One of the first on the snow this week at Gore was Craig Keenedy. "Amazing! Snowed all day.. great conditions," Craig told us.

Expect big crowds -- all 93 trails will be open -- including the inter-connector to the ski bowl -- with 13 chairlifts and the gondola.

And the sledders of our area were finally able to rejoice: those trails have enough snow for some real action.

"Hip, hip, hooray," was the response from Dwayne Anderson, head of the Schroon-North Hudson Snowmobile Club.

Restaurants along trail routes are hoping to see packed parking lots, filled with sleds.

And we are awaiting word if the town ski tow will be up and running this weekend.

Meanwhile, we can only imagine the delight of area snowshoers.

A little further south at Brant Lake, there's the huge annual Winter Carnival.

Jane Smith, from the East Shore Schroon Lake Association tells us there's a ton of fun to be had, starting at 11am through dusk, when a fireworks show begins!.

The action takes place just off Jimbo’s Club at the Point with games for all age.

"Food, bonfire and events such as the Outhouse Race, Ice Bowling, Snow Sculpting...added this year will be Ladies’ Fry Pan Toss (hmm). It’s presented by the Tri-Lakes Business Alliance who are doing great things for the area," Jane tells us.

And for something off the snow beaten path, why not go on an adventure at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Pottersville.

From the good folks at Stone Bridge:

“All trails are in EXCELLENT condition after the recent snowstorm. Here a few pics from our trail inspection this am. Shown are the "Bobcat Ledges" and the start of the "Hidden Pass Trail".