Featuring the incredible terrain of Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, the 2024 Empire State Winter Games features fun courses and distances for all ability levels.
The new race venue at Saranac Lake's Dewey Mountain Recreation Center was a huge hit in 2023, so we're going back to The Dew with new courses that mix wide cross country ski trails with singletrack designed for mountain biking. Whether your new to fat biking or racing is your jam, we've got a race for you. Just check out the 2023 recap.
Best of all, the race schedule allows you and your family to enjoy the lighting of the world famous Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace on Saturday evening, plus you can also join (or watch) the free Blue Buns Wheel-a-Palooza bathing suit bike ride from the Ice Palace beginning at 1p on Sunday.
Date: Saturday, February 3
Location: Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, Saranac Lake
Mileage: Beginner, Intermediate & Expert Distances
Participation Cap: 100 Riders
Pricing: Starting at $30
Benefits: Adirondack Sports Council
ESWG registration is just $45 for adults and $30 for kids 17 and under. Medals will be awarded for the top three racers from each distance option and within each age category for men and women. Plus, the 2024 race will include professional timing with numbers on bikes rather than race bibs.
NOTE: This is a special event. Fat bikes will only be allowed on the trails at Dewey Mountain during the event time window on February 3.
THE RACES
These are cross country style races utilizing a mix of groomed XC trails and firmly packed singletrack. Put simply, whatever your ability level, you'll have fun, and have a chance to hoist some ESWG hardware.
The races will take place with three distance options (exact courses TBD):
- Beginners & Kids
- Intermediate
- Expert
CATEGORIES
Medals will be awarded for the top three racers from each distance option and within each age category for men and women.
- 12 & under
- 13-17
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60+
RIDER EXPERIENCES
"The ESWG's provide a great balance between providing an opportunity for competition while being inclusive, rewarding all participants with encouragement and a sense of accomplishment. Using exclusively age categories for awards gives participants the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with athletes in their own age class." - William, Morrisonville, NY
"I've participated in a few BikeADK events to far -- road, gravel and fat bike -- all of them superbly organized, with much attention to detail. I will be back for more events, so much fun." - Andreas, Potsdam, NY
"It was very well run... grooming was perfect, great course layout, and kept people interested well after the race, while also promoting events in town the weekend of to stay busy. BikeADK ran this event like professionals that had been doing this a long time." - Justin, Elmira, NY
Event Schedule
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3*
- 9a - Lodge open & on-site registration
- 9-10a - Training on the course
- 1030a - Races start
- Awards immediately following the race
FREE SARANAC LAKE WINTER CARNIVAL BONUS EVENTS
- 7p - Saturday, Feb. 3 - Lighting of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace and Opening Fireworks
- 1p - Sunday, Feb. 4. - Blue Buns Wheel-a-Palooza Bathing Suit Bicycle Ride
Plus a full schedule of other Winter Carnival Events.
*Subject to change
Routes
Faqs
What does registration cost and include?
Registration is just $45 for riders 18 and up and $30 for those 17 and under. It includes:
- Entry into XC race of your choice
- Professional race management and fully buffed courses
- Hot dogs & marshmallows by the campfire
- BikeADK Sticker
- Adirondack Life Magazine
- A lot of fun
What is the event schedule?
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3*
- 9a - Lodge open & on-site registration
- 9-10a - Training on the course
- 1030a - Races start
- Awards immediately following the race
FREE SARANAC LAKE WINTER CARNIVAL BONUS EVENTS
- 7p - Saturday, Feb. 3 - Lighting of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace and Opening Fireworks
- 1p - Sunday, Feb. 4. - Blue Buns Wheel-a-Palooza Bathing Suit Bicycle Ride
Plus a full schedule of other Winter Carnival Events.
*Subject to change
LODGING
There is no better place to stay in Saranac Lake than the Saranac Waterfront Lodge, our official lodging partner. Not only are the rooms crazy comfortable, but they also have lakefront views, which includes a birds eye look at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace and fireworks.
Click HERE to take advantage of a special event package.