Winter at The Sagamore Resort is anything but quiet. Each January, the lakeside terrace transforms into a frozen spectacle where 300-pound blocks of ice, chainsaws, blowtorches, and a lot of muscle come together as one of the Adirondacks’ most anticipated winter traditions: the Glacier Ice Bar.

In this episode of ADK Talks, we’re joined by Tom Guay, General Manager of The Sagamore, whose career at the resort spans more than two decades and nearly every corner of hotel operations. Tom takes us behind the scenes of the Ice Bar’s creation, from its unlikely beginnings to the finely tuned winter event it is today.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• The long, resilient history of The Sagamore Resort, rebuilt, reimagined, and still standing strong on Green Island since the 1800s
• How a quiet winter lull sparked the idea for an ice bar and why the first year exceeded every expectation
• The creative process behind the Ice Bar, including yearly themes, life-size sculptures, and why the bar itself is always the star
• What it actually takes to build it all: 300-pound ice blocks, chainsaws, chisels, blowtorches, aluminum plates, and old-fashioned teamwork
• The role of chefs and teams from across the Opal Collection, traveling property to property to carve and collaborate
• Why the Ice Bar helped reshape winter tourism in the Lake George region
• Tom’s favorite hidden spots on Lake George, from Paradise Bay to quiet corners only reachable by boat

Resources:

• The Sagamore Resort – Lodging, events, Glacier Ice Bar details
• Bolton Landing – Dining, winter events, and village happenings
• Lake George – The lake that shapes it all
• Lake George Association – Protecting water quality
• Lake George Land Conservancy – Protecting the land that protects the Lake

Produced by NOVA

Rick Vidal left global boardrooms for a forgotten ski mountain and found something much bigger than a renovation project.

In this episode of ADK Talks, we head to Jay, New York, to explore the remarkable reinvention of the former Pale Face Ski Area, now reborn as NewVida Preserve. Rick shares the deeply personal story behind buying a long-closed resort, reopening land that had been private for decades, and rebuilding not just buildings, but trust and community.

What unfolds is a conversation about second acts, Adirondack resilience, and what it really takes to bring a place back to life without stripping away its soul.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• The surprising history of Pale Face Ski Area, once a family-friendly counterpoint to Whiteface Mountain
• What it was like to take ownership of a dormant 2,000-acre property with no maps, no systems, and a literal bucket of keys
• How NewVida balances preservation with reinvention, from vintage ski chairs to repurposed runs turned into trails
• Why opening 45 miles of trails to the public was non-negotiable
• The challenge of building trust as newcomers and what the Adirondack spirit really looks like in practice
• Bringing bold, global cuisine to the High Peaks region and raising the bar for dining in the North Country
• Hosting weddings, retreats, wellness programs, and community events in a former ski lodge
• The uphill climb of attracting investors to the Adirondacks and why regional branding still matters
• A friendly ghost story hiding in the old gym
• Rick’s favorite local gem: the growing Hardy Mountain Bike Trails near Wilmington and Jay

Places and organizations mentioned

• NewVida Preserve – Lodging, dining, wellness programs, events, and public trail access in Jay, NY
• Whiteface Mountain
• Jay, New York
• Wilmington, New York
• Adirondack Park Agency
• Adirondack Park Paranormal Society
• Hardy Road Mountain Bike Trails

This episode is a reminder that the Adirondacks are still a place for big ideas, careful stewardship, and bold second chances. Whether you come for the views, the trails, the food, or the stories, NewVida Preserve is writing a new chapter on old ground.

Resources:

• Check out the NewVida Preserve website

Produced by NOVA

Winter in the Adirondacks can feel otherworldly. Snow-draped trees, hushed trails, bluebird summit days, and the kind of stillness that only comes when the temperature drops. It can also turn dangerous fast.

In this episode of ADK Talks, we welcome back Jeff Berry and Elena Lumby from Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks (SARNAK) for an honest, practical, and sometimes chilling conversation about the realities of winter hiking. From hypothermia and headlamp failures to summit fever and post-holing, Jeff and Elena share real stories from the field and lessons learned the hard way.

