Skiing Upstate New York - Destination Lake Placid.
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Feb 9, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 5, 2020
Fancy a change of scenery (or pace) from the European Alps this ski season? Lets be honest, the Alps will never get old, but there is no harm in exploring what the North American Ski Scene has to offer. I built on some time at the end of a trip to New York to explore some alternative Ski destinations upstate and I was charmed by the magic of Lake Placid. It really is a Winter Wonderland.
This post brings you everything you need to know about NY's Premier Ski Resort... Just one word of warning - brace yourself for subzero temperatures.
The Adirondacks (The Adirondack Mountain Range), Upstate New York is home to 12 Ski Resorts spanning across 163 Kilometeres of slopes. Whiteface Ski Resort, Lake Placid is approximately a 4.5 hour drive from Manhattan and one of the top rated in the Adirondacks.
Ski The Face
Whiteface Mountain, known to locals as iceface mountain due to the glacial conditions at some of the peaks in the heart of winter is one of the most diverse mountains I have had the privilege to ski on. It prompted a range of emotions over the course of my stay including freezing my T**s off and getting so numb with cold on the Ski lift that I couldn't feel my face. I found myself (accidentally) on the infamous black diamond rated 'Wolf' run during a blizzard that I was totally petrified and too numb with fear to ski. With that said - Whiteface Mountain has everything you need for a successful ski trip - in abundance! Snowmaking; expert terrain; long rolling trails including the longest single intermediate run in the Northeast, the 2.1-mile long Wilmington Trail and views at 4000 feet that would take your breath away. Whiteface is probably the most developed and advanced ski resorts I have visited which is well serviced with an eight-passenger gondola and a high-speed detachable quad. The slopes can be challenging, understandably given it is where former US Winter Olympian's have trained but is also well placed to cater for skiers of all abilities.
Where to stay in Lake Placid
Cobble Mountain Lodge - Think Cosy Log Cabins in the heart of Lake Placid, offering semi - self catering accommodation or private rooms in the Lodge, this was perfect for our needs and budget. At the edge of the resort town, restaurants, bars and shops are easily accessible and it is the closest accommodation at the edge of town on the way towards Whiteface Mountain which is just a short 10 - 15 minute drive away.
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa - If luxury is the theme of your trip then a stay at the decedent Mirror Lake Inn should tick all the boxes. With beautiful views overlooking the (frozen) lake, exquisite cuisine and top class live entertainment, the ambiance of this hotel is what drew me in.
Great even for a spa day if you fancy a break from the slopes one day.
Off-Slope Activities
Go Bobsledding at the Lake Placid Olympics Sports Complex - because why not? I have to admit, I spectated for this one, but even that was a treat. The Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run was constructed in 1930 for the 1932 winter Olympics. If you are a thrill seeker, book in advance to avoid disappointment. I spent a half day at the complex just admiring all the memorabilia and soaking up the abundance of historic information available.
Take a dog sled tour on Mirror Lake - When the mystic mirror Lake Freezes over, visitors to the town can experience a classic winter Adirondack tradition via dog sledding. Wrapped up in flannel blankets dashing around the frozen ice, this was one of my Lake Placid Highs.
Make a scenic stop off at Lake George - On our drive back to New York we stopped off at Lake George to take in the views. The town itself was like a Ghost town, as if something from the apocalypse. Everything was closed, a far reality from this bustling destinations summer vibes. Perhaps we didn't do enough research before arriving, but as I now understand there are winter activities on offer at Lake George including Ice fishing and also some ice-bars for much needed refreshments.
Apres Ski
To manage your expectations, this quaint, sleepy little town does not cater of the slope to pub raves that we are accustomed to in the Alps, and happy hour seems few and far between but it has its own kind of little buzz that everyone seems to embrace between 4pm - 10pm with local live music most evenings.
The Lake House Bar (at the High Peaks Resort) - Gasping for a cocktail? The only bar I could find with a happy hour (three whole hours from 4-7pm on weeknights) and a Happy hour it was!
Smoke Signals - Barbecue and live music, this was one of the liveliest establishments we found ourselves in - the food and hospitality were exactly what we needed after a day on ice face!
The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn - the most casual of the three restaurants at this iconic lake side venue and a favorite with the locals, The Cottage gets my vote for the apres ski cocktails and hearty menu.
Dining in Lake Placid
The Pickled Pig - Burgers, Ribs and Nachos, this little hot spot was the dream. Pure comfort, American dining in all its glory.
The Great Adirondack Brewing Company - For no frills steak and beer and some of the best comfort / pub fare food in town.
The Breakfast Club - because the carbs are essential to survival on the slopes. Well that was my rationale for my morning indulgence at this renown club. Potatoes and cheese with everything! Mountain Girl heaven. Nom nom.
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