LOCALadk Magazine

56 Winter 2015 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk I stopped, beads of sweat forming on my brow, the only audible sound being that of my own heart racing from exertion. Silence. It is astounding how perfectly quiet and peaceful the Adirondack winter can be. I had just reached the height of land between two mountains, and was enjoying one of the first real powder days of the winter. I was thrilled simply to have skis on my feet and air in my lunges. The Adirondacks have a way of making one feel content in this way; happy to enjoy being in the moment and taking it all in. I zipped my jacket, adjusted my boots, and kicked off for a 1.5 mile glide to the bottom. There are few places I've been that are so distinctly "winter." The Ad- irondacks emanate the essence of the winter season with such ease and zeal. Rolling, snow topped hills and mountains provide dramatic scenery to every village. A hint of wood smoke hangs subtly in the crisp, fresh air as families huddle around their wood stoves for warmth in subzero tem- peratures. The village of Saranac Lake hosts a weeklong winter carnival, the oldest in the country, simply to celebrate the season of snow. We not only like the winter, we embrace it. And what's not to celebrate? It's certainly no secret to locals and visitors that the region is a playground for winter activities. The extremely varied terrain in the Adirondacks lends itself to nearly any form of recreation on snow and ice, and for practically any skill level. Miles upon seemingly endless miles of cross country and backcountry skiing trails open up as the snow begins to fly and the ponds and lakes begin to freeze. Areas such as the St. Regis Canoe Wilderness, strewn with small kettle ponds and interconnecting portage trails, become pristine for winter travel. The best part: most areas in the park are easily accessible with many trails Making Tracks & Taking Turns By Nick Brainerd Anne Brewer

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