Ultimate Guide to Lake Placid in Winter
Lake Placid is an idyllic town nestled in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The town famously hosted the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, and the historic Olympic Complex is open to tourists year-round. You can visit Lake Placid and the Olympic sites during any season, but in my opinion, visiting Lake Placid in winter is the best time to experience all this town has to offer. You can fit the town and Olympic sites into one day of sightseeing, but if you are interested in participating in any winter sporting activities (like skiing or ice skating) consider staying a full week.
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The Town of Lake Placid
Most places of interest in town are found along the aptly named Main Street. I recommend parking your car and exploring the town on foot. Pop in and out of the many boutique shops, such as the Adirondack House of Jerky, which has the most diverse selection of jerky I have ever seen (did somebody say turtle jerky?!). Sample olive oils and vinegars at Saratoga Olive Oil Co, and browse Team USA merch at the USA Spirit Shop. Grab a meal at one of the many Main Street restaurants, or a craft beer at Great Adirondack Brewing Co.
Before leaving the town center, stop at the ORDA (Olympic Regional Development Authority) Store. Not only do they have vintage Team USA memorabilia on display, but this is where you can get the most up-to-date information on the Olympic Complex sites and conditions. The ORDA store also sells Olympic sites passports, which can save you money during your visit.
Experience the Thrill of Dog Sledding
In winter when the lake freezes over, mushers set up along Main Street offering dog sled rides on Mirror Lake. More information on dog sled rides can be found on the I ♥ NY website.
Visit the Lake Placid Olympic Complex
Get High on the Lake Placid Ski Jump
One highlight of the Olympic complex is going to the top of the 120-meter ski jump tower. The views from the ski jump are not to be missed. Look down the slope of the jump itself for some vertigo-inducing thrills, and imagine the rush athletes in this sport must get when taking off down the ramp.
The indoor area up top has some historic photos from the 1980 games, and they are worth a glance. Go up for the views, then go to the museum to learn about the games and athletes.
Tour the Lake Placid Olympic Center and Museum
The Lake Placid Olympic Center is the famed location of the “Miracle on Ice” hockey game, in which the United States men’s hockey team eked out a nail-biting victory against the four-time defending champions, the Soviet Union. The game took place during the last decade of the Cold War amidst high tensions between the two countries. The win by Team USA was celebrated as a symbolic Cold War victory and is still touted as one of the most iconic moments in US sports history.
It only takes a minute or two to see the ice rink and grab a photo, but you can walk around more if you’d like. If you head up to the second floor, you can look down on the Olympic Skating Oval and watch speed skaters doing laps. The oval is periodically open to the public, so visit the official website to view the schedule for the upcoming winter season. (Fees: Adults (20-64) $10; Juniors/Seniors (7-19/65+) $8; Kids 6 and under free; Skate rentals $6).
Adjacent to the Olympic Center is the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. The museum is small but detailed and can take anywhere from 1.5-3 hours depending on the type of museum-goer you are (allow three hours if, like us, you read everything). Exhibits of note were the evolution of speed skating, the history of ice skating, and highlights of the 1980 Winter Olympics.
The museum also has a designated exhibit on “The Miracle on Ice” hockey game, including highlight reels of the game. Even knowing how the game will end, the footage is genuinely exciting to watch. (Admission: Adults/Teens $8; Kids 12 and under/Seniors $6; Kids 6 and under Free)
Side Note: After seeing where it all happened, why not get further swept up in the story by watching the movie?
Get Your Thrills at the Lake Placid Bobsled Center
If you’re looking for an adrenaline boost, look no further than the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience, where you ride a bobsled down the actual Olympic track. Speeds can reach over 50 miles per hour! The experience is expensive ($95 for adults ages 20+; $90 for teens 13-20; $85 for Juniors ages 7-12), but is truly once in a lifetime.
You can also purchase a combined ticket for the Bobsled and Skeleton Experience ($136, ages 13+; Skeleton alone is $75). The skeleton experience will take you face first down an icy chute at 30 miles per hour, and is not for the weak at heart! Advance reservations are recommended (at least 72 hours prior), but same day tickets are periodically available. Tickets can be purchased at the Olympic Sports Complex, and information on track conditions is available at the ORDA Store on Main Street.
Downhill Skiing in Lake Placid
If downhill skiing is your sport then you’re in luck — nearby Whiteface Mountain is one of the best ski resorts on the East Coast! With a 3,430 foot vertical drop (the greatest in the east), Whiteface Mountain is consistently ranked as one of the region’s top ski destinations. The mountain hosted all six alpine events for the 1980 winter games, and continues to host major ski competitions and events.
The ski resort has 87 runs, most of which are rated either medium or highest difficulty (43% Blue squares; 37% Black diamonds). About 20% of the runs are easy (green circle). The cost for lift tickets varies on weekends and holidays. Find the most up to date rates on their website.
Cross Country Skiing on the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Course
Not a downhill skier? Then give Cross country a try! The Olympic Sports Complex is also home to the Olympic Cross Country course. If you’ve never been on skis before or just need a refresher, there are lessons on sight. If you’re budget-conscious, Cross country trail passes and rentals tend to cost less than their downhill counterparts. Purchase an all day pass and rentals (Adults $20; Teens/Seniors $18; Ages 7-12 $12; 6 and under Free), or buy a discounted half day ticket after 12:30 pm. A full list of prices and discounts can be found on the official White Face website.
Biathlon
If I could compete in any Olympic sport, it would be Biathlon. Who thought up this genius combination of cross country skiing and rifle shooting? Supposedly, biathlon began over 100 years ago as a training exercise for Norwegian soldiers. If you too are intrigued by this sport then you’re in luck, because you can participate in the Discover Biathlon program at the Cross Country Lodge. The program includes a ski lesson along with professional instruction at the Biathlon Range. The cost of the program ($55) includes the ski lesson, trail pass, rentals (skis, boots, poles), and biathlon. If you are interested in just the target shooting portion, access to the range is $22.
Final Thoughts on Lake Placid in Winter
I hope this post inspires you to visit Lake Placid in winter and helps you plan a wonderful winter getaway. There is a lot to do and see in the town, and much more in the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below, and if you like this post please share it with your friends and family on social media!
Until Next Time,
Tamar