This episode is essential listening if you are planning winter hikes around MLK Weekend, Presidents’ Day, or anytime snow and cold are part of the equation.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• Why winter hiking is so magical and why it demands respect
• How quickly hypothermia can set in, even close to the trailhead
• What “be bold, start cold” actually means in practice
• Why two headlamps are non-negotiable, and phones don’t count
• The dangers of sweat, wet clothing, and poor heat management
• Why signing trail registers and sharing trip plans saves lives
• A true story involving a winter hike, summit fever, and a baby on Cascade
• How the 10 Essentials change in winter conditions
• Snowshoes, post-holing, and why it’s a ticketable offense in the High Peaks
• How to build skills safely through classes, guides, and local resources

Resources:

• Into the Wild: Search and Rescue in the Adirondacks
• SARNAK
• Hike Safe New York
• Mountain Forecast
• Adirondack Mountain Club
• Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)
• The Mountaineer (Keene Valley)
• High Peaks Information Center (Mount Jo area)
• Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), Newcomb
• Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
• Wilderness Medical Associates
• REI
• Cavu Café (Adirondack Regional Airport, Lake Clear)
• Left Bank Café (Saranac Lake)
• Origin Coffee (Saranac Lake)
• Capisce (Lake Placid)

Produced by NOVA

If you’ve ever chased a storm on your phone and wondered where all that snow actually lands, this episode is for you. Jane and Steve head west of the Blue Line to the Tug Hill Plateau—one of the snowiest corners of the East—and sit down with Snow Ridge co-owner and general manager Nick Mir to talk powder mornings, small-mountain grit, and why “Ice Coast” doesn’t always apply.

Nick shares what it’s really like to run a fiercely independent ski area (yes… sometimes it’s unclogging a septic line), how lake-effect bands can bury the hill while it’s bone-dry 10 miles away, and how Snow Ridge balances old-school charm—like the legendary T-bar-served Snow Pocket—with smart upgrades behind the scenes.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• Why Tug Hill can be “nuking” at Snow Ridge while nearby towns stay dry
• The unglamorous but essential realities of owning and operating a mom-and-pop ski mountain
• What makes a true powder morning at Snow Ridge so special, from hooting chairlifts to no lift lines
• Recent improvements, including expanded snowmaking and the return of North Chair
• Beloved Snow Ridge traditions like torchlight parades, pond skims, and the Christmas Eve food drive

Snow Ridge is located in Turin, NY, about 35 minutes from Old Forge—close enough to feel connected to the Adirondack ski scene while offering a distinctly Tug Hill experience. Nick shares tips on nearby lodging, from classic motels to cabin rentals, and why booking early matters during big snow cycles.

Resources:

• Learn more about Snow Ridge
• Snow Ridge Ski Resort: A Powder Lover’s Paradise
• Snow Ridge Spring Fest
• Hickory Ski Center
• Snowology
• Snow Ridge Outdoor Collaborative
• Indy Pass

Produced by NOVA

A woman walks away from toxic-tort law in Oakland, loads four Nigerian dwarf goats into a Honda Element, and drives 3,000 miles with her partner to a scruffy little farm in Thurman, NY. Two decades later, that leap of faith has become Nettle Meadow: a sanctuary for hundreds of animals and the home of Kunik, one of the most celebrated cheeses in America.

In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Flanagan, CEO and co-founder of Nettle Meadow, to trace the journey from collapsing barns and ice storms to national cheese awards and the warm glow of the Hitching Post Tavern in Lake Luzerne. Sheila shares how she and her partner, Lorraine, learned cheesemaking by trial, error, and sheer stubbornness—and why the terroir of the Southern Adirondacks is baked into every wheel they produce.

