In the heart of Saratoga Springs is a 2,100 acre state park that is very active for winter sports.
The park recently bought an XC trail groomer which lays down both ski and skating tracks along a 6 kilometer course that runs on the periphery of a golf course. Alongside the XC trails is a path for snowshoeing. Snowshoe rentals are available for $5 for a half day, $10 for the full day. There is no charge for skiing.
The groomed terrain is flat, but there are six miles of ungroomed trails elsewhere in the park that are used by both skiers and snowshoers. You can find some steep hills on some of these trails.
An outdoor ice skating rink near the Victoria Pool is used for figure skating, and a second outdoor rink near the warming hut is used for ice hockey.
After a day of exercise, you can treat yourself to a warm mineral bath at the Roosevelt Baths right in the park. It would be wise to call ahead for an appointment, although you might get lucky as a walk in, depending on how busy it is. You can enjoy a tradition going back to the mid 19th Century when the mineral springs first attracted the tourists to Saratoga Springs.
Directions: From Albany and points south: Take I-87 north to Exit 13N to Route 9N. Go three miles and turn left onto Avenue of the Pines. From points north, take I-87 south to Exit 14, then turn right onto Rte. 9P (Union Ave.). At the fourth traffic light, turn left onto Circular St., then right at the stop sign. At the traffic light turn left onto Broadway, then go three lights to turn right onto Avenue of the Pines.
GPS location: 43°03’28.98″ N 73°48’05.55″ W
Saratoga Spa State Park Trail Map
Nordic Stats
| Highest Elevation | 318 feet |
| Base Elevation | 280 feet |
| # Trails | 3 |
| Trail Kilometers | 6 kilometers (groomed) |
| Green Trails | 3 |
| Blue Trails | 0 |
| Black Trails | 0 |
| Grooming | Yes |
| Lodge | Warming Hut |
| Food Service | No |
| Annual Snowfall | 63 inches |