Surviving winter on the east coast is tough. If you’re brave enough to get outside and explore during the cold season though, there’s a number of impressive New York mountains that are perfect for both winter sports enthusiasts and newbies alike. R. and I had the pleasure of visiting North Creek, NY’s Gore Mountain this past week, and we couldn’t have loved more. Keep reading to find out why this New York mountain is such a must see!
5 Reasons Why Gore Mountain is a MUST See
1. There’s Over 100 Trails to Explore
Gore Mountain is an incredibly impressive ski resort. With 110 trails and 2,537 total vertical feet, you’ll never find yourself bored here at this New York mountain. They also have 14 different lifts — including their eight passenger Northwoods Gondola! The resort is designed to minimize wait time between runs, which keeps you out on the trails as often as possible. For anyone who skis or snowboards, you know how important this is. Nobody wants to spend the whole day waiting in line!
2. The Incredible Staff
One of the things that impressed me the most about Gore Mountain was the friendly staff. It’s not that I expected anyone to be rude, but I really wasn’t sure how we would be treated given that we’re beginner skiers. R. hadn’t ever skied in his life the first time we visited the mountain, and I hadn’t skied in about 15 years.
Everyone was so patient with us, and our instructor Chris was seriously the best! We took just a few hour beginner lesson, and we were amazed by what we were capable of at the end. Chris was great at getting us confident on skis, while still pushing us to do better with every run.
3. The Dining Options
Gore Mountain offers SIX different on-mountain dining options. With everything from a quick morning coffee to a full-service sit down meal, this resort has it all. Having visited other mountains in the past, this definitely isn’t always the case! It’s great to have a variety of food options at Gore, especially if you’re planning on visiting for multiple days. You’ll always be able to find something new and delicious!
4. The Location
Anyone who’s been to the Adirondacks before knows just how neat of an area this is. What’s even better is that there’s several unique mountain towns within reasonable driving distance from Gore Mountain, including Glens Falls, Lake George, Saratoga Springs, and even Lake Placid. If you’re planning to stay awhile, it’s definitely worth checking out a few of these famous Adirondack gems.
Read: 9 Amazing Things to Do in Lake Placid
5. Off Season Activities
Think you can’t enjoy the beauty of this mountain during the off-season? Guess again. Gore Mountain offers plenty of summer and fall activities, like Northwood Gondola Skyrides, downhill mountain biking, hiking excursions, mini golf and disc golf, and several other adventure activities. I know R. and I are definitely planning on coming back when the weather’s warmer to get a taste of the summer season at Gore!
Frequently Asked Questions
What town is Gore Mountain in?
Gore Mountain is located in the Adirondacks — specifically in the town of North Creek NY.
What time does Gore Mountain open?
Gore Mountain is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the peak season.
Where can I find a Gore Mountain trail map?
Check out the Gore Mountain trail map here.
Is it okay to visit one of these mountains in New York like Gore Mountain if I’ve never skied or snowboarded before?
Absolutely! I would recommend starting out by taking a lesson with one of Gore’s trained ski school instructors who will be able to help you learn to ski (or snowboard) in a safe and fun environment. They start your training very slow, so don’t be scared! You’ll be surprised at how quickly you catch on and are able to go on to the bigger hills.
Where are some good places to stay near Gore Mountain?
There’s a post coming on this very soon. We stayed at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls for our trip — stay tuned for a full review!