2023 Ski-O Nationals – Empire State Games
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Thursday – Sunday, Feb. 2-5
Model Course & Wax Facilities
Mt. Van Hoevenberg Cross Country & Biathlon Center, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY.
Venue for the 1980 Olympic Cross Country and Biathlon events, Van Ho features a 55 km world class trail system along with a dense network of single track mountain bike trails used for winter snowshoeing. The model event and waxing facilities will be available from Thursday through Sunday. Parking and waxing facilities will be in the first lot on the left near the end of Bobsled Lane as indicated on the Model map. Waxing cabins are heated and have ski forms.
Please note that all trails north of Bobsled Lane are embargoed until after Friday’s Sprint event.
Van Hoevenberg Site & Model Map
(updated Jan 27/23)
Friday, Feb. 3 – Sprint Event, Cascade Welcome Center, 4833 Cascade Road, Lake Placid – located close to Mt. Van Hoevenberg, this area features 25 enjoyable km of groomed tree lined trails. Most of the system is mapped as secondary trails, but most trails are quite skateable. Parking is beside the lodge off Rte 73; check-in and washroom facilities are located inside the lodge. Warm up clothing may be left outside near the Start/Finish area.
Entire Cascade trail system is embargoed until after Sprint event (except for pre-scheduled cross country events)!
Cascade Site Map
Saturday, Feb. 4 – Middle Event, Dewey Mt. Recreational Center, State Rt 3, Saranac Lake, NY.
This is a community-owned facility that offers cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and mountain biking in the warmer months. There is a dense network of trails on the side of Dewey Mountain, so expect at least one map exchange plus a trip or two up the mountain. Parking is right off Rte 3 and check-in will be in the magnificent new volunteer-built lodge. Indoor washrooms and waxing facilities, including irons, are available. Warm up clothing may be left near the Start area and can be retrieved by racers after they finish.
There will be a ski exchange zone near the large mapboard outside the main lodge where racers may leave extra equipment. If they choose to use this equipment they may not receive assistance while changing it.
Parking will be tight so please minimize the space between cars so everybody can find a spot.
Entire Dewey trail system is embargoed until after event (except for pre-scheduled cross country events)!
Dewey Site Map
Sunday, Feb. 5 – Long Event, Visitor Information Center of Paul Smiths College, 8023 State Route 30, Paul Smiths, NY.
The VIC is a year round outdoor center and features many kms of groomed ski trails, including a recently constructed 10 km world class race loop, plus a large network of narrower groomed classic and snowshoe trails extending throughout its 3,000 acre property. Scenery varies from marshes to mountain top views and you might be tempted to go for a more leisurely tour after your race just to take in all the sights. Parking is off Rte 30 and check-in will be in the Heron Marsh Gallery in the main lodge.
Washrooms are located in main lodge and waxing facilities are available in the Sugar Shack adjacent to the main building. Please note there are no forms or waxing equipment in the Sugar Shack. There is a small cafeteria offering light refreshments. Warm up clothing may be left outside near the Start/Finish area.
There will be a ski exchange zone near the Start/Finish area where racers may leave extra equipment. If they choose to use this equipment they may not receive assistance while changing it.
Parking will be tight so please minimize the space between cars so everybody can find a spot.
Entire VIC trail system is embargoed until after event (except for pre-scheduled cross country or biathlon events)!
VIC Site Map
Alternate Ski Areas
Because the venues listed above are all embargoed you may be looking for other nearby places to ski in the days leading up to the event. Some of the closest areas are listed below – remember you must purchase a trail pass before accessing their trails. Many of the areas have lights for night skiing and /or rental equipment available.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg – All trails south of Bobsled Lane are open from Thursday throughout the weekend; all trails north of Bobsled Lane are out of bounds until after the Sprint event on Friday. To access the trails, model course and waxing facilities use the first parking lot on the left or Parking Lot A at the end of Bobsled Lane. Participants with ESG credentials may ski free of charge but all others must purchase a day pass at the Mountain Pass Lodge. If you can make it up the new race loop behind the lodge you’ll be treated to some spectacular views!
Scotts Cobble Nordic Center, 141 Country Club Lane, Lake Placid (located at Craigwood Golf Course) – groomed for skating and classic, as snow conditions permit.
Whiteface Inn, 373 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid, NY – groomed as snow conditions permit.
Garnet Hill Lodge, 39 Garnet Hill Rd Section 2, North River, NY – located about 90 minutes south of Lake Placid in the heart of the Adirondacks, Garnet Hill is a four season resort featuring 50 km of groomed trails for skating and classic skiing.
Lapland Lake Cross Country Ski Center, 139 Lapland Lake Rd, Northville, NY – this is a four season outdoor activity center located about 2 hours south-west of Lake Placid and features 50 km of well-prepared trails for skating and classic skiing.