You’ll hear about the goats who rode cross-country, the historic butter cellar that turned into an aging cave, the community that carried them through lean winters, and the tough choices they’re facing now as they look for the right partner to help Nettle Meadow’s next chapter unfold. If you’ve ever daydreamed about ditching a soul-crushing job for something wilder and more meaningful, this one’s for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• How a burned-out toxic-tort lawyer in Oakland fell in love with a tiny goat farm listing and convinced her partner to move to Thurman, NY.
• The origin story of Kunik—why Sheila calls it “a buttery brie with a goat kick at the end,” and how Nigerian dwarf goats tricked them into thinking they were instant cheese geniuses.
• Growing from 36 goats to close to a thousand animals: hybrid “all-American” goats, Jersey cows, sheep, and a whole lot of retired and differently abled residents living their best lives.
• Why Adirondack terroir matters: goats munching nettles and raspberry leaf, loamy soil, and a 19th-century butter cellar that shaped the flavor of their cheeses.
• The brutal first winters—ice storms, deep snow, generators, and the moment Sheila almost put the farm back up for sale.
• How and why Nettle Meadow took on the historic Hitching Post Tavern near Lake George, and turned a dude-ranch roadhouse into an Adirondack cheese tavern and production hub.
• Tips for pairing Nettle Meadow cheeses with mac and cheese, salads, flatbreads, and more—plus how the menu gently converts “goat cheese skeptics.”
• Where to find Nettle Meadow cheeses across the country, from NYC specialty shops to regional grocers and national chains.
• Sheila’s honest look at growth, finances, and why they’re now seeking an investor to help sustain the mission—and possibly relocate the sanctuary closer to Lake Luzerne.
• Her advice for anyone dreaming of a big life change: what she’d do differently, and why she still says “go for it.”

Resources:

• Learn more at www.nettlemeadow.com
• Nettle Meadow Farm & Artisan Cheese
• Hitching Post Tavern
• Toad Hill Maple Farm
• Friends Lake Inn
• Oscar’s Smokehouse
• Martins Lumber

Produced by NOVA

Where else can your morning class involve snowshoes, your lab take place in a 100-year-old white pine stand, and your campus stretch across 14,000 acres of Adirondack wilderness? Paul Smith’s College is a place where learning happens in the field — sometimes literally — and that’s precisely why we love it.

This week on ADK Talks, we head to the shores of Lower St. Regis Lake with Dr. Brett McLeod, Dean of Faculty and Professor of Natural Resources, to explore what makes Paul Smith’s unlike any other college in the country. From forestry and fish restoration to culinary arts, climate resilience, and the beloved Visitor Interpretive Center, the “College of the Adirondacks” blends outdoor tradition with forward-thinking science, community partnerships, and a whole lot of boots-on-the-ground experience.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• How a 19th-century wilderness hotel on Lower St. Regis Lake evolved into Paul Smith’s College — and why forestry, hospitality, and the liberal arts still anchor its identity.
• What it means to have a campus where every classroom door opens directly into the forest — including wildlife labs, winter ecology lessons, and fieldwork 20 steps from the parking lot.
• The story behind Paul Smith’s VIC: its origins with the APA, its role as a community hub, and why it’s one of the most accessible entry points for visitors curious about the college.
• How students earn a real Adirondack advantage through internships, DEC partnerships, guest speakers, and a strong pipeline into regional conservation and recreation careers.
• A favorite tale of “Adirondack resilience in action”: draft horses and students hauling 20 tons of lime across the ice to restore remote brook trout habitat.
• A primer on modern forestry — long time horizons, carbon, wildlife, timber, and the art of thinking 100 years into the future.
• New initiatives that broaden the college’s reach: artisan culinary training, specialized institutes, and programs like Battlefish Academy for veterans seeking a path into guiding and small business.
• How the Adirondack Watershed Institute works to protect lakes, prevent invasives, and educate boaters — and why firewood rules matter more than you think.
• A quick detour to a host favorite: the hike up St. Regis Mountain and its restored fire tower with views over the St. Regis Lakes chain.

Resources:

• Paul Smith’s College
• Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)
• Adirondack Watershed Institute
• St. Regis Canoe Area
• Adirondack Park Agency

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of ADK Talks, we climb aboard what we’re calling the Holiday Express and take you on a whirlwind tour of the Adirondacks in winter. From Old Forge to Lake Placid, Tupper Lake to Ticonderoga and Lake George, we share our favorite ways to spend the holidays in the Park: where to ski, where to shop small, and where to find the kind of pie that could start a family rivalry.

