Whiteface Mountain Resort Ski Resort

Home of the 1980 Winter Olympics and dedicated to the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, Whiteface Mountain Resort opened in 1958 and is one of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks in Wilmington, New York.

Summer activities include mountain biking, hiking and 4X4 tours. Skiers and boarders will enjoy the varied terrain and amazing views. Additional winter activities include bobsledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, luge rides and visiting the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.

Where Is Whiteface Mountain Resort Located?

The resort is about five hours away from New York City and Boston, and two and half hours from Albany, New York. It’s about five and half hours from Toronto. The major surrounding airports are Albany; Burlington, Vermont; and Montreal, Quebec. Car rentals are available at all these airports. The nearest airport is the Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK), which is 16 miles from Lake Placid. Bus service to Lake Placid is offered by Adirondack Trailways.

With the biggest vertical drop of the eastern ski resorts (3,430 feet), Whiteface, NY, offers 288 skiable acres serviced by 12 lifts, including one gondola. The ski area's summit elevation of 4,867 feet offers access to 87 named trails and 53 acres of glades skiing. Four terrain parks entertain freestylers.

The highest skiable terrain is 4,650 feet, and base elevation is 1,220 feet. The longest trail run is on Whiteface: Wilmington Trail, which is 2.1 miles long. The terrain is 20% beginner, 42% intermediate and 38% expert. Snowmaking covers 99% of the terrain and includes 335 snowguns and 40 miles of pipe. Average snowfall is 190 inches, and the ski season runs from November until about mid-April.

Skip the main parking lot, and head to Bears Den. It has a lot of parking as well as a ski school for beginners, dining and a nice lodge. If you want to head to the main mountain, take the shuttle or lifts. Avoid long gondola lines by staying on the mountain as long as possible. You should stop for lunch early to avoid long waits.

Expert skiers should head to The Slides, which are double black diamond trails. Nordic trails are available on the mountain for cross-country skiers. Rental gear is available at the Main Base Lodge and Bear Den Lodge. There are also many shops at the resort and lessons for all ages, including Play-n-Ski, Riglet Park and Future Medalist for kids four to six.