Register to Win a Lake Placid Adventure Giveaway at Community Bank Branches
46TH Annual Empire State Winter Games Scheduled for February 5-8, 2026
46th Annual Empire State Winter Games Theme, “Where Chill Meets Will”
46TH Annual Empire State Winter Games Opening Ceremony February 5, 7 p.m.
46th Annual Empire State Winter Games Scheduled for February 5-8, 2026 in Lake Placid and Surrounding North Country Region
Registration is Open to Compete or Volunteer and be a Part of the 46th Annual Empire State Winter Games
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — The 46th Annual Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) Torch Tour is set to spark excitement across New York State, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 27, with a festive parade down Main Street in Saugerties. From there, the torch will travel west to Syracuse and Buffalo, making 13 additional stops along the way before returning to Lake Placid. The journey culminates on Thursday, Feb. 5, when the torch arrives just in time for the Opening Ceremony at the iconic Olympic Center at 7 p.m.
“The Empire State Winter Games Torch Relay is a celebration of the communities that make these Games possible,” said Adirondack Sports Council executive director Karlan Jessen. “As the torch travels across New York, it carries the spirit of connection—bringing neighbors, families, and athletes together to share in the pride of our state. It’s a reminder that the power of sport isn’t just in competition, but in the way it unites us and strengthens the bonds that define who we are.”
With title sponsor Community Bank, N.A., along with supporting sponsors Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, Della Auto Group, Stewart Shops, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, and Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, the nine-day long torch tour, accompanied by Adirondack Mac, the Games’ official mascot, will make visits to Community Bank branches, local skating clubs, area schools, clubs, and other local businesses before arriving to Lake Placid where it will light the ESWG Cauldron, officially kicking off the four-day multi- sports event and festival.
“Our customers care deeply about family, community, and opportunity, and the Empire State Winter Games reflect all three,” said Dimitar Karaivanov, President and CEO of Community Financial System Inc., the parent company of Community Bank, N.A. “The Torch Relay is iconic because it honors tradition while inspiring the next generation. We are proud to support an event that celebrates athletes of all ages and creates lasting memories for families across the state.”
Jessen added, “The torch tour represents this year’s theme, ‘Where Chill meets Will,’ as it reminds New Yorkers of their resilience and determination.”
2026 Empire State Winter Games Torch Tour stops include: Village of Saugerties, Jan. 27; Community Bank, 109 South Warren St., Syracuse, Jan. 29; Community Bank, 1091 Main St., Buffalo, Gowanda Elementary School, 450 Aldrich St., Gowanda, and Buffalo Skating Club, Cornerstone Arena, 1 Grigg Lewis Way, Lockport, Jan. 30; Community Bank, 3330 Monroe Ave., Pittsford, Jan. 31; Utica Curling Club, 8300 Clark Mills Rd., Feb. 1; Community Bank, 420 Balltown Rd., Schenectady, Feb. 2; McNulty Academy, 60 Brandt Place, Amsterdam, Feb. 3; Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, 40 Century Hill Dr., Latam, Feb. 4; and Community Bank Branches in Tupper Lake, 75 Park St., Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, 46 Broadway, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid, 2166 Saranac Ave., Feb. 5.
Fans can follow the torch tour by visiting https://viewer.mapme.com/torchtour.
At each stop on the Torch Tour, the Games’ iconic LED flame and official mascot, Adirondack Mac, will be joined by past and current Empire State Winter Games athletes, local dignitaries, representatives from sponsoring organizations, and athletes and mascots from area teams and clubs, creating an unforgettable community celebration.
Also, at each Community Bank torch tour stop, visitors can register to win a Lake Placid Adventure Giveaway. The unforgettable Adirondack experience includes a two-night getaway to Lake Placid, complete with dinner, and four Lake Placid Legacy Site Passports, which include all-access tickets to the iconic Olympic venues, and more.
The 46th annual ESWG is the largest and longest-running amateur winter multi-sport event in the United States. This winter’s event is expected to attract winter athletes from ages eight to 80 who will compete in more than 20 winter sports, including curling, Alpine skiing, sliding sports, figure skating, sled hockey, winter biking, and more. In addition to Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Utica, and Wilmington will also host events.
The Games officially kick off on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., when more than 2,500 athletes participate in Opening Ceremony being held in the Olympic Center’s Herb Brooks Arena. This year’s ESWG event theme is “Where Chill Meets Will.” This powerful message embodies the determination, resilience, and spirit that define winter athletes, while also capturing the unique blend of challenge and celebration that makes the Games a premier multi-sport winter festival. The theme will be woven throughout the four-day event, uniting competitors, spectators, and the community in honoring the grit and passion that drive winter sports.
Registration is open to be a part of February’s Empire State Winter Games. Athletes and volunteers can log onto https://empirestatewintergames.com to register.
For more information about the 46th Annual Empire State Winter Games, go to https://empirestatewintergames.com/.
Fans and athletes can also follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X, using @ESWGames and #ESWGames.