As the winter whites begin to cover the town of Tupper Lake, the Tupper Lake Golf Club transforms into a glorious groomed cross-country ski center. The continuously growing network of trails includes a series of loops that will offer an enjoyable experience for cross-country skiers and snowshoers of all abilities. And there is fantastic sledding! 

Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing

This free and dog-friendly trail system is meticulously maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers in conjunction with the town of Tupper Lake. It is groomed for classic cross-country skis, but skate lanes are also available on some of the wider trails. Snowshoes and fat tire bikes are also welcome, but it is requested that snowshoers remain on the sides of the trails. 

The James C. Frenette Sr. Recreational Trails connect the Tupper Lake Golf Club to Big Tupper. The six main trails (Golf Course Loop, Cranberry Pond Loop, Little Logger Loop, Big Tupper Trail, and Skidder Trail) offer a variety of terrain and scenic vistas. 

Recent additions include the new lights along some of the trails to allow for easier night skiing. Headlamps are still recommended.

Trail Descriptions

Golf Course: Beginner. A gentle, wide trail that follows the fairways of the Tupper Lake Golf Club. There are only a few short hills on this loop. 1.38 mi. 

Little Logger: Intermediate. This trail takes you from the backside of Cranberry Pond to the "Big Corner" and back. With 100' of elevation change, you will go through hardwood forest, spruce swamp, and upper elevation hardwoods. 1.38 mi.

Skidder: Intermediate-Advanced. This wide trail takes you across the top of several glades that are skiable with good snow coverage. 0.31 mi.

Skidder Ridge: Intermediate-Advanced. With the same start and end points as "Skidder", this trail takes you along the ridge overlooking Cranberry Pond. 0.20 mi.

Hull's Brook: Intermediate - Advanced. This loop provides a challenging ski right near the beginning of the trails. 0.77 mi.

Big Tupper: Intermediate. This trail takes you from the "Big Corner" to the parking area at Big Tupper. The trail has been completely redone with minimal elevation gain. 0.40 mi.

Lollipop Loop: Beginner. If it is your first time on skis this is the trail for you. Flat and wide, this trail starts and ends right at the parking lot. 0.31 mi.

Walk/Bike: A trail specifically groomed for fat tire biking, this is also a great trail to use if you are looking to get out for a walk or snowshoe. 1.88 mi.

Events 

Throughout the season the center hosts a variety of events including full moon parties with a bonfire, fun ski races, and the annual BrewSki, which allows skiers and snowshoes 21 and older to hit the trails and sample local brews along a 1.5-mile beer trail!

Sledding Hill

The sledding hill at the James C. Frenette Sr. Recreation Trails is also free and open to the public. So grab the snow tubes, toboggans, sleds, or whatever it may be to experience the giant slide in the snow. 

More information

How to get there

From the village of Tupper Lake, take Route 30 south toward Long Lake. After you pass the Tupper Lake Boat Launch you will see a sign for Big Tupper Ski Area and the Tupper Lake Golf Club on your left. Take a left there, on Country Club Road. Follow the road for approximately a half mile and turn left into the golf course parking lot. Trail maps are available at the pro shop.

Maps and Brochures

Cross-country Ski Center Brochure

Cross-country Ski Center Map