Lake Placid is a Dream Winter Vacation Destination Hidden in the Adirondacks

An elite summer playground in the Gilded Age, Lake Placid became renowned for winter sports, hosting both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Today, skiers come from all over the East Coast to explore the trails of Whiteface Mountain.

"Lake Placid is an idyllic winter sports town, in much the same tradition as St. Moritz, Chamonix, and other iconic alpine resorts," says two-time Olympic champion and Lake Placid native Andrew Weibrecht. "As someone who grew up here and then competed all around the world, there are few places that can match the enthusiasm Lake Placid has for winter sports."

In the 19th century, families like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Carnegies built their summer homes on the many lakes in the Adirondacks. Known as Great Camps, these sprawling compounds were designed to entertain their upper-class guests. While some are still private, others are open for tours and even overnight stays.

Lake Placid continues to radiate with the energy, reinforced by Olympic fervor, the magic of the cold mountains, and the local spirit. Here's everything you need to know to plan a ski getaway to Lake Placid this winter.

When to Go

The ski season in Lake Placid, and around the Adirondacks, typically starts at the end of November when temperatures begin to drop below freezing, and can sometimes extend into mid-April. It usually starts snowing in December, but it's a toss-up between January and February if you're trying to pinpoint the month with the best snow conditions. The mountain is known to get particularly icy, so always check in with local sources about day-to-day conditions. Lake Placid is an extremely popular weekend destination for East Coast city-dwellers, so if you can swing it, it's much better to visit on a weekday.

In December, you can usher in the holiday season during the Holiday Village Stroll. This weekend event includes story time for kids and skate sessions, but everyone looks forward most to Sunday, when skiers don their Santa suits and ride down the mountain in full festive style.

Where to Stay

Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn

Lean into the history of the region with a stay at the oldest hotel in town. The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn is a boutique bed-and-breakfast with a handful of wood-paneled suites featuring forest motifs and flannel blankets as well as a classic Adirondack cabin that can accommodate up to four guests.

Mirror Lake Inn

About a half-hour from Whiteface, Mirror Lake Inn has over a century of stories to tell and has been family-owned since 1924. Guests are welcomed with a roaring fireplace in the lobby and spacious rooms decked out in an elegant, woodland-inspired style. The hotel also boasts two of the best restaurants in town: The View Restaurant for fine dining and the more casual Cottage Restaurant and Cafe.

Whiteface Lodge

Hidden in the woods just past Lake Placid, Whiteface Lodge offers a rustic-inspired luxury getaway with practically every amenity you can imagine. In addition to a spa and a heated outdoor pool, there's a 56-seat movie theater, a two-lane bowling alley, and an ice skating rink — plus a nightly campfire.

Where to Eat

Kanu

Kanu at Whiteface Lodge is one of the region's premier dining destinations. Dishes are both elegant and hearty, such as a warm brie starter with rosemary-infused maple syrup and a black truffle pasta. The dining room exudes classic grand lodge maximalism, with big windows that show off the views.

The View Restaurant

Speaking of views, Mirror Lake Inn is home to The View Restaurant, a legendary fine-dining establishment that emphasizes local ingredients and offers a spectacular lake vista. It's Lake Placid's only AAA Four Diamond Restaurant and reservations are required. During the busy season, the breakfast buffet is open to non-guests so you can try to get a table then if lunch and dinner are full.

Salt of the Earth Bistro

Salt of the Earth Bistro is another local favorite. With just nine tables, the atmosphere is intimate and incredibly romantic. Dishes are internationally inspired, so you can try everything from Portuguese cod to something closer to home like New York Strip steak. Unsurprisingly, advance reservations are recommended during peak season.

Where to Après-ski

Cloudspin Bar & Grill

The Cloudspin Bar & Grill is your best bet if you're looking for a few drinks close to the slopes. This classic après spot offers a party vibe and pub-food classics like burgers, wings, and macaroni and cheese.

Smoke Signals

When you want to offset the drinks with some rib-sticking fare, Smoke Signals back in Lake Placid has plenty of finger-licking favorites to satisfy your hunger. In addition to local brews and ciders on draft, the modern BBQ joint offers signature and seasonal cocktails.

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

Who can turn down a good beer flight after a day of skiing? At the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, you can try the award-winning microbrews alongside other quality drafts. There's also a menu packed with comfort food like pretzel bites and pizza alongside healthy options like avocado hummus and varied salad options.

Off-mountain Activities

The Lake Placid Bobsled Experience at Mt. Van Hoevenberg offers the chance to try out this niche Olympic sport on a nearly mile-long track. For something more tame, ride the Cliffside Coaster or take a few spins around the rink at the ice skating center. If you want to stay outdoors, set off on a horseback ride through the snow-covered countryside from Emerald Springs Ranch, or enjoy a dog-sled ride on frozen Mirror Lake when conditions allow. You can also immerse yourself in the landscape at The Wild Center. Set in 115 acres, this innovative science museum features a network of suspended walkways with stops that include a giant replica eagle's nest and "spider web."

A charming place to wander, downtown Lake Placid has plenty of spa and shopping options to keep you busy. Other activities include candlemaking workshops at Pure Placid and classic movie screenings at the historic Palace Theatre.

How to Ride

Tickets

Limited season passes (includes blackout dates) at Whiteface start at $769, but you can also buy the Full SKI3 Pass (no blackout dates), which also gets you access to Gore Mountain and Belleayre Mountain ski resorts. This pass offers one price for adults ages 30 to 69 (starting at $1,019) and another for twentysomethings (from $739). There are also discounts for children, teens, and seniors. One-day lift tickets for adults start at $105 if purchased in advance online. For something between a season pass and a day ticket, you could also buy the SKI3 Frequent Skier Card, which gets you 50 percent off lift tickets on weekdays and 25 percent off on weekends at all three resorts.

Rentals

At Whiteface, you can rent from the Rossignol Experience Center, but be sure to reserve your gear before you arrive. Packages range from one to five days. If you want to pick up your gear while you're in Lake Placid, you may be able to find better deals. Shops in town include High Peaks Cyclery Mountain Adventures, Cunningham's Ski Barn, and Lake Placid Ski and Board.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Home to the biggest vertical drop in the East at 3,430 feet, Whiteface has a good variety of terrain for all levels across the resort's 94 trails and 299 skiable acres: 22 percent for beginners, 41 percent for intermediate, and 37 percent for experts. There is one gondola that can carry up to eight people at a time in addition to 10 regular lifts and two conveyor lifts. At 2.1 miles, the Wilmington Trail on Lookout Mountain is the longest run. Other popular cold-weather activities near Lake Placid include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg.

Programming

Whiteface offers ski and snowboard schools for different age groups and all skill levels. Reservations are required for group lessons, which mix adults and teenagers. The resort also offers adaptive skiing lessons, available for skiers of all ages. Adaptive equipment like sit skis are included, but you will need to inquire ahead of time.