Head to the snowy Adirondacks for a winter weekend

If you’re like us, you’ve probably been craving a few extra snowflakes this year. So we’re heading to the Central Adirondacks for a last chance at a winter wonderland, along with endless nature and fresh mountain air.

Besides the prospect of snowy landscapes, something else caught our attention—an overhauled mid-century motel called Lorca Adirondacks (or Lorca ADK, for short). It’s set in Indian Lake, a town so small it doesn’t even have a stop light. The founders behind this irresistibly cool new venture include twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson (a.k.a. Coco and Breezy), who are fashion designers and DJs; Julian Darwall, a lawyer and design entrepreneur; and David Leiberman, a tech visionary. Coincidentally, these four friends also have a property in Shandaken, one of our favorite parts of the Catskills.

Turns out they were attracted to the Adirondacks for the same reasons we were. “It’s a place where you can submerge yourself in nature and understand the balance of life,” says Coco. “It feels like being transplanted a century or more in the past to a truly wild, beautiful, authentic slice of upstate New York,” says David. “It’s an untapped, gorgeous area that’s sparsely populated and draws outdoor enthusiasts,” says Julian.

In past issues of The WeekEnder, we’ve told you about other locations in the Adirondacks, like Lake Placid and Lake George. For this getaway, we’re using Lorca ADK as our home base and exploring a half-hour radius around Indian Lake, from skiing at Gore Mountain to hiking in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. We’ll also be eating really well at places like Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner in Blue Mountain Lake. Set in a 1946 diner, this restaurant is the brainchild of chef Darrell Spencer, an Army and Navy vet who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and came here with an exciting mission: to create a year-round destination dining spot in the high peaks with elevated diner classics.

Great food, a funky vintage motel, and beautiful mountains? Sounds like all the ingredients for the perfect final winter escape.

-Laura Begley Bloom, New York's Senior WeekEnder Writer

Last winter, a group of friends snapped up this quirky mid-century motel with a Wes Anderson vibe and transformed it into a gem of a hideaway that appeals to urbanites looking for a rustic-chic escape in the woods. “When you say ‘motel,’ it sometimes has a stigma,” says Breezy. “But this place is very contemporary and airy and more design savvy than any motel I’ve ever seen.” In the main lodge, you’ll find a vast stone fireplace and massive windows that look out on the forest. Lorca ADK’s uncluttered guest rooms are decorated with stylishly functional materials, from a stripped-down pine desk to streamlined leather arm chairs to a simple camp lantern. And there’s everything a guest might need to make the most of the natural surroundings, including lawn games and fire pits, complete with supplies for s’mores.

For sweethearts: Great Pines in Old Forge - The great camps of the Gilded Age inspired the design of this 100-year-old resort, which was recently updated by new owners. Expect custom-built furniture by local craftsmen and swoon-worthy mountain panoramas.

For families: Garnet Hill Lodge in North River - Overlooking Thirteenth Lake, this pet- and family-friendly property has a charming, log cabin-style vibe. If you’re into cross-country skiing, there’s a serious Nordic center on-site.

For connected travelers: The Alpine Lodge in North Creek - A modern twist on great camp style, this hotel caters to plugged-in travelers with Tesla charging stations, lightning-fast WiFi, and excellent cell service (a rarity in these parts).

For adventure buffs: Gore Mountain Lodge in North Creek - Consider this Alpine lodge in the shadow of Gore Mountain your home base for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.

While there aren’t many food options in this area—especially in winter—we unearthed a few appealing places to eat.

Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner in Blue Mountain Lake - From morning to night, this is your go-to spot. Chef Darrell is not only a gracious host who warmly welcomes guests to the vintage diner, he’s also a whiz in the kitchen, serving imaginative creations like risotto cakes with a garlicky remoulade, poutine that rivals anything you’d find in Canada, and eggs Benedict available around the clock.

The Pig II Deli in Indian Lake -When you want to grab a good bite on the go, this is your place. “It’s a classic little deli with amazing sandwiches,” says Julian Darwall.

Becks Tavern in North Creek - This German-style tavern gets into the Bavarian spirit with specialities like flammkuchen, a thin-crust pizza topped with caramelized onions and bacon.

