Things to do / Travel Guide
City dwellers needn't travel far from the city limits to reach Lake Placid and the Adirondack Mountains when winter hits. Made famous by Olympic and Snowboard World Cup athletes, the Lake Placid area is a suitable vacation get away no matter what your equipment of choice is to plummet down some of the best vertical drops on the East Coast.
Skiing in and around Lake Placid
Having hosted both the Olympic Winter Games and 2007 World Cup Snowboarding competitions, it's no wonder that Whiteface Mountain is so famous. Its steep 3,430 feet of vertical drop is enough to give anyone a thrill. Rated as one of the top 3 ski destinations by SKI Magazine, Whiteface Mountain has 76 trails running for 18 miles and spread over 225 acres of skiable terrain. 65 of those acres are tree, or out-of-bounds, territory for a twist on the normal up and down action found on other trails. Although it primarily is geared for experienced skiers, Whiteface also has the “Easy Acres;” a dedicated beginners' area with a lodge and its own lifts. It also has the “kids kampus” with its safe and fun learning environment. Snowboarders can choose from among 5 terrain and freestyle parks, which include a children's progression park and the Bear Superpipe.
Cross-country and telemark skiers have one of the widest selections of where to go in the Lake Placid area, with 12 separate centers for their sport. Ambitious riders can tackle the Jackrabbit Trail, a 50km stretch that runs through the towns of Keene, Paul Smith's, and around Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. It also crosses through 4 ski centers, and has several backcountry options. Cascade Cross-Country Center presents a system of 20km of groomed trails and has onsite a ski shop, lessons, dormitory lodging, and a rustic bar. The trails connect with Mt. Van Hoevenberg and the Jackrabbit Trail. Each center has its own set of trails, groomed and track set, some offer ski and stay packages, and all offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Lake Placid and Adirondack Mountains, no matter which part of the trail riders are on.
When it comes time to rest the head and fill the belly, there are a range of choices available from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. Jackrabbit Hostel provides backpacker rates with a lounge and kitchen available, while conveniently being located two miles from Mt. Van Hoevenberg and the Cascade Cross-country Complex. The Crowne Plaza Resort runs a full service resort with views of Lake Placid and Whiteface itself. All rooms have a refrigerator and microwave, and some offer Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and full kitchens. However, with over 309 properties located in the area for lodging, these are only 2 of the many options available. Riders should make sure to grab a seat at Tail O'The Pup, a very afforadable favorite hangout and restaurant, which serves up BBQ, lobster, vegetarian dishes, and Tex-Mex, along with live music playing 5 times a week. In the mood for sushi, steaks, or even Caribbean? One stop at any of the 85 plus local eateries will satisfy any craving at any hour of the day.
Dreams of gold medals and pure white powder on the cold Adirondack mountains. Only Lake Placid. Only pure winter.
Ski Resorts in Lake Placid, Lake George, Saratoga Springs, Adirondacks and Northern New York
Skiing
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