These 5 Upstate Ice Bars Are Worth the Journey

Bars in NYC: they come and they go. But we recently caught word of some new watering holes that literally won’t last long.

Tuck in the hand warmers and lace up the snow boots, because today we’re counting down five Upstate ice bars that are open for a very limited time.

From martini luges to ice shuffleboard to adult cocoa, it’s the best way to beat the January blues.

Photos by The Sagamore Resort

Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge
Bundle thyself and head into 18,000 pounds of ice sculpted into a fanciful lounge in the Adirondacks. The specialty ice bar menu includes both seasonal cocktails and bites. And should your phalanges numb over, step into the resort and take advantage of their Fire & Ice package, which includes 15% off a room, two drinks per person and breakfast in the a.m.
While you’re there: Check out some ice racing on Lake George
Rest your head: On-site at The Sagamore Resort

The Sagamore Resort, 110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing (map)
January 26, 4 – 10 PM ; January 27, 12 – 10 PM.; and January 28, 12 – 4 PM
Cost: Free admission

Images from The Mill, Adelphi Hotel

Fire & Ice Bar at The Mill
Behold, the longest ice bar in all the land. Stretching 30 feet, this winter winner has ice shuffleboard on offer for some healthy competition whilst sipping hot toddies.
While you’re there: Have a soak at the Roosevelt Bath & Spa’s heavenly mineral baths
Rest your head: 20 minutes away in Saratoga, at the posh Adelphi Hotel

The Mill on Round Lake, 2121 U.S. 9, Round Lake (map) 
Fridays, 5 – 10 PM and Saturdays, 2 – 10 PM in February, except February 3, hours are 11 AM – 10 PM
Cost: Free admission

Images from the Harbor Hotel

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel Ice Bar
You thought 18,000 pounds was impressive? Try 25,000 on for size. This Watkins Glen locale is laced with ice sculptures, bars upon bars and martini ice luges. Once you’re properly frozen over, glide into the Harbor Ballroom to warm up with complimentary tastings of local beer and wine selects. Expect music and dancing to get the blood flowing and a fireworks extravaganza on Friday and Saturday night.
While you’re there: Saddle up for a snowmobiling tour
Rest your head: On-site, at the Harbor Hotel

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, 16 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen (map)
February 1-3, 5 – 9 PM
Cost: $30

Images from Lake George

The 2019 Funky Ice Festival
Two weekends, two ice bars, heaps of ice sculptures and — yes — ice beer pong. The annual event returns with disco balls, bonfires, a Bring-Your-Own-Vinyl station and local brews.
While you’re there: Hit the slopes at Gore Mountain
Rest your head: Four minutes away at the kitschy Surfside on the Lake Hotel

Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Lake George (map)
January 25 – 26 & February 1 – 2
Cost: Free admission

Image from Longfellows Hotel and Tavern

Prime Polar Ice Bar & Lounge
An ice bar for a good cause? Sold. The Prime Polar experience benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Not that it’s tough to be lured otherwise. On offer will be live music for cuttin’ a rug (er, rink), steamy cocoa, gratis koozies, cigars, games, giveaways and grown-up libations.
While you’re there: Skate it up at Saratoga Spa State Park
Rest your head: Three minutes away at the cozy Longfellows Hotel & Tavern

Prime at Saratoga National, 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs (map)
February 23, 6:30 – 10:30 PM and February 24, 12 – 4 PM
Cost: Online for $20 or $40 for both days. Day-of tickets are $25.

Main image from The Sagamore Resort