December 2025

Empire State Winter Games

LAKE PLACID – The 46th annual Empire State Winter Games is scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 5-8 in Lake Placid and the surrounding region. Athletes of all ages, from across New York and beyond, are invited to compete in the U.S.’s largest and longest continuing multi-winter sporting event. “We’re anticipating 2,800 athletes to participate, making it one of the largest to date,” said Karlan Jessen, Adirondack Sports Council executive director. “Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a rising star, this is your chance to showcase your skills, embrace the spirit of winter sports, and be part of a tradition that brings together participants and spectators each year.” 

Last year marked the debut of curling, and this year welcomes bowling, where it will join curling, figure skating, ice hockey, luge, Nordic skiing, skeleton, speed skating, and winter triathlon. The opening ceremony is on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7pm in the Olympic Center’s 1980 Herb Brooks Arena. Register: empirestatewintergames.com. 

CARPE Ski ‘em Novel by Phil Bayly

ALBANY – A ski resort in Colorado is the deadly setting for Phil Bayly’s newest “Murder on Skis” mystery. It is titled Carpe Ski ‘em, and Phil’s own experience as a skier in Colorado for a decade inspired the novel. Readers in the Capital Region will remember Phil Bayly from his years at WNYT-News Channel 13. He still lives in the Capital Region but Carpe Ski ‘em harkens back to his days as a college student and ski bum. “I’m proud of this book because I found that the site I chose for the fictional Craters Ski Resort has now drawn its own backcountry skiers,” Phil said. “We were curious about that spot back when I was in college in the 1970s.”

Carpe Ski ‘em tells the story of skiers and their ski town mixed with murder and mayhem and includes some of his real-life adventures. It’s available for sale at independent bookstores, Amazon, and other online sites. Other books in his series include A Small Mountain Murder and The Man Who Had 9 Lives. Local skiers and snowboarders will recognize Witch Window, set in Vermont, and Back Dirt which is set near Lake Placid. More info: murderonskis.com.

Mt Van Hoevenberg’s Ski Programs

LAKE PLACID – ORDA has an expanded slate of community XC ski programs and events this season. It’s designed to make skiing more accessible for all ages and abilities while complementing the venue’s daily activities.

Youth skiing is offered for two different age groups for safe opportunities to discover XC skiing. Wee Ski, for ages 3-6 (with an adult), is an 11-week program on Saturdays from 12/13-2/21. It provides a playful setting to take their first strides on skis. Pathfinders, for ages 7-12, is a 12-week program from 12/13-2/28, offers opportunities for independent skiers to develop skills and discover more. 

Snowboomers is a weekly guided ski session that provides camaraderie, coaching, and fun for active adults aged 50 and older from 12/11-3/12. It’s free for season pass holders while the $28 non-passholder drop-in fee includes a trail pass and equipment rental if needed. 

Full Moon Parties are guided group ski adventures for all ages that explore the trails at night at their preferred distance and pace. It includes bonfires and an après ski party with live music inside the Mountain Pass Lodge. Tickets are $6 per person and the parties are on Saturdays, 1/3, 1/31, 2/28, and 3/28. Learn more: mtvanhoevenberg.com.