Empire State Winter Games return to Saranac Lake at a new, more rider-friendly, venue. Say hello to Dewey Mountain!

That's right, after a couple of fun (and physically challenging) years at Mt. Pisgah, the Empire State Winter Games Winter Bike races will once again be held at Dewey Mountain for 2025. Since Dewey is the community nordic venue, it features wide, fully groomed trails that are perfect for riders of all ages and abilities. 

This awesome venue, owned by the Town of Harrietstown, also features a new modern lodge and plenty of public cross-country and snowshoe trails to explore. We'll spice up the event this year with an outdoor bonfire and a few other family fun surprises. Plus, we plan to be finished racing by 4p, which gives you plenty of time to grab some dinner in town before taking in the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace lighting and opening fireworks that evening.

SCHEDULE:
9a - Lodge Open & On-Site Check In
9-10a - Training On Course
10:05a - Pre-race Athlete Meeting
1030a - Races Start
Awards immediately following the race

*Fat tire bikes are only allowed on the trails of Dewey Mountain during the event time on Saturday, February 1, 2025.*

THE RACES
Only cross-country races will be held this year, but the new venue and groomed terrain allow us to run multiple race distance options and add more age categories. Put simply, whatever your ability level, you'll have fun and have a better chance to hoist some ESWG hardware.

The races will take place on a singular 1.4-mile loop (+123 ft / -115 ft elevation) with three distance options:

• Beginners & Kids - 1 lap (1.4 miles)
• Intermediate - 3 laps (4.2 miles)
• Expert - 5 laps (7 miles) 

ENTRY CATEGORIES
Registration is to be determined. 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+

OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This is a special event. Fat bikes will only be allowed on the trails at Dewey Mountain during the event time window on February 4.