Winter in the ADKs: Your Questions, Answered

It’s mailbag time.Jane and Steve tackle your winter questions, from Presidents’ Week ski picks to the Mirror Lake Toboggan chute, smart winter hiking basics, and crowd-dodging ideas across the Park. Along the way: loon parenting truths, BrewSki intel, full-moon ski nights, cardboard sled chaos, and a reminder that a quiet walk on a frozen lake can be the most magical “activity” of all.What you’ll hear in this episodeWhere to ski Presidents’ Week: big mountains and smaller local hillsMirror Lake Toboggan Chute: the best time to go and what it’s really likeWinter hiking basics that keep small mistakes from becoming big onesEasy ways to try snowshoeing: guided hikes and beginner-friendly optionsNordic skiing picks, from quick lessons to favorite trail systemsLoon family life: shared parenting and one common myth bustedWinter-weekend planning: quieter towns, can’t-miss events, and a full-moon lake walkResources:ADK Taste: https://www.adktaste.com/Skiing (big mountains)Whiteface Mountain Gore Mountain North Creek Ski Bowl history + winter activities Adirondack Ski Season Outlook 2025–2026 Signature winter thrillLake Placid Toboggan Chute on Mirror Lake Toboggan Chute 2026 Guided snowshoe + winter learning (starter-friendly)Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center Paul Smith’s College VICUp Yonda Farm snowshoe hikes Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb Nordic skiing spots mentionedMt. Van Hoevenberg full-moon series overview Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Party (Feb 28, 2026) Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Party (Mar 28, 2026)Garnet Hill Lodge Outdoor Center Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation CenterLoon Zoom series 2026 Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation Quieter winter towns + ideas