up for activities for the day ahead.

Dinner: At Garnet Hill Lodge.

Evening: After dinner, at the lodge, we’ll enjoy a lecture on a topic that will give participants a greater understanding of the Adirondack region.

DAY
3
Winter Sports at Garnet Hill
North River, NY
B,L,D
Garnet Hill Lodge

Activity note: All groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on our trails. Participants may choose from a snowshoeing lesson, an easy ski with an instructor, or a more challenging ski with an instructor.

Breakfast: At Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant.

Morning: We will meet at the Outdoor Center at 9:00 a.m. Garnet Hill will run shuttles to the outdoor center at 8:45 a.m. Track 1 Snowshoe: Trek to the Sugar House and Apple Farm taking lunch at the Sugar House and return from Apple Farm by van. Track 2: Easy Ski: Lesson 2: Kick, Snow-Plow. Track 3 – Easy Ski: Lesson 2 – Snow-Plow, Uphill Track 4: Advanced Ski: A backcountry ski on forest trails down to the lake and heading west along the lake to Old Farm Clearing, then back along Old Farm Trail, returning to the Outdoor Center.

Lunch: Picnic lunch packed during breakfast.

Afternoon: After lunch, participants will choose an afternoon track. Track 1 Snowshoe: A short trek on Garnet Hill’s snowshoe trails Track 2: Easy Ski: Ski with the instructor on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails staying in the Upper Trails Area. Track 3 Intermediate Ski: Take a van to North Acres Farm and the ski the trails in that area with the instructor, returning in the van to the Outdoor Center. Track 4: Advanced Ski: Continue backcountry ski. Alternate Activity: “Winter Survival” Lesson. Learn to build fires and shelters, and develop your overall wilderness survival skills. At 5:30 P.M., join us for the early evening meeting during which we will hear about and sign up for activities for the day ahead.

Dinner: At Garnet Hill Lodge.

Evening: We’ll join the Group Leader on an evening snowshoe outing. With very little light pollution, Garnet Hill is the perfect place for stargazing. Guests are always welcome to relax by the fire or take advantage of the games room, and our cozy pub is open to all guests and patrons.

DAY
4
Winter Sports at Garnet Hill
North River, NY
B,L,D
Garnet Hill Lodge

Activity note: All groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on our trails. Participants may choose from a snowshoeing lesson, an easy ski with an instructor, or a more challenging ski with an instructor.

Breakfast: At Garnet Hill Lodge’s Log House Restaurant.

Morning: We will meet at the Outdoor Center at 9:00 a.m. Garnet Hill will run shuttles to the outdoor center at 8:45 a.m. Track 1 Snowshoe: We will trek to Watch Hill that has marvelous views of Indian Lake and Snowy Mountain. We will take a van to and from the trailhead for this trek. Track 2: Easy Ski: Lesson 3: Snow-Plow, Uphill. Track 3 Intermediate Ski: Lesson 3 – Putting it all together, Downhill Turns Track 4 Advanced Ski: Ski along the old carriage road to Camp Santanoni, one of the Adirondack great camps. We will lunch at the camp and ski back to the trailhead. We will take a van to and from the trailhead.

Lunch: Picnic lunch packed during breakfast.

Afternoon: After lunch, participants will choose an afternoon track. Track 1 Snowshoe: Continue Watch Hill trek returning by van to the Lodge Track 2: Easy Ski: Take a van to North Acres Farm and the ski the trails in that area with the instructor, returning in the van to the Outdoor Center. Track 3: Intermediate Ski: Take a van to Apple Farm and the ski the trails in that area with the instructor, returning in the van to the Outdoor Center. Track 4: Advanced Ski: Continue Camp Santanoni ski, returning to the lodge by van. Alternate Activity: Yoga at the Outdoor Center. At 5:30 P.M., join us for the early evening meeting during which we will hear about and sign up for activities for the day ahead.

Dinner: At Garnet Hill Lodge.

Evening: At the lodge, we’ll enjoy a lecture on a topic that will give participants a greater understanding of the Adirondack region.

DAY
5
Winter Sports at Garnet Hill
North River, NY
B,L,D
Garnet Hill Lodge

Activity note: All groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on our trails. Participants may choose from a snowshoeing lesson, an easy ski with an instructor, or a more challenging ski with an instructor.

Breakfast: At Garnet Hill Lodge’s Log House Restaurant.

Morning: We will meet at the Outdoor Center at 9:00 a.m. Garnet Hill will run shuttles to the outdoor center at 8:45 a.m. Track 1 Snowshoe: We will trek to Elizabeth Point, a scenic point on 13th Lake with nice views over the lake to the mountains on the other side. Conditions permitting, we will trek back along the lake. Track 2: Easy Ski: Lesson 3 – Putting it all together, Downhill Turns. Track 3: Intermediate Ski: Lesson 4 - Efficiency Track 4: Advanced Ski: Ski down to 13th Lake and head east to the 13th Lake Trailhead, where a van will take participants back to the Outdoor Center.

Lunch: Picnic lunch packed during breakfast.

Afternoon: After lunch, participants will choose an afternoon track. Track 1 Snowshoe: Continue trek returning from Elizabeth Point. Track 2: Easy Ski: Take a van to Apple Farm and ski the trails in that area with the instructor, returning in the van to the Outdoor Center. Track 3: Intermediate Ski: An easy/intermediate ski on GHL trails. Track 4: Advanced Ski: Ski a challenging route on GHL trails. Alternate Activity: Outdoor skills presentation followed by slideshow of pictures taken during the week.

Dinner: At Garnet Hill Lodge. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At the lodge, we’ll enjoy live music from local singer/guitarist, Dave Hyde, relax with new friends, and celebrate the end of a great week! Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
North River, NY
B

Activity note: Shuttle will be departing the Lodge to Albany Airport in the morning, based on flight schedule. Please do not book flights until after 12:00 Noon. Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: At the Log House Restaurant. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. For those enrolled to take the shuttle back to Albany Airport, the return shuttle will be based around your flight schedules and departure time will be sent to you prior to your program. If you are taking the shuttle, please do not book flights until after 12:00 Noon. Your information packet will include a form to fill out and send to Road Scholar regarding your flight information. It is very important to fill out this form. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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