Winter

Overview

The Lake Placid Legacy Sites are a winter wonderland that beckons visitors with an enchanting blend of outdoor adventures and thrilling events–simply put, 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, the Sites 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 Freestyle Skiing and Ski Jumping, and World Championships in 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!

Winter 2024/25 Digital Brochure

Winter 2024/25 Digital Brochure coming soon!

Whiteface

A trip to Whiteface Mountain is a must for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. With the highest vertical drop in the East, Whiteface offers a thrilling variety of trails for all skill levels, breathtaking views of the Adirondacks, and top-notch snowmaking that ensures excellent conditions throughout the season, regardless of Mother Nature. Whether you’re seeking challenging runs, scenic vistas, or family-friendly slopes, Whiteface provides an unforgettable winter adventure. 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. 

SKING & RIDING | At 3,430’, Whiteface can boast the greatest vertical of any lift-serviced mountain in the Northeast. Ninety-four trails with over twenty-four 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. Day tickets and season passes are available. Rentals and lessons available. Lift ticket pricing varies, purchase online and save!

CLOUDSPLITTER GONDOLA | You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the views at Whiteface. The Cloudsplitter Gondola takes 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. Adult $25, Junior/Senior $20.

Mt Van Hoevenberg

Mt. Van Hoevenberg is a premier destination for cross-country skiing, one of the only cross country ski areas in the east to have snow-making, on beautifully groomed trails that wind through a stunning Adirondack landscape. Beyond skiing, it hosts a variety of recreational activities and events, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the natural beauty and diverse experiences at Mt. Van Hoevenberg provide the perfect backdrop for an adventure-filled day. The Mountain Pass Mercantile is great for souvenirs, and offers technical outdoor gear. Re-fuel at 81-18 Café, for breakfast or lunch, with a menu that is sure to please everyone.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING | 55 km of trails groomed to perfection, including 5 km with snowmaking to ensure Mt Van Hoevenberg can open earlier and stay open later. Mt Van Hoevenberg caters to world-class athletes and recreational skiers alike, so no matter what your ability level, expect an amazing experience. Day tickets and season passes are available. Rentals and lessons available. Adult $32, Teen/Senior $28, Junior/70+ $24, Child $3.

SKELETON EXPERIENCE | You’ve never done sledding quite like this, and Lake Placid is one of the few places on earth where you can. This unique heart-pounding experience puts you face down on the sled as you speed down the sliding track head first, solo, at 30 miles an hour. $75

INDOOR CLIMBING | With over 1,500’ of climbing space and a 30’ top rope wall, the climbing center caters to climbers of all levels and interests. $15 per hour.

LEGACY TOUR | Explore Mt Van Hoevenberg’s Olympic past and learn about all three Winter Olympic sliding sports. The one hour guided Legacy Tour starts in the Mountain Pass Lodge Ice House Push Track, followed by an informative bus ride to the top of the track. Adult $15, Junior/Senior $10

DISCOVER SPORTS – 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

A visit to the Olympic Jumping Complex in the winter offers a unique chance to witness the thrilling sight of athletes training on the iconic ski jumps, showcasing incredible skill and precision. With breathtaking panoramic views from the Skyride gondola and opportunities to experience activities like the Sky Flyer Zipline, it’s an unforgettable winter destination for both spectators and adventurers looking for a mix of excitement and awe-inspiring scenery. Check out the retail shop in the Intervales Lodge for snacks, hot beverages, and venue mementos to remember your trip.

SKYRIDE EXPERIENCE | A unique way to get a bird’s eye view of a unique venue. Start on the scenic gondola and then transfer to an elevator to the top of the HS 128 ski jump tower, for an unparalleled view of the High Peaks Region. $20 adult, $15 Junior/Senior.

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. $45

Olympic Center

The Olympic Center in the winter is a must-visit for ice sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities like skating, hockey, and curling on world-class ice. You can even glide across the historic outdoor skating oval, surrounded by the snowy Adirondack landscape. With exciting events like hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions, the Olympic Center provides a thrilling blend of recreation and Olympic history, perfect for all ages. 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, often hosting the best in local live music, for causal food and drink with incredible views of the Adirondack High Peaks.

ICE SKATING | The outdoor Olympic Speed Skating Oval is open regularly throughout the season, while indoor skating is offered mainly on holiday weeks. Rentals available. Adult $15, Junior/Senior $12. Season passes to the Olympic Speed Skating Oval are available.

 HOCKEY | 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. $20

LAKE 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.

CURLING |This fun ice activity does not require skates and is an easy-going sport for groups of all sizes. A brief lesson introducing newcomers to curling begins the session before play. Brooms, stones and safety equipment are provided by the arena. $15

OLYMPIC CENTER LEGACY TOUR | Discover the rich history and thrilling legacy of the Olympic Center with guided tours provided by longtime local historians who bring decades of knowledge and passion to their tours. Experience firsthand the iconic venues where Olympic dreams were made, including the legendary Miracle on Ice Hockey game and Eric Heiden’s unprecedented five gold medals run.