As we say farewell to 2014 - and welcome in 2015 - there are a variety of events and activities that are sure to catch your attention! Do you like to participate in an event, or are you a great spectator? Perhaps you just want to relax, browse or shop ? Yep, you can do all that here!

THUNDER ON THE HILL!

Who says you need a lot of snow to have fun?  (most of the time we do! )

Head over to Oak Mountain Ski Area on December 6th for the SHCRA (Snowmobile Hill Climbers Racing Association) Hill Climb Race. Sled warm-up races start at 4:15pm, races take place after dark - starting around 5pm. Come and watch some of the most exciting early winter action in the park!

These races are open to amateurs & average trail riders as well as sled freaks riding the 450 horsepower to 550 horsepower turbo sleds. Watch as competitors fight for the title of "King of the Hill" as you enjoy the atmosphere and great food in the ski lodge. COST: $15/adults and $5/kids 6-12 years.

SHOP EARLY? WHAT A GREAT IDEA!

Make your way to the Indian Lake Fire Hall for the Holiday Gift Shop on Saturday, December 6 and shop for your family and pets. Santa will make an appearance at 11am, so come to take a picture with him! Long Lake will host a 3-day shopping event -  "Celebrate the Season" from Friday December 6th until Sunday December 8th. Enjoy shopping deals and steep discounts from local shops and vendors in the area. Enjoy "The Sound of Music" at the Long Lake Central School on Saturday evening at 7pm and then plan to participate in some of the other festive activities throughout the weekend. Click here for a complete schedule of events.

Oak Mountain will present the Holiday Fair & Winter Celebration on December 12th, from 4pm until 8pm. Santa will be onsite and you can warm up by a huge bonfire, while enjoying great food and browsing local businesses, crafters and restaurants offering their products for purchase. There's a little bit for everyone in your family this evening!

WILD AND CRAZY LONG LAKERS...

On Saturday, December 27th, stop off at the town beach at 1:00pm, for the Annual Polar Plunge! Watch (or participate as you see fit!) as a small number of otherwise normal individuals celebrate the ending of the year with a cold plunge in the frigid waters of Long Lake. Too funny to watch, and far too crazy to try! There may be something to the saying, "Do you feel a little Long Lakey®?"

JANUARY 2015 – START OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH FUN IN THE SNOW!

Oak Mountain Ski Area is home to the Annual Rail Jam (series), beginning on Saturday, January 10th. This is first of a three part series of competitive acrobatic events that take place at the Oak Mountain Terrain Park. This is the first day of competition; the series continues on other weekends throughout the winter. Watch as the participants negotiate jumps, rails and random features at the Terrain Park from 1:30pm-2:30pm. FREE to watch, so come on over for a fun filled afternoon! While you are there, you can warm up in the ski lodge with hot chocolate or a meal at the Acorn Pub & Eatery.

Did you know that Long Lake is the geographical center of the Adirondack Park?

Head to Long Lake for the Winter Carnival on January 16-18th for a weekend of fun and celebration from 12:00 Noon until dark each day! The celebration centers around Mt. Sabattis Park and features cardboard box races, snowball golf, the ever famous Ladies Frying Pan Toss Competition and many more crazy activities. A spectacular fireworks display will start at dark! For more information call 518-624-3077.

LATER ON IN THE MONTH...

On January 23-24 watch as over 40 teams of hockey players battle for the prize the 11th Annual Adirondack Ice Bowl battle on Fourth Lake in front of the Woods Inn. This full day event features teams of 4 on four individual rinks with battling action not seen anywhere in the mountains!

If you enjoy riding your snowmobiles on the 750 miles of FREE trails located in Hamilton County, sign up for the "Ride for the Cure" which headquarters at Oak Mountain Ski Area. Pick the ride of your choice with fellow sled riders, enjoy a great dinner, all for a great cause!

Oak Mountain will also have two races on Saturday, January 31st; so if your competitive spirit is up for a challenge, these races may be for you!

The Oak Runner Snowshoe race , a 10K course up and around the mountain is not for the faint of heart!

Nor is the Sacandaga Challenge ski race, the giant slalom (Oak Mountain Style) down the one of the most exciting and steep slopes Oak Mountain has to offer! Sign up early!

The Mike Norris Ice Fishing Contest on Raquette Lake takes place on Saturday, January 31st, to fish for Lake & Brook Trout, Perch and Salmon, with cash prizes and awards for winners! Call 518-624-3077 for more info.

Please check out our full selection of updated events at www.experienceouradirondacks.com/events.

While making your travel plans, you will find a wide variety of lodging and delightful dining options to make your stay with us the best Adirondack Experience ever!

We look forward to seeing you in "our neck of the woods"!