Apres Ski in Gore Mountain

Gore Mountain Village

Gore Mountain’s village is unique amongst NY ski resorts because the authentic ski town at its base, North Creek, has hosted skiers since the 1930’s. The village of North Creek was one of America’s first ski towns. The village has several small hotels, a handful of bars and a few restaurants.

The village of North Creek was New York’s original ski town. Set directly upon the banks of the Hudson River, the beautiful village came to prominence as a destination for first ski trains from New York City in the 1930’s. Thanks to a long access road to the Barton garnet mine high up on Gore and Pete Gay Mountains, skiers were able to enjoy “Ride Up, Ski Down” service right from the train station with the train cars serving as the original lodge.

Much has changed since the early days of skiing at Gore and North Creek is overlooked by many Gore skiers because it is about a mile past the resort’s access road. Today, the North Creek Ski Bowl lifts are just on the outskirts of town. It’s a village teetering on the edge of a fullscale revival, but not quite there yet. A few hotels, shops, restaurants and bars line the main street, but so do a few vacant storefronts.

For shopping, we recommend a stop at the Hudson River Trading Company on Main Street, which has Adirondack themed gifts and novelties. The reproduction 1930’s Gore trails signs are a fantastic keepsake.

 

 

Gore Mountain Apres Ski, Restaurants, & Bars

Gore Mountain’s apres ski, bar and dining scene is concentrated in North Creek, where skiers will find several cozy bars and restaurants. North Creek has several excellent dining options serving everything from traditional pub fare to tapas. Nightlife is limited.

The village of North Creek is home to several restaurants and bars. The Trappers Tavern at the Copperfield Inn is a popular choice for burgers and draft beers. Just outside of town is Basil and Wick’s. Basil and Wick’s is housed in a large Adirondack log-style building  astride Route 28. It is an apres-ski favorite with local skiers for its reasonably-priced food and large bar with flat screen tvs. The Tannery Pub in the Gore base lodge is the most happening apres-ski hangout.

For breakfast in North Creek there is Cafe Sarah on Main Street. We recommend their pastries and breakfast burritos. If driving in from I-87, we recommend a stop at Jacob & Tony’s Meat Store of the North. Their sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches won our award for the “Best Breakfast Sandwich in Ski Country.”

Nightlife options in North Creek are limited. Downtown North Creek has two main bars. The first, The Barking Spider is a narrow tavern with a fantastic sand shuffleboard table, relatively inexpensive food and drinks. It is a favorite with Gore staff and ski patrol, but be prepared to bring your own party since the bar is relatively uncrowded apart from apres-ski.

For a more upscale option in downtown North Creek try BarVino, a wine bar offering tapas fare. BarVino has a great selection of wines and beer on tap. Portions are more generous and more reasonably priced than many tapas restaurants.

 

Gore Mountain Tubing and Activities

Gore Mountain’s tubing is the highlight of its activities for non-skiers. The surrounding North Creek community also has a variety of off-slope activities such as nordic skiing and scenic train rides.

Gore Mountain Tubing

Gore offers snowtubing at the North Creek Ski Bowl on 800 ft. runs served by a handle tow. The tubing lanes are lighting for night operation. The cost is $18 for 2 hours. Private parties are available in the lodge.   Lighting for evening activity.  Children must be 36″ or taller.

2017 UPDATE: We are told that Gore is no longer offering tubing. Please check ahead before visiting. Tubing is available, however, at nearby West Mountain.

North Creek Snow Train

The Saratoga and North Creek Railroad runs a winter service from Saratoga to the North Creek train depot in downtown North Creek. The scenic 1 hr 45 min journey winds along the banks of the Hudson River. Food and cocktails are available on the train as is an observation car.

Garnett Hill Cross Country Ski Center

Garnett Hill is one of the Northeast’s premier nordic ski centers. Garnett Hill in North River, just 10-15 minutes from Gore.