The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announces three Winter Weekend events to be held in 2026 at the Historic Camp Santanoni in the town of Newcomb, Essex County. Hosted by DEC and Friends of Camp Santanoni, along with partners Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), the Town of Newcomb, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), the Winter Weekends invite visitors to enjoy winter recreation and exclusive winter access to the preserved buildings of the former great camp. The 2026 Winter Weekend events will take place Saturdays and Sundays during the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday weekend, January 17–18; Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, February 14–15; and the weekend of March 14–15.  

Camp Santanoni provides a 9.8-mile round-trip cross-country ski or snowshoe excursion. The trail traverses from the Gate Lodge Complex (map PDF), past the Farm Complex (map PDF), to the remote lakeside Main Camp Complex (map PDF), providing a moderate ski and a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.  

Visitors are required to use skis or snowshoes on this trail in winter, and this year the AIC will loan out complimentary snowshoes for any visitors without their own. Snowshoes will be available at Newcomb Pines (5699 Route 28N), located across the road from the Santanoni Preserve, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday of each Winter Weekend. Skiers and snowshoers are also welcome to recreate on the trail and surrounding lands on any day during the winter. 

During the Winter Weekend events, cross-country skiers and snowshoers are invited to visit the Main Lodge of Camp Santanoni, view displays about the great camp, and take interpretive tours with AARCH volunteers. The Gate Lodge vestibule will also be open for visitors. 

The Artist's Studio, a stone building near the Main Lodge on the shores of Newcomb Lake, is open as a warming hut during the 2026 Winter Weekend dates. Visitors can reheat by the woodstove and enjoy a warm beverage before heading back outdoors for their return trip. Camp Santanoni buildings will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

DEC reminds recreationists to Hike Smart—and ski or snowshoe smart—this winter. The trek out and back to the Historic Great Camp is a 9.8-mile round trip with rolling terrain. Remember to pack your 10 Essentials, including a fully charged headlamp (with extra batteries), warm non-cotton layers, food, and water.