Gore Mountain

My ski group spent the day a Gore mountain during our trip to Lake Placid. We had a great time cruising the mountain. There are a lot of nice Green & Blue cruisers off the Gore Gondola. i really enjoyed skiing on Sleeping Bear & Twister. It was a warm day, so the snow was soft and not much ice. They definitely need a snow storm because there were a few bare spots. They had several of the cut through trails closed. This is a very nice local mountain and i’m glad I was able to add another mountain on my list. We enjoyed a nice lunch at the Tannery Pub. Make sure you sit in the gondola seats.

MORE GORE!
(That’s their new heraldric slogan. You would think the zombie apocalypse was upon us.)
It’s been a few years since we’ve been back to Gore, but we picked the worst possible weekend for it over Presidents Day. Holiday prices, crowds and a brutal cold snap courtesy of an Alberta Clipper that blasted the NE with sub-​zero temperatures.
Saturday morning comes and it is +5 degrees, which is not totally out of the question for skiing, but you have to be prepared with heat packs for your boots and gloves. Even a little breeze drops the wind chill real feel below zero, so we are very appreciative of the enclosed gondola. A lot of trails are open, but riding on some of the open chairs is pretty brutal when the wind kicks up. The North side trails are deserted and it’s just me, my buddy and the lift operator. We squeeze in a few cruiser runs on Sleeping Bear and Tahawus to warm ourselves up, just so that we can freeze our fingers and toes going back up the slow fixed quad chair. Meeting up with the rest of our group, we take a few runs on the front face on Showcase, Arena and Twister. After a late lunch at the lodge and a couple of runs to finish up, we call it a day.
Woke up on Sunday morning to a reported –20 degrees. We already bought 2 day lift tickets, so not wanting to waste it, we headed out (though a little later than usual). When we reach the lodge, it’s warmed up to a sunny –9. Only 2 lifts are running (gondola and 2 person Sunway) and even then the gondola was breaking down in protest every few hours. During lunch, somebody said they saw a guy going towards the gondola with a sledgehammer and a few minutes later you hear a huge BONG reverberating from the wheelhouse. Always remember that «the bigger the problem, the bigger the hammer». Despite the problems with the cold, we still had a good ski day.
BTW, I ended up getting frostbite below my chin because my breath soaked my ski mask and it froze to my throat. Peeling it off was not fun. Ouch. Four stars for frostbite, Yikers!

Came here for Presidents’ Day weekend. $ 83 for a day pass + $ 51 full rentals. I went snowboarding though most of the other visitors were skiing. There were many families here.
I really enjoyed the gondola ride up. You don’t have to have your snowboard on and you’re safely enclosed in the lift. The trails going down the mountain are extremely long! I rode the green twice and it’s easily the longest beginners trail I’ve been on. There are a couple flat patches where I ended up walking because I didn’t accelerate fast enough.
Stopped by the saddle lounge on the way down. Typical ski lounge food (burgers, hot dogs, soup, fries) so don’t expect much. There is a nice fireplace though.
Overall, Gore is quite standard for a east coast ski destination (very icy, man made snow) but with extra long trails.