We talk through listener FAQs (“What is there to do if I’m up for Christmas? New Year’s? MLK weekend?”) and give you our best practical tips—like why you should rent skis ahead of time and how to find events where your ticket or donation stays local.

What you’ll hear about:

• Holiday browsing in Old Forge & Inlet, from hardware-store gems to cozy local shops.
• A Blue Mountain Lake pairing: the ADKX gift shop and homemade diner comfort food.
• Classic films, live shows, and community energy at the Indian Lake Theater.
• Planning the perfect Gore Mountain ski day, plus North Creek and Chestertown stops.
• Winter fun at Ridin-Hy Ranch and the best comfort bites around Schroon Lake.
• Lake Placid’s Holiday Village Stroll and the beloved Santa Sunday at Whiteface.
• Skating under the lights on the Lake Placid Olympic Oval.
• Saranac Lake’s family-friendly North Country New Year festivities.
• Must-stop pies and pastries at the Noonmark Diner in Keene Valley.
• Tupper Lake’s magical Wild Lights and evening wander at The Wild Center.
• Adirondack Coast highlights, including Rulf’s Orchard and NewVida Preserve.
• Exploring Ticonderoga’s Star Trek Set Tour and local holiday traditions.
• Lake George cruises, cheese and spirits, winter markets, and the New Year’s polar plunge.

Resources:

• Old Forge Hardware
• Adirondack Experience (ADKX) – Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
• Indian Lake Theater Indian Lake Theater
• Gore Mountain Ski Area, Gore Mountain
• The Wild Center – Wild Lights
• Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll
• Santa Sunday at Whiteface Mountain
• North Country New Year – Saranac Lake
• Star Trek Original Series Set Tour – Ticonderoga
• Nettle Meadow Farm & The Hitching Post Tavern
• Lake George Waterfront Cruises

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we explore what it really means to eat locally in the Adirondacks — not just during summer’s peak produce season, but all year long, even through deep winter. We sit down with Bella Susino, Program Leader of Adirondack Harvest, the regional initiative (housed within Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County) connecting people, farms, forests, and communities across the North Country.

Bella takes us from the grassroots origins of Adirondack Harvest in the early 2000s to the vibrant, ever-growing local food scene of today. We talk drought, climate resiliency, winter markets, CSA culture, local economic impact, and why “buying local” is really an investment in your neighbors, community health, and even the ecosystem.

Along the way, we get into farm-to-school programs, the challenges behind digital marketing for small farms, how restaurants can be better partners, and why Essex County remains the beating agricultural heart of the Adirondack Park.

And yes — we also get a peek behind the scenes of the beloved Adirondack Harvest Festival, plus Bella’s heartfelt ode to Raquette Lake and a gentle reminder that some backcountry treasures should stay off the map.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Adirondack Harvest grew from grassroots farmland protection efforts into the region’s most comprehensive local food network.
• Why Essex County is the agricultural “breadbasket” of the Adirondacks — and how drought and new weather patterns are reshaping farm life.
• Winter farmers markets: where to find them, what to expect, and how to discover year-round local products.
• The real economic impact of buying local — and why co-ops, farm stands, and direct-from-farm bulk buying matter.
• Bella’s favorite success stories connecting farms to restaurants, schools, and hospitals (including seed potatoes, microgreens, and local food in the Saranac Lake Medical Center).
• New initiatives for 2026: cuisine trails, international food trails, increased digital help for farms, and expanded education efforts.
• The roots and evolution of the Adirondack Harvest Festival — from its Rutabaga Festival beginnings to 3,000-visitor celebrations today.
• Why Leave No Trace matters far beyond hiking… and what “old-world Adirondack living” really means.

Resources:

• Adirondack Harvest
• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County
• Essex Food Hub
• Big Slide Brewery
• Kneading Change: How Triple Green Jade Farm is Rising Together
• Leave No Trace Principles
• Nori’s Village Market

Produced by NOVA