ADK Tour de Ski Race Series

Six Venues, Six Races, Welcoming All Abilities

By Sydney Aveson

When winter settles over the Adirondacks and the trails firm into sparkling ribbons of snow, the region comes alive with a tradition as old as its coldest nights. Nordic skiing is deeply woven into the region’s identity – from Olympic athletes honing their skills on world-class courses, to teaching their kids to glide across backyard snow. The ADK Tour de Ski, now in its third season, carries that heritage forward. 

The idea is simple but powerful, bring skiers together, give them multiple opportunities to compete or spectate, and showcase the breadth of what the Adirondacks has to offer. As the season opens this December at Mt Van Hoevenberg and winds through venues in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, North River, and Paul Smiths, the tour invites participants to explore new terrain and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people. 

The ADK Tour de Ski began as a community-driven effort, sparked by collaboration among local venue directors led by the now-retired Scott van Lear of Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center. Outreach quickly expanded to include Jason Smith at Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, John Gillis in Tupper Lake, Brian Delaney at High Peaks Cyclery & Mountain Adventures, and Mike Battisti at Adirondack Mountain Club. According to event organizer Julianne Stemp, the goal is “to build a sense of camaraderie among skiers – a true Adirondack winter circuit, where every race is different, every trail tells a story, and every finish line is a chance to connect.” The series was created to harness the region’s great venues and give both locals and visitors a way to experience multiple ski centers under one unified event. 

One of the greatest strengths of the ADK Tour de Ski is its variety: each of the six venues offers unique terrain, history, and vibe, showcasing the diversity of skiing opportunities in the Adirondacks. Along with varied distances and race formats, the event is designed to support all participants, from beginners to high-performance athletes, including youth through masters categories. In short, the tour is about community, inclusivity, tradition, and fun. It’s not just for elite racers; it’s for anyone who wants to strap on skis, glide through the forest, and be part of something bigger than a single race. 

Participants can choose to compete in one race, several, or the full series and spectators are welcome to cheer on the competitors and participate in the post-race celebration. For full details on each race and venue, visit adktourdeski.com. Registration is $25 for adults and $5 for youth, opening roughly two weeks ahead of each race via skireg.com.

The tour continues to grow steadily. “At our most well-attended event last year, we ran just over 100 competitors,” Julianne notes. This year, the series will co-host a Mid-Atlantic Junior National Qualifer (JNQ) for junior athletes at the season opener at Mt Van Hoevenberg, as well as the NYSSRA Nordic Championship, also known as the Bobcat Loppet. Garnet Hill will also be a new venue this year, offering the season’s points leaders in both the men’s and women’s categories an overnight stay at the lodge. Additional community partners, including SARNAK Rescue, continue to engage and volunteer their services. 

Mt Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid on Sunday, Dec. 14 – The season opens at Mt Van Hoevenberg, a legendary site within the historic Olympic Sports Complex, which hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. As one of five historic Lake Placid Olympic venues, Mt Van Hoevenberg continues to uphold a proud tradition of winter sports excellence, drawing cross-country skiers from around the world. The competition loops are designed to support skiers of all ability levels, from beginners to advanced racers. 

The Lake Placid Loppet is another event at Mt Van Hoevenberg on Sunday, Jan. 25. The 50K Loppet and 25K Kort Loppet are on a challenging course, featuring many of the climbs and descents from the 50K race in the 1980 Olympic Games. The 50K Loppet and 25K Kort Loppet will follow a 25-kilometer loop – both for classic and skate skiers – traverses many areas of the Olympic Legacy Trails. 

For those looking for a gentler challenge, join the 7.5K and 13K races offering less hilly terrain for all ages and abilities. The ADK Tour de Ski events provide a stepping stone to this iconic race. For more info and to register, go to lakeplacidloppet.com.

Scotts Cobble Nordic Center, Lake Placid on Saturday, Dec. 2 – Scotts Cobble offers a more intimate, community-focused experience. With more than 15K of groomed trails, the center accommodates beginners and advanced skiers alike. The race uses a skiathlon format, where participants start in classic style and switch to skate halfway through, testing both endurance and versatility. Operated by High Peaks Cyclery in partnership with the town of North Elba, the Brian and Karen Delaney and their family have cultivated a vibrant local community of cross-country ski enthusiasts. 

Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, Saranac Lake on Saturday, Jan. 10 – Mid-winter brings a night sprint under the lights at Dewey Mountain in Saranac Lake. This short-course, dual-start format creates fast-paced, head-to-head racing that is exciting for both competitors and spectators. The trails are part of a forested recreational system managed by Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters. After racing, skiers often head into the village to warm up by a fire and enjoy meals at local restaurants, blending sport with community and local culture. 

James C. Frenette Sr. Recreational Trails, Tupper Lake on Saturday, Jan. 31 – Next up is a stop in Tupper Lake. The Frenette Recreational Trails provide a mix of groomed classic and skate lanes across forested terrain. Volunteers maintain six main trails that offer scenic vistas and a dog-friendly environment. This venue emphasizes a laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere, perfect for skiers who appreciate quiet woods, natural snow, and a slower pace. 

Garnet Hill Lodge, North River on Saturday, Feb. 21 – Garnet Hill Lodge in North River, a new venue for the ADK Tour de Ski this year, is known nationwide for its cross-country skiing programs with PSIA-certified instructors and more than 50K of groomed trails. Set on protected state land, Garnet Hill combines challenging courses with a classic Adirondack lodge experience. After a day on the trails, skiers can relax and socialize at The Log House restaurant and pub, making it a memorable stop for competitors of all levels. The venue also offers an overnight stay for the season’s points leaders in both the men’s and women’s categories. 

Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center, Paul Smiths on Saturday, March 14 – The series concludes at the Paul Smith’s VIC, a cherished Adirondack destination with more than 25 miles of trails weaving through diverse ecosystems rich in wildlife. The event offers classic-technique races of 12.5K and 25K, as well as youth distances, while also serving as daily training grounds for Paul Smith’s College Nordic athletes. Beyond skiing, the VIC is dedicated to environmental education, with programs and exhibits exploring climate change and sustainability. The combination of challenging terrain, ecological learning and community engagement makes it an ideal setting to close out the 2025-26 ADK Tour de Ski series. 

The ADK Tour de Ski is more than a race series. It is a celebration of community, sport and place. Across the Adirondacks, towns are linked through snow, skis, and shared passion. For locals, the tour offers a chance to see familiar trails in a new light; for visitors, it provides an opportunity to explore the region and experience the camaraderie of winter skiing. For many, the tour is a calendar highlight, providing a reason to travel, reconnect, and ski hard. For all, it is a reminder that winter does not mean hibernation – it can mean community, competition and the simple joy of Nordic skiing. 

Participants can compete in one or all of these remarkable races, challenge themselves on diverse terrains and trails, and witness the magic of the Adirondacks in a winter wonderland. Whether introducing a young skier to the sport or committing to a full-season Nordic challenge, the ADK Tour de Ski offers a rare gift: six weekends, six unique venues, and one unforgettable Adirondack winter.

Sydney Aveson (sydney@roostadk.com) works for a sustainable tourism non-profit in the Adirondacks, sharing the region’s story through strategic storytelling. She holds a Master’s in Expeditionary Studies from Plattsburgh State and has guided worldwide. Based in Saranac Lake with her husband, she enjoys human-powered travel, cooking, and exploring the outdoors.