During a last-​minute off-​season weekend getaway to Lake George in early April, the boy and I decided to check out the snow one more time before spring. He’s fairly adept at skiing, having skied Utah mountains in his youth; I am generally incompetent when it comes to sports or anything athletic (if I had a nickel for every time someone has said to me, «It’s like riding a bike!» to which I’ve had to confess I cannot ride one, I could buy a lunch).
The mountain was offering its off-​season lift and rental prices, but we opted for two cheaper all-​inclusive beginner packages — it was only my second time ever skiing, the first time being this past February at Hunter Mountain, where I fell more times than I went down the hill (s), and he chose a beginner snowboarding package. I was given special «PFS» skis, designed for their Parallel from the Start beginner program, shorter skis that are supposed to make it easier for you to learn how to turn. After I filled out the form with my personal/​sizing information, I picked up my boots, helmet, and skis and waited for the next lesson to start. The staff at the equipment rental is very young, which I guess is a resort thing, but they were knowledgeable and patient. Beginner packages include group lessons, and there was about an hour of a wait until the next one began, but the manager took pity on me because he told me to have a seat and scoured the grounds for an available instructor. Scott had been sent out with a snowboarding instructor about a half hour prior. It was Easter Sunday and the only other people around were tiny children, so we were able to get private lessons before the children came out for their (hilarious) group lessons.
The manager found Alan, who came out with me to the bunny hill for my 90-​minute lesson. While he didn’t reference the «pizza» and «french fries» I have heard a lot about, he skied with me through a mostly flat plane to practice turns, then sent me to the top of the bunny hill (I protested I was not ready, but I would probably never have admitted to being «ready») to try some downhill runs. I fell off the lift the first time, but after that came down the hill successfully more times than I fell down the hill. That’s progress, and I’ll take it! It was a little difficult to navigate the area near where you board the lift because there was some slush and one serious puddle that a few children intentionally ventured into and then got stuck in, but the staff was always ready to help pull you out and onto the lift. The rest of the snow was machine-​made, so had the texture of tiny ice crystals rather than powdery flakes. We were expecting this given the time of year/​season, so it wasn’t horrible but we knew it wasn’t ideal, but the relative emptiness of the hill and one-​on-​one treatment we got made up for it.
We stayed on the hill about 3 hours, until closing. Equipment returns were quick and easy, and then you’re free to go. I’m sure that during periods of high foot traffic there’s a lot more waiting and commotion in the air, but our experience was relatively calm and skiing/​snowboarding — though we were confined to the bunny hill — was fun and educational.

Tall enough (almost 4000 ft & 2500 vertical fall) and big enough (more than 100 runs and 450 acres) when covered with snow, Gore has a great range of trails for every taste. Even on a busy holiday weekends, this place is so spread out that there is lots of space on the trails. I really like the top of the mountain (Straight Brook & High Peaks) with its challenging blue and diamond studded terrain, great lifts and stunning views. It can get icy, bit with sharp edges even that is not a huge issue.
The major down side with Gore is that the lodge capacity is limited and things can get really messy on holiday weekend.
Staff and management are very good and so is the food. Coupled with a Ski3 discount card that also works at Belleayre and Whiteface, this place is relative bargain compared to other higher end resorts in NY and VT.
Highly recommended.

This was the best family ski experience! Everyone who worked there was so nice. There are plenty of food options which is so important to us with two vegans in the family. As a long time, but very timid skier, I was thrilled with the variety if beginner trails. We took the gondola up and experience the longest beginner trail I’ve ever been on. We stopped at the lodge near the top to rest up and refuel. Spectacular views. Oh, and the snow was perfect! Despite the frigid temps, the trails were powdery and well maintained with very few patches of ice. I hope I have the opportunity to come back here soon!

If it was not for the old fashioned rental process reminiscent of Zermatt circa 1990’s, I would probably vote Gore mountain to be one of the best ski resort in the North East region.
The rental equipment area is located at Northwoods lodge, the personal informations such as ski level, height, weight, shoe size has to be filled manually. Your ski boots will be handed to you but do not put them on until after your skis are customized for you (they still use boots to manually customize skis). The whole rental process took us approximately 30 minutes. I guess we were spoiled by the computerized and more organized rental process at the ski resorts in the Catskills.
The resort consists of five different mountains that are all accessible and interconnected via different lifts lines. The gondola will take you to the second highest mountain in comfort and in no time at all. There are available trails for every ski levels, but this place is probably ideal for intermediate and advance levels. The queues for lifts are almost non existent. This place is indeed North Creek’s secret gem.
The base lodge offers a cafeteria that serves the usual burgers, chicken fingers, pizza etc. nothing gourmet but good enough to fill your hungry stomach. The pub and restaurant on the other hand offer an après ski and a more Sophisticated dining experience.
All in all, was it worth the four hour travel? Given the number of trails, enormous size of the resort and the quality of snow, hell yeah! I will be looking forward coming back here next ski season.

Gore Mountain was so much more than I expected! The snow conditions were perfect the first day. The Mountain is so big, be careful not to get lost! There is a great mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes.
The second day conditions were drastically different. A half foot of powder was left from the night before. The temperature dropped and a fog set in on the top of the Mountain. The wind picked up and the snow stuck to our clothes and googles then turned to ice. It was awesome. We could barely see and we were freezing but the skiing was great!
Cons: the food was expensive (no surprise) and the Mid Mountain Lodge food was pretty bad.
Pros: the Base Lodge food court had a variety of food (even healthy options!) The best part was that the prices were reasonable and it wasn’t too busy.
Suggestions: I would pack a lunch take the gondola to the Mid Mountain Lodge and eat by the fire place and enjoy the Mountain views! Be careful the conditions can change rapidly, be ready for anything!

