Garnet Hill Lodge
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING
(518) 251-2444; (800) 497-4207 Ski Shop (518) 251-2150
Garnet Hill Road, North River, NY 12856
Great views from Garnet Hill Lodge trails
Garnet Hill in North River, NY (800-497-4207, 518-251-2444, www.garnet-hill.com) , home of the "Adirondack Ruby" is in an old garnet mining community where the mine tailings are multi-leveled with open areas sculpted with hills, slopes, flat areas, and mountain vistas. The resort has 50 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing and 30 km of snowshoe trails. Garnet Hill has lake and mountain views, accommodations and dining, rentals, snowshoes, and lessons. Garnet Hill is at 2,000 feet elevation and it has a full ski shop (Ski Shop phone 518-251-2150). The new owners have pledged to offer enhanced trail grooming at Garnet Hill Lodge.
There's a shuttle ride from the bottom of a long downhill back to the lodge that has been offered since the early eighties. It originated when the lodge owner picked up skiers in his car and was then upgraded to a van and now it's a mini-bus. The shuttle is a free service for the skiers at Garnet Hill Lodge. Skiers must sign up for the shuttle and there are many routes that skiers can take using intermediate rated trails to reach the two pick-up locations that have a 500 foot and 900 foot vertical drop, respectively. Shuttles are offered daily and 3-5 times a day on weekends and holidays. During the week and on slow times, the shuttle is offered on demand. Skullbuster Hill is a thrill for advanced skiers winding through stands of white birch with views of the high peaks including Mt. Marcy, the highest peak in New York state.
Trail passes on site are $30 for adult full day and $24 after 1 PM. Youth and senior rates are $25 full day and $20 after 1 PM. Child is $18 full day and $13 after 1 PM. Snowshoe is $20 per day.
On line in advance, the adult trail pass rate is $24 per day; and youth (11-17) $20, child 6-10 are $13, and seniors (above 65) are $20 for a full day. A snowshoe pass is $15. There are lower half day rates at 1 PM.
Rental gear is $35 per day and $25 after 1 PM. Youth and seniors rentals are $30 and $20 after 1 PM. Snowshoe rentals are $20 for adults and $15 for kids up to age 18. Backcountry gear rental is $40 per day. There are lower rates for rentals if you book in advance on line.
Pulk rentals are available for toddlers and there is skate or steel edge equipment for an additional fee, too. Lessons are available: Private $50; Semi-private $40 each; Skate lesson $45 and backcountry ski lessons are $45 per person.
There are three buildings with accommodations including the Log House, The Birches, and The Tea House. The Log House has window views of the lake and mountains with a huge stone hearth ringed with comfortable leather couches in the lobby. There are 16 guest rooms with private baths. There is a family-friendly game room with a pool table, TV, fireplace, board games, and a computer. Garnet Hill has free WiFi Internet access. The Log House Pub is a full service bar with beer, wine, specialty coffees and dessert drinks for apres ski. Meals range from pub style to elegant classic dishes. Also available are with robust soups, hearty salads, fresh herb & wine stews, gratins, and bakery delights.
The Birches features 5 large guest rooms that are great for families and the Tea House has 4 guest rooms with whirlpool baths and Direct TV. There is also a common room available to rent for an additional fee.
A Nordic 3-Night Package is available starting on Sun, Mon, or Tues and includes a full Adirondack-style breakfast and xc ski trail pass at a discounted rate. Nearby is Gore Mountain for alpine skiing and Garnet Hill Lodge has Ski & Stay Packages available.
Directions: From south take I-87, exit 23. Rte 9 to Rte 28 to North River. From north take exit 26. Follow signs to Gore Mountain and North Creek off Rte 28. Make a left on Garnet Hill Road and go 5 miles to Garnet Hill.