Overview

The Lake Placid Legacy Sites are a winter wonderland that beckons visitors with our enchanting blend of outdoor adventures and thrilling events–simply put, we are a must-visit for winter enthusiasts! First and foremost, Whiteface Mountain offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, boasting the greatest vertical drop in the East and an array of well-groomed trails for all skill levels. Beyond skiing, we offer many exhilarating winter sports, from ice skating on the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval to cross country skiing through pristine forests at Mt Van Hoevenberg. Visitors can also experience a calendar filled with World-class events, including World Cups in Luge, Ski Jumping, and Bobsled & Skeleton. Combined with the nostalgia of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics evident throughout  our area, we are truly an extraordinary destination that beautifully captures the magic of winter.

Visit the tabs to the right to see why you should visit the Lake Placid Legacy Sites this Winter!

Whiteface

Bigger sends are at Whiteface, which has the greatest vertical drop of any lift-serviced ski mountain east of the Rockies, plus many amenities in two separate base lodges for skiers and non-skiers alike. New this season is the Notch, a new detachable quad connecting Bear Den Mountain to the Legacy Lodge, plus ongoing snow-making upgrades. Check out the many different dining options available, from the Cloudspin Bar & Grill for burgers and beers in the Base Lodge, to Growler’s Grill for soups and salads in the Bear Den Lodge, and everything in between. Looking for a souvenir, visit Whiteface’s two retail shops for the perfect keepsake or outdoor apparel from the most popular brands. 

 

Whiteface Website

 

A man skis down Paron's Run at Whiteface SKING & RIDING | At 3,430’, Whiteface can boast the greatest vertical of any lift-serviced mountain in the Northeast. Ninety-four trails with twenty-two miles of skiing, means mile after mile of groomed cruisers, including the longest, the Wilmington Trail at 2.1 miles. 99% snowmaking coverage means the trails are covered early and often, regardless of what Mother Nature says.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A view of the Cloudsplitter Gondola as it makes its way up to the summit of Little WhitefaceCLOUDSPLITTER GONDOLA | The 8-passenger Cloudsplitter Gondola carries you from the Main Base Lodge to the top of Little Whiteface in fifteen minutes. Enjoy the views on the way up and at the top you’ll find an observation deck awaiting you for awe-inspiring views of the Adirondacks and beyond. 

Mt Van Hoevenberg

Stunning recreational and world-class training facilities combine to create an unforgettable experience at Mt Van Hoevenberg. There is always something going on, from activities for the whole family to world-class athletes training, to thrilling sporting events. Enjoy some of the best days on snow, because it’s one of the few cross country centers in the east to offer snowmaking. Shopping options abound at the Mountain Pass Lodge. The Mercantile is great for souvenirs, and the Swix Concept Store offers technical outdoor gear. Re-fuel at 81-18 Café with a menu that is sure to please any type of eater or grab a drink in Henry’s Tavern after a day on the trails. 

 

Mt Van Hoevenberg Website

 

A family cross country skiing at Mt Van HoevenbergCROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING | 55 km of trails groomed to perfection, including 5 km with snowmaking so Mt Van Hoevenberg can open earlier and stay open later. Three designated trails just for snowshoeing. Mt Van Hoevenberg caters to world-class athletes and recreational skiers alike so no matter what your ability level, it’s an amazing experience. Day tickets are available, as well as season and family passes.

 

 

 

 

Slide down the track on a bobsled just like athletes do!BOBSLED/SKELETON EXPERIENCE | Fly down the world-famous competition track with a professional driver reaching speeds over 50 mph. Lake Placid is one of the few places on earth where you can participate in this thrilling ride. The Bobsled and Skeleton experiences will be available on Holiday weeks only,  Dec 22, 23, 26 – Jan 1, 2024,  Feb 17-25, 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Two girls climb the wall in the Indoor Climbing CenterCLIMBING CENTER | With over 1,500’ of climbing space and a 30’ top rope wall, the climbing center caters to climbers of all levels and interests.

 

 

 

 

 

An aerial view of Mt Van Hoevenberg trail and sliding trackLEGACY TOUR | Delve into the rich Olympic history of this one-of-a-kind venue that gives you a unique behind the scenes tour.

 

 

 

 

 

Try Winter sports like biathlon at Mt Van HoevenbergDISCOVER SPORTS – SKELETON/BIATHLON/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING These one-stop learning experiences will help you discover winter sports and provide a unique experience. You will be led through a progression of skills and challenges designed to build your ability and confidence with hour-long lessons from our skilled instructors.

 

Olympic Jumping Complex

Ski jumping showcases, competitions and athlete training are the core of this venue, and you can watch athletes soar on a regular basis, including at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in February. The venue houses the HS 100 and HS 128 ski jumps, the only ones in the country homologated for both summer and winter ski jumping competitions and training. Check out the retail shop in the Intervales Lodge for Lake Placid and venue mementos to remember your trip.  

 

Olympic Jumping Complex Website

 

The top of the Ski Jumps with Whiteface behind themSKYRIDE EXPERIENCE |Take a unique tour of a unique venue. Start on the scenic gondola and then transfer to a glass windowed elevator to the top of the HS 128 ski jump tower, for an unparalleled view of the High Peaks Region.

 

 

 

 

Lake Placid Ski Jump | The Olympic Jumping Complex - Lake Placid Legacy Sites

SKY FLYER ZIPLINE | The Sky Flyer zipline follows the HS 100 ski jump, emulating the flight of a ski jumper reaching speeds of 30 miles an hour. You’ll feel the exhilaration of an Olympian as you fly to the bottom.

 

Olympic Center

Located in the heart of Lake Placid, the newly revitalized and historic facility houses four skating rinks, open to the public.  Gold medals have been won here, including the famous 1980 Herb Brooks Arena where the historic “Miracle On Ice” game was played. The Olympic Center continues to play host to many competitions each year. The venue’s Miracle Plaza offers a retail shop, Miracle Moments where visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs, and Roamers Café, a sleek and contemporary dining space for causal food and drink with incredible views of the Adirondack High Peaks.

 

Olympic Center Website

 

James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval at nightICE SKATING | Whether you choose to skate indoors or outside, you will be able to glide along the paths of past Olympians. 

 

 

 

 

 

 A hockey player shooting a puck towards the cameraHOCKEY |The Olympic Center offers Stick n’ Puck, an activity that provides individuals the opportunity to enhance their skills in a non-contact/non-competitive environment. This activity will be available during holiday time periods.

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Placid Olympic MuseumLAKE PLACID OLYMPIC MUSEUM | Home to one of the world’s largest collections of Winter Olympic memorabilia. The museum features interactive displays, 3D visualizations, experiential learning exhibits, and engaging displays and artifacts that help to tell the stories of Lake Placid’s rich winter sports history and bold future.