Ever year it gets bigger and better! This is my 37^th year skiing at Gore. No only are the trails great there are not many places for crowds of people to stay so it tends not to be as busy as some of the larger resorts. staff is friendly and the food is good. The lodge area are extremely family friendly and I hope it stays that way. My sole complaint would be the price of the food.

In addition to incredible skiing conditions, my hat … er… Tuke is off to the staff at Gore. From the ticket booth to the lifts, to the Saddle Back Lodge, every interaction was a pleasure.
When my young sons and I were chatting and not paying attention, the lift operator didn’t scold us, but smiled as he slowed the lift for us to get off without incident.
Kudos to the training program.
Only negative: update the bathrooms at the Saddle Lodge.

Every aspect of this mountain is amazing! The conditions were great and the mountain was extremely well kept. Every person I had the pleasure of interacting with was overly friendly and really seemed to care about your experience. The trails are beautiful and fun! The line for the lifts move fast and the trails aren’t over crowded. Go Gore!

This is a mountain on the east (ice) coast so keep that in mind. There is no soft fluffy powder, and the groomed trails are packed ice chips. That being said, practically every mountain on the east coast has these conditions.
Gore is a pretty large mountain with runs that range from flat greens to challenging blacks. They have the north wood gondola so you can stay warm inside, but if you want to reach the true peak you’ve got to take the gondola to another chair lift.
I went for two days midweek and both days the staff was friendly, the lines were nonexistent, and the New England Clam Chowder was good!
Negatives of this mountain would be that they don’t spray as much as others so they rely on natural snowfall for some trails. In addition, the mountain doesn’t have any hotels on property, and only has a very small and pricey gift shop. I stood about 30 minutes away from the mountain and drove in. Kind of puts a damper on any apré skiing.

To start, this was my first experience on a higher vertical mountain, and was a challenge for a dominant beginner Pocono skiier. Basically, I’ve only skiied easy small mountains on the east. I was ready for a challenge.
Gore Mountain provided quality skiing, and was a rather large mountain on the east being one of the highest on the east. Lines were very short for the end of December, and I was able to do many runs before the day was over. The Gondala was a cool experience and the trails that were throughout the mountain were open, and did not force you into difficult trails. Overall, the day was very enjoyable, and I’d surely go back.
The only down fall is that many of the trails on December 27^th had many pot holes and there was slush. Some trails were actually not skiiable but they were still open. Due to the warm temperature lately this occurred. In full operation though this place is an amazing ski resort.

As an experienced snowboarder, this place is one of my top favorites after being all over NY and VT.

I’m not an experienced ski or snowborder, but I can say that this mountain was worth visiting.
With many diffferent runs to choose from, each was unique so you’d never get bored. There was one big mountain with ample green runs and a nice gondola to get you to the top. There was also a smaller one that it connects to for a different feel. The pipeline to pass through was impossible on a snowboard– warning.
Prices were decent at $ 75 for a one day lift pass, and $ 50+ for rentals. If you get a Ski and Ride better lesson package for $ 121 (almost the same) you’ll get a lesson with a daylift and full rentals as well.
Essentially they had instructors for each level you need, and for me, I ended up getting an hour and a half private lesson !
Since I was basically a beginner we stayed on the bunny hills though. What I should have done was to take the $ 77 beginners package, including bunny hills, and full rental.
Its not much of a resort as there is only one big chalet with a huge cafeteria style common area where people are doing anything and everything. Whats worse is that with the lack of storage space, everyone puts their stuff here — its a miracle things are stolen.
If you want something quieter, there is a lounge area downstairs but doesnt have the nice big bay windows to look at others on the slopes.
They also have nice big lockers you can put your own lock on, or the terible one use ($ 2) lockers.
We stayed at the Summit near the Gore, a bunch of townhouses available for rental. It seems like they also own an Inn also close by
For those not into skiing, you can check out North Creek town for some antiques and a bakery and local handicrafts. Also about 30 mins away, you can find Lake George outlets (Coach, J Crew, Banana Republic, Levis, Nine West)
There’s not much else otherwise.
I would suspect this area is quite nice in the summer time. Lots of Lakes, rivers and ponds frozen over at this time of year, is a nice backdrop to the towering trees.

