There are so many family-fun things to see and do in the Adirondacks in the winter! For the skiing family, Wilmington is the home of Whiteface Mountain, which was rated as one of the best mountains to ski in the East! The region also offers great hiking, dining, and attractions fun for kids and adults. While there are so many others, read on for five fun places to go with your family this winter! 

This blog was originally written in 2015, but is so full of useful info that it was updated in January 2025.

Whiteface Mountain

There’s nothing more exhilarating than skiing at Whiteface! With a total of 90 trails for all different skill levels, Whiteface Mountain has hundreds of skiable acres for you to explore. Bring your own equipment, or you can rent right at the mountain. Have a split group of experienced skiers and newbies? Whiteface can handle that! Bear Den helps beginners get going, or you can choose to try a lesson to tighten your skills. Ski/boarder-cross riders can show off their skills in the mini park, while experts can take on The Slides. When you need a break, relax in the lodge with a hot cocoa - or something stronger - and then take a gondola ride to the top and experience the beauty of the Adirondacks below you. Make sure to put “Ski Whiteface” on your Adirondack to-do list!

Go snowshoeing

Hiking in the winter can be just as fun as summer hiking as long as you choose the right trail and pack the right gear. The Whiteface Region has numerous hikes that are perfect for families! Snowshoes are required when snow depth is 8 or more inches. Microspikes are also good to have for any sections that are icy, especially on summits. Hikes like Cobble Lookout, Whiteface Landing, or the Flume Trails are perfect for those with younger kids or first-time snowshoers. For the more adventurous family, try Catamount.  

High Falls Gorge

Even if you stopped here during the warmer parts of the year, nothing is like going to High Falls Gorge in the winter. You can go on self-guided tours and see the four breathtaking waterfalls, which freeze in winter into beautiful ice formations. Snowshoes and crampons are available to rent for your tour through around the falls. After your time outdoors, there is complimentary hot chocolate to warm you up, and you should definitely plan on lunch in the River View Cafe. Weekend and holiday visitors get an extra treat: roasting marshmallows over a campfire! High Falls Gorge is definitely a great activity to experience with the entire family!

Adirondack Chocolates 

If you are a chocolate lover like me, a great bonus to your visit to the Whiteface Region is stopping at Adirondack Chocolates. Just walking in the door makes your mouth water with the smell of delicious chocolate in the air. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a new favorite each time you visit! Chocolates make great gifts and stocking stuffers – make sure you stop by the next time you’re in town!

Unicorn Square

Unicorn Square takes boutique shopping to a hands-on level. Adults will love browsing the wide array of hand-crafted decor, unique gifts, botanical accessories, and wellness and beauty products. Kids will be enchanted by fairies, wearable unicorn horns, and can even make their own wish jar to take home with them. Take your magical experience to the next level when you sit for a personalized fairy card reading! Full of beauty and magnificent scents, you're sure to leave Unicorn Square with a smile and probably a few souvenirs. 

 Plan your next vacation in the Whiteface Region of the Adirondacks. With so many unique and awesome things to do, you’ll be glad you did!