Your Perfect Ski Trip Awaits in Lake Placid, New York

Sponsored by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Lake Placid 

Lake Placid, which has hosted two Winter Olympics, is one of America’s most iconic winter destinations. Olympic history, one of America’s most renowned ski resorts, and small-town mountain charm combine for a winter experience that you’ll find nowhere else. Let the following guide show you the perfect ski trip that awaits in Lake Placid, New York. 

Skiing At Whiteface Mountain 

Whiteface Mountain, located just 13 miles from Lake Placid in Wilmington, New York, lays claim to the greatest vertical drop in the East at 3,430 feet. Its diverse terrain offers something for everyone, from first timers to seasoned experts. Beginners and intermediates will find plenty to love on wide, meticulously groomed trails that wind across the mountain. Meanwhile, more seasoned skiers and riders will appreciate the fact that one-third of the terrain is advanced, featuring everything from steeps to glades to moguls to technical challenges. The crown jewel is The Slides, 35 acres of steep, narrow double-black chutes that open when conditions and safety allow. 

If you’re new to skiing and riding, don’t let Whiteface Mountain’s Winter Olympic history or vertical intimidate you. Whiteface is the perfect place to learn thanks to the Bear Den Learning Center, featuring excellent learning terrain for first-time skiers and snowboarders and professional instructors who make it as much about fun as learning. Whiteface offers a variety of group and private lessons for every type of skier and rider. They also have an Adaptive Snowsports Program for adults and children with disabilities. 

What To Do Off The Slopes In Lake Placid 

Whiteface Mountain is just the beginning of the winter adventures in and around Lake Placid. Experience Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy firsthand at the Mt Van Hoevenberg venue in North Elba, located 9 miles from Lake Placid’s village center. Those who prefer the speed of Nordic skiing will find 55-plus kilometers (34 miles) of groomed cross-country trails for all abilities at Mt Van Hoevenberg. New to cross-country skiing? Take a lesson from one of their certified instructors. 

For a truly Lake Placid Olympic experience at Mt Van Hoevenberg, get tickets for the Skeleton Experience. Or, if you visit during the warmer months, hop on the Cliffside Coaster, the longest mountain coaster in the United States. The Olympic theme continues with the 100- and 128-meter jumps at the Olympic Jumping Complex nearby. An elevator takes you to the top of the 128-meter jump, providing incredible views of Lake Placid and the Adirondack Mountains. 

More winter activities abound. One of the most uniquely Lake Placid experiences, if you time your visit right, during the heart of winter is the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute, where guests walk up the 30-foot-high structure before sledding down the ice-covered chute onto the frozen Mirror Lake. Note that it’s usually only open for a short window of time in February. Other fun winter activities in Lake Placid include dog sledding, ice skating, and snowmobiling. 

As the sun sets, the action turns to the great restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms that dot Lake Placid. Toast to the day’s adventures with local craft beer at Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, sip cocktails with mountain views at Top of the Park, or savor comfort food at beloved local restaurants like Lisa G’s or The View Restaurant at the Mirror Lake Inn, which is Lake Placid’s only AAA four-diamond fine dining restaurant. 

Plan Your Trip 

• Getting there. Lake Placid is a five-hour drive, without traffic, from New York City. New York City travelers can also take Amtrak. Or, fly to the Lake Placid region from several cities in the Northeast. Alternatively, Lake Placid is approximately a two-hour drive from international airports in Albany, New York, Burlington, Vermont, and Montreal, Quebec. 

• Getting around. Having a personal car is ideal for getting around Lake Placid. However, there is a free shuttle service, Mountain Valley Shuttle, that runs during the winter season between Lake Placid and Whiteface, with several stops in Lake Placid and Wilmington. There’s also a free trolley that runs through the business areas of Lake Placid. 

• Using your multi-resort pass. Whiteface Mountain is on The Mountain Collective, which offers two days of skiing and riding and 50% off each additional day. Whiteface is also part of the Ski3 Season Pass, which features access to Gore and Belleayre. If you’re purchasing lift tickets to Whiteface Mountain, purchase them online ahead of time to save money. 

• Where to stay. Dotting Lake Placid are stunning full-service luxury resorts, boutique hotels, charming inns, cozy cabins, cottages, and more. One of the best things about a ski trip to Lake Placid is that since Whiteface doesn’t have a traditional ski village, you can create a completely customizable trip that’s unique to your interests. Start planning your Lake Placid trip. 

Header image ©Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Lake Placid