INTEL: LAKE GEORGE TO SARATOGA, THE ICE BARS MAKING WINTER FUN AGAIN
With sub-zero temps and over 16 inches of snow slamming winter upstate we had to check out the ice bars last weekend. I rounded up an Italian expat, a French expat + a Colorado ski instructor to hit the ice bars at Lakeside at the Fort William Henry Hotel + the 10th Annual Funky Ice Fest at Adirondack Pub & Brewery in Lake George Village. Who says Lake George is only fun in summer? Bundle up + get out to the ice bars and Winter Carnival this weekend too.
Ice, ice, baby. Head north to Lake George for hot toddies at the ice bar. (We have some extra February plans too.)
Words + photos: Susie Davidson Powell
Hot toddies. Loaded chili. Lake views—frozen, of course. The mild winters of 2023 and 2024 closed Adirondack ski resorts and melted the Lake George Ice Castles. By 2025, the organizers of the $3 million dollar attraction decided not to bring it back. Inflatable snow globes have popped up on patios where ice bars were once stood. But a few ice bars are still braving it and the Lake George Winter Carnival is this weekend. The Sagamore brought much of their operation under awnings + tucked the experience behind a $35 entry ticket. This year our favorite winter-loving bar, The Gem, in Bolton Landing offered table-side ice experiences—like chiseling your own ice cube—in place of their carved ice bar luge. So we ventured to Lake George Village to check out their ice bars in advance of the Lake George Winter Carnival this weekend.
Fire & Ice Bar at Fort William Henry, Lake George Village
48 Canada Street, Lake George | Fire & Ice Bar at Fort William Henry Hotel
When: Jan. 30 - Feb. 1
Time: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday
Free.
Walk through the Lakeside Restaurant and Lounge at Fort William Henry Hotel to their lake-facing ice bar, ice sculptures including ice cannons, live music, fire pits, smoker chili and specialty cocktails. Executive Chef John Holmes is making is his famous Texas-style chunky beef chili topped with sweet housemade bread and butter pickles. It’s superb.
Funky Ice Fest at Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Lake George Village
33 Canada Street, Lake George Village | Funky Ice Fest at Adirondack Pub & Brewery
When: January 30 + 31
Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Free.
The family-friendly 10th Annual Funky Ice Fest at the Adirondack Pub & Brewery is your after hours stop with fireplaces, hand-carved ice sculptures by the Adirondack Carvers Coop in Queensbury, glowing ice installations, a large outdoor ice bar inlaid with vinyl records and an ice lounge draped in faux fur throws. A specialty drinks menu features spirits from High Peaks Distilling and Carr’s Distillery next door so grab a piping hot spiked toddy and boogey away with the new friends you’ll meet around the firepit while warming your fingers and avoiding the sparks. This year’s theme is Studio 54 so they have a DJ running back seventies and eighties tracks. You’ll end up dancing with strangers of all ages. Head inside when you can’t feel your feet.
More ice bar options in February!
The Ice Bar at The Lagoon
204 Canada Street, Lake George. | Ice Bar at The Lagoon
When: Jan. 31, February 14-15, 21 and 28
Time: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The ice bar at The Lagoon starts this weekend and runs concurrently with the Lake George Winter Carnival with fire pits, live music, specialty cocktails, and fireworks each Saturday.
The Gem, Bolton Landing
4983 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing | The Gem’s Ice Bar
When: Jan. 30 + 31
Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Time to come out of hibernation Ice Bar weekend. Doing things a little differently this year, you can carve your own ice cube from an ice block, order ice block martinis at the bar or tableside and craft your own Old fashioned on ice. Food specials, cocktail specials, caviar! Book a table on Resy. Diners will be able to participate in icy experiences.
The Lodge at Schroon Lake
210 Registration Way, Schroon Lake | Fire and Ice Weekend at The Lodge at Schroon Lake
When: Feb. 13 and 14
Time: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day
A little later in February than the other ice bars, the Lodge at Schroon Lake is hosting a family-friendly weekend with an ice bar, s’mores, live music and a showing of Disney Pixar’s “Elemental.” View the itinerary on their website.
Bailey’s
37 Phila Street, Saratoga | Bailey’s Ice Bar
When: Feb. 21 and 22
Time: Starts 6 p.m. on Feb. 21 + 3 p.m. on Feb. 22
Thank god for Bailey’s in Saratoga—the last ice bar in Saratoga Springs and the latest weekend. Bailey’s plans include an ice bar, ice shots, and drink specials themed around a Pirate Takeover.