Great mountain. I grew up in Colorado and moved to New York 5 years ago and have been hesitant to ski here because everyone has always told me that it will never compare. It doesn’t, but that does not mean you can not have a great time. This mountain was incredibly fun. It’s big enough that you can ski for a couple of days and not get bored, and on top of that, the prices are great. After skiing here and in Vermont, I have no idea why anyone would go the extra distance. Sure it is not a ‘resort’, but with the town of North Creek 4min away, there is plenty to do when you are done on the slopes.
Highly recommended.

Awesome mountain. Because of it’s sprawling nature — there can be an outrageous number of people on the slopes and you feel like one of only a few. Gorgeous gondola ride to mid-​point on the mountain… from there, you can ski trails 2 miles long… OR you can go up to the tippy top and enjoy the ride down from there. Great skiing… steep ticket price ($ 77 for adults on weekends) but that’s par for the course.
OK lodge… pretty paltry «ski shop»…but all in all… what counts are the slopes and snow and that’s top notch.

Beautiful mountain to ski in New York, without crazy crowds. I’ve been coming here the first weekend in January for the past 5 years, and almost every time it’s been great (the one exception was 2008 when temps were in the 50s and there were only puddles to ski through).
Trails — Gore has a great variety of trails and lots of fun sections of the mountain to explore. The High Peaks, Straight Brook and Topridge areas at the top of the mountain are great for experts and intermediates, with steep mogul-​y runs, steep groomed runs, and some fun cruising blues. The views are great, but it can get really windy up there. There are also a lot of steep glade sections, but they never seem to be open (at least in early Jan. when I’m there).
The North side and Northwoods (main) area have a lot of great cruising blues and windy off-​shoots, as well as some greens. Burnt Ridge Mountain is a newer section with a few great long runs, and Little Gore is the newest opening this year (though I’ve never skied there since it was all closed.)
Lifts — The gondola is great, though on weekends the line can get kind of long. Luckily it moves pretty quickly. The Adirondack lift along side of the gondola gets you almost as high though (minus a couple short trails that aren’t that great) with less wait. In general, lifts at Gore are quick and efficient, and lines at other areas of mountain have never been an issue. Lifts can get windy especially top of Topridge Triple and High Peaks, so be prepared!
Parks — Gore isn’t really known for its terrain parks, but there are a couple with some decent features.
Staff/​Crowd — Everyone I’ve encountered on the mountain has been friendly, and you can have some fun convos with people in the gondola. Also seems that there aren’t a lot of show-​offs, obnoxious teenagers, or tons of first-​timers not knowing what they’re doing. I was here on a Monday for the first time this year, and it was WAY less crowded (no waits and trails were clear) and the crowd seemed pretty local.
Snowmaking/​Conditions — Being used to skiing in the poconos with some of the best snowmaking in the country, Gore’s snowmaking didn’t quite match up. Of course, it’s in the Adirondack’s so they get much more natural snow. Usually in early Jan about 50−75% of the trails are open. This year it was only a little over 50%, but they were vigorously making snow and grooming the snow that fell on Friday to open more. Trails can get icy, but hey — it’s the East.
All I have to say is, MORE GORE!

I have fond memories of gore, spent a weekend here with a few of the guys and had a blast. The trails are all a good size and the mountain wasn’t to crowded. If you went to the far side of the mountain there were trails that had not seen anyone one them by the late morning.
I think the best memory was when we were on one of their steeper black diamonds, don’t remember the trail name, and one of our buddies stopped at the beginning of the next trail, then I stopped, then our 3^rd friend stopped, our fourth friend… however didn’t stop, who plowed into our 3^rd friend as they both went tumbling down each one of them having a yard sale. One of those dangerous then, funny now memories.
If you can try to eat at the lodge on the mountain, not at the base. It just kind of cool and you can sit upstairs and get a great view.

We skied here last week for the first time. LOVED IT! The spring skiing was tough (but even with those conditions they had 40 trails open) but you can totally tell this is a kick a** mountain when in full gear during the winter. We are TOTALLY going back. There was a huge variety of terrain — a little bit for every level skier.
It seemed like a «family mountain» b/​c there was an ABUNDANCE of «picnic seating» in the lower level AND there were lots of families…
It was a gorgeous sunny day so everyone was outside. We found the skiers & workers all friendly & courteous which is a little different than Hunter Mtn. Reasonably priced.