It’s mailbag time.

Jane and Steve tackle your winter questions, from Presidents’ Week ski picks to the Mirror Lake Toboggan chute, smart winter hiking basics, and crowd-dodging ideas across the Park. Along the way: loon parenting truths, BrewSki intel, full-moon ski nights, cardboard sled chaos, and a reminder that a quiet walk on a frozen lake can be the most magical “activity” of all.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• Where to ski Presidents’ Week: big mountains and smaller local hills
  Mirror Lake Toboggan Chute: the best time to go and what it’s really like
• Winter hiking basics that keep small mistakes from becoming big ones
• Easy ways to try snowshoeing: guided hikes and beginner-friendly options
• Nordic skiing picks, from quick lessons to favorite trail systems
• Loon family life: shared parenting and one common myth busted
• Winter-weekend planning: quieter towns, can’t-miss events, and a full-moon lake walk

Resources:

• ADK Taste: https://www.adktaste.com/
• Skiing (big mountains)
  • Whiteface Mountain 
  • Gore Mountain 
  • North Creek Ski Bowl history + winter activities 
  • Adirondack Ski Season Outlook 2025–2026 
• Signature winter thrill
  • Lake Placid Toboggan Chute on Mirror Lake 
  • Toboggan Chute 2026 
• Guided snowshoe + winter learning (starter-friendly)
  • Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center 
  • Paul Smith’s College VIC
  • Up Yonda Farm snowshoe hikes 
  • Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb 
• Nordic skiing spots mentioned
  • Mt. Van Hoevenberg full-moon series overview 
  • Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Party (Feb 28, 2026) 
  • Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Party (Mar 28, 2026)
  • Garnet Hill Lodge Outdoor Center 
  • Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center
  • Loon Zoom series 2026 
  • Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation 
• Quieter winter towns + ideas