WINTER ADIRONDACK

Adventure Weekend

February 5-8, 2026

To learn more about Adventure Weekend, call the Front Desk at: (518) 548-4311 ext. 0

Led by guide Joe Tibbles, this retreat is a chance to break away from the noise and into a weekend of outdoor adventure and Christ-centered fellowship in the winter wonderland of the Adirondacks. Enjoy comfortable lodging at COTW and three days immersed in exciting excursions, all designed to inspire connection with God, nature, and each other. Whether you're coming solo, with a friend, or as a family, this weekend offers space to reset, recharge, and reconnect.

Meet Your Adventure Guide

Joe Tibbles

Joe is our current Recreation Director and one of our LIFT Program Outdoor Guides. He leads a variety of outdoor excursions throughout the year, bringing energy, experience, and a love for outdoor challenges to every trip.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness EMT, and Licensed NYS Guide

Jump into Your Weekend Itinerary

  • Thursday

    ARRIVE AT COTW

    Settle into your accommodations, enjoy dinner at Purdy Dining Room, and kick off the weekend with a snowshoe lesson, introductions, and team-building activities.

  • Friday

    GROOMED CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

    After breakfast and a time of spiritual reflection, head to Lapland Lake Ski Center for a day on groomed trails—perfect for building confidence and enjoying scenic winter landscapes. Enjoy a warm lunch in the lodge and return to COTW for dinner. Then, gather for a debrief and spiritual emphasis with dessert and hot chocolate.

  • Saturday

    BACKCOUNTRY CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

    Start the day with breakfast and morning reflection before heading out for a backcountry ski adventure at John Pond. Explore more remote trails through peaceful forests to a stunning Adirondack pond. Return to COTW for dinner and an evening of discussion and fellowship.

  • Sunday

    SUMMIT SNOWSHOEING

    Close out the weekend with a beautiful hike up Castle Rock with lunch on the trail. A spiritual emphasis will point you to the God who created the surrounding beauty. Then, return home feeling refreshed by a weekend away.

Explore Your Retreat Benefits

  • Lodging

    Nestled in the Adirondacks, COTW provides warm, cozy lodging and serves as your launching point for each day's guided adventure.

  • Meals

    Enjoy warm breakfasts and dinners in the Purdy Dining Room and packed lunches for the trail to keep you fueled for your excursions.

  • Adventures

    Each day features a unique winter outdoor excursion—cross-country skiing or snowshoeing—designed for every experience level and guided by experienced leaders.

  • Spiritual Focus

    This retreat is rooted in spiritual renewal and outdoor adventure. Each day is designed to help you disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect deeply with God through moments of awe in creation, guided reflections, and meaningful conversations around the fire.

Your Questions, Answered!

  • This weekend is open to those ages 12 and up.

  • This weekend is capped at 10 participants to offer a hands-on, intimate, and safe experience.

  • Your all-inclusive weekend covers lodging at COTW, all meals, guided outdoor activities (XC skiing & snowshoeing), and group gear.

  • Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 5 miles with moderate elevation gain. Ski excursions will cover about 4 miles with minimal elevation gain, and snowshoe excursion will be between 2 and 4 miles.

  • The weekend’s adventures are designed to be fun and rewarding for all skill levels. Expect sustained uphill hiking to reach the rock climbing at Shanty Cliffs and a moderate 5-mile hike up Moxham Mountain. Participants must be willing and able to hike! The climbing routes can reach up to 80 feet, but you can climb at the level that feels right for you. For whitewater rafting, experienced guides will lead you through exciting Class III and IV rapids, ensuring safety and fun along the way.

  • No, all activities are designed to be beginner-friendly. Whether it’s your first time cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, or you’re a seasoned winter adventurer, our guides will ensure you feel comfortable and safe.

  • Absolutely! We welcome individuals, couples, and families. Many solo travelers find this retreat a wonderful way to fellowship with other believers and meet like-minded adventurers.

  • Here is a list of what to pack for the weekend. COTW will provide snowshoes, skis, ski boots, and ski poles.)