Two big snow mobile poker runs, a President’s Day Holiday, and the beginning of winter break for schools, could add up to an increase in tourism and dollars for area businesses, an official and area businessman said today.

Out of town sledders started rolling into Schroon Friday for the annual Schroon-North Hudson Snowmobile Club’s Annual Poker Run, and the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club’s annual Mark Heinzelman Snowmobile Poker Run, now in its 7th year.

Both events happen on Saturday, February 18. Click here for more details.

And there’s no shortage of things to do for the non-sled crowd. Tonight is the last in the winter film series at the Schroon Lake Central School. The film Creed starts tonight at 6:30pm in the auditorium. There are more films at the Schroon Lake Library Saturday.

And if weather conditions are just right, the Town Youth Commission hosts ice-skating at the basketball courts near the Town Park at the Ice Skate Hut, with skates and free hot chocolate. Saturdays at 1 pm – 3 pm and Tuesdays at 3:30pm – 5pm. At other times, weather permitting, it can be used for pick up hockey games.

And let’s clap it up for The Town Ski Tow. Weather permitting it’s open this Saturday, February 18 through to the 26th, from 10am to 4pm. Call (518) 532-7737 for more information.

Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Whitty-Brown the snow and freezing temps in the last few weeks (snow alone 12 plus inches in the last week) is good for business.

"The last few weeks Schroon Lake has seen an substantial upbeat in winter tourism with ice fishing due to the fact that Lake Champlain and Lake George have not froze solid. This has been a great boost to our winter economy, and will help our businesses stay profitable during the toughest months they face," Tammy told Schroon Laker in an email.

"Now with the newest snow fall of over a foot of fresh snow, we are excited that not only will the town have ice fishers here for the weekend, but many snow mobilers for the Annual Schroon -North Hudson Snowmobile Club Poker Run, and the Annual Mark Heinzelman Poker Run. The trails are in prime condition, thanks to the volunteer groomers from the Schroon-North Hudson Snowmobile Club.

"Our motels, inns, stores, and restaurants are ready to greet everyone and we hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe time this weekend. The snowmobile club is asking snowmobilers to keep two things in mind when out this weekend. The first, to be aware that the ski tow and tubing hill are open. They ask that everyone stays on the trail that is designated in that area for everyone’s safety. They are also asking everyone who is not familiar with the lake to please ask a local for instructions on where it is safe to enter and exit the lake. Sadly, there have been over 10 snowmobilers that have gone through local Adirondack lakes due to the inconsistent freezing process this year. If you are not sure just ask, someone will be willing to help you and guide you in the right direction.

Area restaurants couldn't be happier with the confluence of events that will bring folks here.

"It's going to be great for everyone. We'd like to have the two Poker Runs on different weekends, but we have had unbelievable traffic from sledders the last few weekends," said Steve Holmes, co-owner of Sticks and Stones.

As of this writing The Tumble Inn was fully booked for the weekend, except for one room tonight.