Vivid Society NY

-KMR

The Empire State Winter Games 2026 (ESWG pronounced ES-WIG), held from February 5 to 8, marked the 46th edition of the Northeast’s largest Olympic-style winter sporting event. Hosted in Lake Placid and surrounding Adirondack communities—including Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Wilmington, and Paul Smiths—the Games drew an estimated 2,300 athletes ranging in age from 8 to 80. Competitions spanned over 20 winter disciplines, such as figure skating (with a record 832 participants), ice hockey (featuring a record 38 boys’ and girls’ teams from New York and neighboring states), sled hockey, biathlon, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, luge, adaptive sports, and more. The event kicked off with a celebratory Opening Ceremony on February 5 at the historic 1980 Herb Brooks Arena in the Lake Placid Olympic Center, featuring a torch lighting and community festivities that highlighted the region’s Olympic heritage.

Opening Ceremony Highlight Videos:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vividsocietyny/video/7603931070555278623

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUcIOvdjZIc

This multi-day celebration emphasized inclusivity for all ages and abilities, fostering community spirit through partnerships with local organizations, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), and regional tourism groups. Events took place across iconic venues like the Olympic Center for figure skating and hockey, Dewey Mountain for cross-country events, and various sites for sliding sports and biathlon. The Games not only showcased athletic talent but also boosted local economies and winter enthusiasm in the Adirondacks, creating memorable experiences for competitors, families, and spectators alike amid the stunning snowy landscapes.

Tags: #empirestatewintergames #eswg #eswg2026 #newyork #lakeplacid #iceskating #hockey #skiing #sledding #snowboarding