There are so many microbreweries located around the Adirondacks and more popping up every day. Though I like to visit because the beer is delicious, I really enjoy the various breweries’ connections to their neighborhoods. Each place is different. Some breweries offer a larger public house and menu while others have that intimate feel where the owners remember your name.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, Tupper Lake once again is hosting its annual Brew-Ski at the Tupper Lake Cross-Country Ski Center located at the public golf course. They have done the work for us and gathered nine local breweries in one place for a “ski to” tasting. The course is free to use, but the tastings cost $15 per person and include a commemorative tasting cup. Children are welcome to come as well as dogs. (Participants are asked to clean up after their leashed pets.)

The Brew-Ski takes place from noon to 4 p.m. and open to XC skiers as well as snowshoers. This year there are opportunities to sample craft beverages from Raquette River Brewing, Hex and Hop, Ray Brook Brewhouse, Lake Placid Pub and Brewery, Big Slide, Valcour Brewing, Oral Craft, and Blue Line with more to come. There are food and sweets available for purchase as well as some Brew-Ski swag. High Peaks Cyclery will be there to outfit anyone needing to rent ski or snowshoe equipment. They will also have fat tire bikes to test.

Last year when my friends and I joined the crowd it was a perfect outing. We didn’t stop at every pit stop but enjoyed the chance to be outside. We met people along the way and compared different craft beverages. There was also the Fire and Ice Golf Tournament happening at the same time so as we skied we could watch a crazy game of golf. The loop trail was groomed and easy to manage for all levels of skier. We enjoyed the outdoor fire pits, the camaraderie, and the relaxed atmosphere.

For those on a different time schedule and have access to a designated driver, there are microbrewery tours. A few examples are the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail in the southern Adirondacks, the Adirondack Beer Trail to the north, or the Trails and Ales Challenge. Enjoy!

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Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time guidebooks. For more family-friendly activities go to AdirondackFamilyTime.com