Puterko’s Family Pizzeria in Indian Lake - This family-owned pizzeria regularly makes it onto best-of lists, thanks to pies like the Cowboy (topped with chicken, red onion, Gouda cheese, and smokey barbeque sauce) and the Polander (a Polish pizza with spicy brown mustard, kielbasa, and sauerkraut). “It also has a terrific calzone,” says Julian.

Indian Lake Restaurant & Tavern in Indian Lake - When you’re in the mountains, this is the kind of heartwarming food you crave, from an Irish onion soup with caramelized onions and garlic in a rich meat broth (with more than a touch of Guinness) to the Smokehouse Platter (a bountiful plate of ribs, pulled pork, and smoked drummies served with a Kansas City-style barbeque sauce).

Gore Mountain in North Creek

The top line: This mountain has bragging rights—the biggest in New York, with the largest trail and lift network in the state. There’s something for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. But if cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or tubing is your thing, you’ll find all that here, too.

On the slopes: The resort has an excellent layout, with 109 trails and 14 lifts spread across seven mountain areas.

Best runs: The Ski Bowl area is a must for experts—think steep runs and challenging terrain.

Lift tickets: Plan ahead—reservations are required, and the earlier you buy, the cheaper it is. A note: If your dates aren’t available, check back. The resort sometimes adds extra tickets closer to the date.

On-piste dining: In the main lodge, the Tannery Pub and Restaurant serves local bites and craft beer. Or grab a snack at the Waffle Cabin, a fan favorite.

Oak Mountain Ski Center in Speculator

The top line: “It’s a sweet, family-friendly spot that reminds me of Heavenly Mountain out west,” says David Leiberman. “You can ski for an absurdly reasonable price compared to anywhere else in the country and you get spectacular vistas of the Adirondacks.”

On the slopes: Look for 22 trails, four lanes of snow tubing, and miles of snowshoeing trails that never get crowded.

Best runs: Freestyle skiers and snowboarders who want to practice their tricks love the terrain park’s rails, jumps, and boxes.

Lift tickets: One thing that makes Oak Mountain a stand out: its affordability. The lift tickets start at $18 for kids and $20 for adults, and the rental equipment is well-maintained.

On-piste dining: At the welcoming lodge, you can warm up by the fireplace with a burger and a beer.

Winter in the Central Adirondacks brings endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Here are a few highlights.

Ice fishing - Thanks to the massive perch, trout, and pike hiding in the frozen lakes and ponds, ice fishing is a popular local sport. Outfitters like Adirondack Mountain and Stream Guide Service can provide equipment and guidance. Or just walk out on one of the lakes and chat up the anglers. “It’s a friendly, inviting community,” says David Leiberman.

Cross-country skiing - There are miles upon miles of groomed trails in this region. One of the best: Garnet Hill Lodge, an authentic Nordic ski resort with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. A bit farther afield, but worth the drive: Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center in Northville. “It feels like you’re in Norway at a real hygge lodge,” says David.

Snowshoeing - The Blue Mountain Wild Forest has several trails that lead to scenic vistas and quiet wooded areas.

Snowmobiling - With groomed trails crisscrossing the mountains, this area is a snowmobiler’s paradise. Head out on an off-road journey with C+C Adirondack Snowmobile Tours in Chestertown.

Skating and sledding - Want to go ice skating or sledding? The Indian Lake Ski Hill has a free outdoor rink and sledding slopes. Rentals are available at local shops.

Explore the backcountry - Just go wandering. Siamese Ponds Wilderness is a 114,000-acre preserve that’s home to snowshoeing and winter camping. Or check out the nearby Blue Ridge Wilderness, with trails that lead to rugged peaks.

Love that iconic Adirondack look? Here are some places to find it.

Blue Mountain Designs in Blue Mountain Lake - Built in 1895, this tastefully curated shop showcases work from area artisans. There’s also a cute coffee shop and a boutique wine and liquor store.

Hoss's Country Corner in Long Lake - It’s a hodgepodge of discoveries at this general store that has been a local landmark since 1972, selling everything from fishing bait to rustic wooden lamps.