ADK Talks
ADK Talks brings you the stories behind the people, places, and things to do in the Adirondack Park of New York State. With 6 million acres, the Adirondacks are the ultimate playground.
We take you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of one of America's most breathtaking regions. Just like we do on our website, adktaste.com, our podcast uncovers the hidden gems of the Adirondacks, offering hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay, eat, shop and do in the Adirondack Park.
But this isn't just about places. It's about the people who make the Adirondacks so special and unique. In each episode, we talk to people from all walks of life—restauranteurs, farmers, innkeepers, historians, artists, local leaders, writers, hikers, and more. Hear real stories about what they do, their passions, and how they found their way here.
And they'll share their insider tips on the best things to see and do in the Adirondacks – insights you won't find anywhere else.
So subscribe now to ADK Talks to get real stories from real people, sharing the real Adirondacks.
You can also visit us online at adktaste.com.
ADK Talks
Cold, Wet, and Unprepared: What Really Happens When Winter Hikers Underestimate the Adirondacks
Winter in the Adirondacks can feel otherworldly. Snow-draped trees, hushed trails, bluebird summit days, and the kind of stillness that only comes when the temperature drops. It can also turn dangerous fast.
In this episode of ADK Talks, we welcome back Jeff Berry and Elena Lumby from Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks (SARNAK) for an honest, practical, and sometimes chilling conversation about the realities of winter hiking. From hypothermia and headlamp failures to summit fever and post-holing, Jeff and Elena share real stories from the field and lessons learned the hard way.
This episode is essential listening if you are planning winter hikes around MLK Weekend, Presidents’ Day, or anytime snow and cold are part of the equation.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- Why winter hiking is so magical and why it demands respect
- How quickly hypothermia can set in, even close to the trailhead
- What “be bold, start cold” actually means in practice
- Why two headlamps are non-negotiable, and phones don’t count
- The dangers of sweat, wet clothing, and poor heat management
- Why signing trail registers and sharing trip plans saves lives
- A true story involving a winter hike, summit fever, and a baby on Cascade
- How the 10 Essentials change in winter conditions
- Snowshoes, post-holing, and why it’s a ticketable offense in the High Peaks
- How to build skills safely through classes, guides, and local resources
Resources:
- Into the Wild: Search and Rescue in the Adirondacks
- SARNAK
- Hike Safe New York
- Mountain Forecast
- Adirondack Mountain Club
- Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)
- The Mountaineer (Keene Valley)
- High Peaks Information Center (Mount Jo area)
- Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), Newcomb
- Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
- Wilderness Medical Associates
- REI
- Cavu Café (Adirondack Regional Airport, Lake Clear)
- Left Bank Café (Saranac Lake)
- Origin Coffee (Saranac Lake)
- Capisce (Lake Placid)
Produced by NOVA