It’s time to grab your cross-country skis, snowshoes, poles, winter coats…and beer mugs? The annual Brew-Ski held at the James C. Frenette Sr. Ski Trails will once again welcome beer enthusiasts and skiers to Tupper Lake on February 22! This mile-long beer fest features some of the best groomed trails in the area and some of the finest, tastiest beer around. For those who want to combine skiing with après-ski, this is the perfect event!
At the Brew-Ski, you’ll be joined on the trail by visitors and locals alike who are all looking to shake those winter blues away with a little skiing and beer. For a small fee ($15 per person, 21+ only), you can ski to stations set up along the trails with local craft beer samples from around the region. If the beer and beautifully maintained ski trails aren’t enough, there are fire pits and food along the way. You’re never very far from your next sample!
By ski, foot, or wheel
By name, the Brew-Ski suggests participants venture on the trails by skis only. But all are welcome to join on snowshoes, or even fat bikes! In 2019, High Peaks Cyclery was on site with fat tire bikes for visitors to demo and rent. They also brought skis and snowshoes for rentals. 2020 will be no different, so don’t worry if you don’t have the proper gear to get out on the trails. The knowledgeable folks at High Peaks Cyclery will get you set up. Rental fees are only $10. For beginner skiers, there are a few small hills along the route, but nothing too serious; most of the terrain is gentle. The trails are great, and perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and riding.
Got beer?
Of course we do! The 2020 line-up includes: Raquette River Brewing (Tupper Lake), Valcour Brewing Company (Lake Placid/Plattsburgh), Oval Craft Brewing (Plattsburgh), Great Adirondack Brewing Company (Lake Placid), Lake Placid Pub & Brewery (Lake Placid), Big Slide Brewery & Public House (Lake Placid), Ray Brook Brewhouse (Ray Brook), Hex & Hop (Bloomingdale), and Blue Line Brewery (Saranac Lake). All nine of these awesome breweries will be serving up cold brews along the trail. With so much good beer to try, it will be hard to pick a favorite! In 2019, Raquette River Brewing was pouring one of my favorite beers -- their famous Mango Wheat. One thing is for certain: there will be a beer for every palate here, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
New in 2020, each sampling station will have a bluetooth speaker playing music, and there will be barrel fire pits as well. Warm up by the fire or with some sweet dance moves! The breweries will also be selling koozies, shirts, hats, and other swag.
Join us FORE fun!
If you thought golf was limited to snow-free months, you were wrong! The Brew-Ski is held in conjunction with the Tupper Lake Lion’s Club Fire & Ice Golf Tournament. Teams of three play two rounds of five holes and use the best score on a snow covered course for $60. All proceeds benefit the Lions Club and the Tupper Lake community. If your short game isn’t strong, there’s still a chance to win big! The Lion’s Club also hosts a 50/50 raffle. While the prize money total is not official until the day of, winnings from previous years have exceeded $2,000! You'll also be able to stop by the Lion's Club food truck if you work up an appetite on the links.
Brews and more
New and exciting things will continue to be announced about the Brew-Ski as we move closer to the event! Be sure to check the event page for up-to-date information. If dressing in the typical winter garb doesn't appeal to you, there is a costume contest ($5 to enter) with prizes! Categories include most original and best couple. Will you have the craziest outfit on the trails? Hungry for more? K&W Ranch and Kitchen will be selling tasty cupcakes, cookies, whoopie pies, and maybe some other delicious treats!
Of course, safety is a chief concern, so if you find yourself in need of a ride, Mac’s Safe Ride will be available to help.
The Brew-Ski runs from noon until 4:00 p.m., so be sure to stay in town for a good meal afterward. Better yet, make a weekend of it by spending the night at one of our cozy motels or inns and exploring the town. See you all on the trails. Cheers!
This week in ADK news: