The 45th Empire State Winter Games Opening Ceremony

Chasing Dreams on Snow & Ice

The 2025 Empire State Winter Games begin on Thursday, January 30, 2025, with the Opening Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. This free, public event, themed “Chasing Dreams on Snow & Ice,” celebrates the athletes' inspiring journeys to the Games.

The ceremony will take place at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, in the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena on Main Street. The Games will run from January 30 to February 2, 2025, across Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Wilmington, and Paul Smiths.

Athlete Village

In addition to the Opening Ceremony, everyone is invited to visit the Athlete Village. Located in the Main Municipal Lot on Main Street, next to the Olympic Center, the Athlete Village is the perfect spot for family fun. Enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, sport activities, athlete interviews, a photo booth, and more!

• Friday, January 31: 4-7 p.m.
• Saturday, February 1: 12-7 p.m.

About ESWG

The Empire State Winter Games is the largest and longest continuous amateur, winter multi-sport event in the United States. This winter’s event is expected to attract winter athletes from ages eight to 80 who will compete in 24 winter sports, including sliding sports, figure skating, sled hockey, winter biking, and more. In addition to Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Paul Smiths, and Wilmington will also host events