After hosting the World Snowshoe Championships in 2017, Saranac Lake officials were inspired to keep the joy of that international experience alive by creating and hosting a new snowshoe-themed weekend called the Adirondack Snowshoe Fest set for Friday – Sunday, February 25-27. Participants will have the opportunity to snowshoe at the Dewey Mountain Recreation Center and the Paul Smith’s College VIC . These two venues cater to the outdoor recreational sport and offer varied, uniquely Adirondack experiences. Dewey Mountain trails twist and turn up the gentle slopes of the mountain, which is a short drive from downtown while the VIC allows explorers to enjoy the extensive trail network comprised of wide, well-marked paths that skirt ponds, dip through open forest, and cross wetlands on boardwalks. Both venues will be offering a variety of snowshoe-related activities and experiences, as well as other winter outdoor activities suitable for all ages.

This festival is ideal for those new to snowshoeing as well as those who are advanced in the sport, and will consist of both adult and youth 5, 10 and 15k races. Folks who wish to take part in this year’s festival can register online at the link here: https://www.eventbee.com/v/adk-snowshoe-fest-2022#/tickets. Guests will also have an opportunity to take part in a slew of other fun winter activities including a Children’s Snowshoe Scavenger Hunt & Icicle Obstacle Course, a Snowshoe Disk Golf Tournament, an axe throwing demo, winter fat tire bike demos, local music, beverages and grub, and much more.

Adirondack Snowshoe Fest registration website photo

Schedule of Events — February 25-27

Friday, Feb. 25 at Dewey Mountain Recreation Center:

5:00-7:00 p.m.  Campfire snowshoe shuffle: Travel the lit trails of Dewey from campfire to campfire, and recharge with toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate along the way! (Registration is $10 in advance or $15 the morning of the event)

Saturday, Feb. 26 at Dewey Mountain Recreation Center:

9:00 a.m. Event registration opens
10:00 a.m. 5K and 10K races start (Registration is $10 in advance or $15 the morning of the event)
12:00-3:00 p.m. Winter Fat Bike Demos from our friends at Human Power Planet Earth (no charge)
1:00 p.m. Snowshoe Disk Golf Tournament hosted by the Barkeater Disc Golf Club: Novice and Experienced brackets with prizes for top players and door prizes for all participants. Free to participate!
2:30-5:00 p.m. Lake Placid Pub & Brewery sales
1:00-3:00 p.m. Children’s Snowshoe Scavenger Hunt & Icicle Obstacle Course (no charge)
2:00-3:00 p.m. Winter Forest Bathing with Adirondack Riverwalking: A guided snowshoe experience that immerses you in the sights, sounds, scents, and textures of a winter forest. Playful and relaxing. ($5 each, $15 for a family of four) (day of event on-site registration $5 additional)
1:00-4:00 p.m. Campfire and Marshmallows

Sunday, Feb. 27 at Paul Smith’s College VIC:

9:00 a.m. Event registration opens
10:00 a.m. Naturalist Snowshoe program with Milt Adams
10:30 a.m.  5k and 15K snowshoe races start (Registration is $10 in advance or $15 the morning of the event)
11:00 a.m. Axe throwing demo from the Woodsman team (tentative)
12:00 p.m. Beer Lake Placid Pub & Brewery sales – Kitchen opens for food
12:30 p.m. Music and Awards Ceremony
1:00-2:00 p.m. Winter Forest Bathing with Adirondack Riverwalking: A guided snowshoe experience that immerses you in the sights, sounds, scents, and textures of a winter forest. Playful and relaxing. ($5 each, $15 for a family of four) (day of event on-site registration $5 additional)
1:00 p.m. Music with David Henry
1:00 p.m. Snow/debris shelter construction with Pat Banker
ALL DAY Scavenger hunt and historic wooden snowshoe display static inside

Registration for all events can be found here. Registration is free for all participants aged 18 and under.

Snowshoe race details

5 km Snowshoe Race

Racers will start and finish at the VIC, racing clockwise around the Heron Marsh. The course passes through gorgeous stands of hard and softwood forests, across a bog, and over a waterfall! [10 year age groups]

15 km Snowshoe Race

The 15 km course follows the 5km course route for the first lap and goes the distance for our endurance racers. The course manages some serious hill climbs and passes by some beautiful winter vistas. [10 year age groups]

Photo at top: Adirondack Snowshoe Fest Facebook page photo