Experience Lake Placid on skis

One of the best ways to experience winter in Lake Placid is on skis! Whether you grew up skiing or are new to the sport, you'll find a trail in our area that is just right for you. Cross-country ski centers and a vast network of groomed and backcountry trails support adventures big and small, and warmth and food are never far.

Ski centers are for everyone

Cross-country ski centers are great places for seasoned skiers and those who are new to the sport — rent equipment, get some pointers from the staff, and master the basics on wide, well maintained paths. Mt Van Hoevenberg, site of the cross-country skiing events of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, offers more than 50km of trails, including 4km of world championship rate trails, with variety for everyone. Over at the Cascade Welcome Center (now owned by Adirondack Mountain Club), you'll find 20km of groomed trails, a cozy bunkhouse, and an awesome ski shop where skiers of all abilities can make Cascade their winter getaway destination.

Go at your own pace

More experienced skiers will find plenty to love in our mountains. There’s a nice trail network near the Adirondak Loj that’s a perfect place to prepare for the longer, more demanding trails in the region, and of course there’s the famous Jackrabbit Ski Trail, which passes through several Adirondack communities including Keene, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake along its 35 miles. You’ll find plenty of ups and downs along this breathtaking route!

Many winter enthusiasts are happy taking in the scenery from our mellower trails, while those looking to test their skills head into the High Peaks for a taste of the backcountry, where nothing beats the moderately difficult trail to Avalanche Pass. This iconic ski route is a little over 5 miles one way to Avalanche Lake, where the immense cliffs of Mount Colden rise dramatically from the shore. If steeper, thigh-burning backcountry experiences are what you crave, check out the ski trails up Mount Marcy and Wright Peak.

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Three cross country skiers on a snowy trail at Mt Van Hoevenberg Ski Center

World-Class Nordic Skiing

From your first time making tracks with our skilled instructors to our Olympians in training, there's something for everyone.

Mt Van Hoevenberg

Winter in the Adirondacks

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Two boys stand next to a ski rack inside Cascade Ski Center

Cascade X-C Ski Center

A winter destination for skiers of all ages and abilities!

Ski fun for everyone

Your perfect cross country ski day

Take your family and friends cross country skiing in Lake Placid this year!

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Cascade Welcome Center

4833 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid

(518) 837-5047

Opened in 2022, the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Cascade Welcome Center is a one-stop shop for visitor information, outdoor recreation, and much more.

Avalanche Lake

Heart Lake, Lake Placid

(518) 523-2445

Avalanche Lake is beautiful and remote. It's well worth the trip for those who are prepared for the miles.

Northville-Lake Placid Trail

Averyville Road, Lake Placid

(518) 523-2445

The Northville-Placid Trail is New York's oldest long distance hiking trail, and is popular for thru hiking.

Klondike Notch

South Meadows Road, Lake Placid

(518) 523-3441

This steep trail ascends the shoulder of Phelps Mountain before topping out at Klondike Notch.

Adirondack Rail Trail

400 Old Military Drive, Lake Placid

The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all possible on the well-graded, wheelchair accessible...

Henry's Woods

Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid

(518) 523-3061

Henry’s Woods, which is owned and maintained by the Uihlein Foundation, is a community preserve located just outside the village of Lake Placid. The caretakers of this beautiful property and the Uihlein Foundation invite the public to use these trails.

Heaven Hill Trails

Bear Cub Rd, Lake Placid

(518) 523-2445

Route Overview One of the perfect things about the Adirondacks' newest trail system is the variety of options. There are three main loops and all of the paths are relatively flat and accessible. The Big Field Loop is 0.9 miles long and leads through...

Marcy Dam Truck Trail

Adirondak Loj Rd, Lake Placid

(518) 523-2445

This is a classic Adirondack backcountry ski and is a favorite amongst visitors and locals!

Mt Van Hoevenberg | Olympic Sports Complex

220 Bobsled Run Lane, Lake Placid

(518) 523-4436

No snow? No problem! The Mt Van Hoevenberg Legacy Site is jam-packed with legendary fun during the winter as well as summer months. From sledding experiences to hiking and mountain biking, you'll find days of fun.

Scotts Cobble Nordic Center & High Peaks Guides

High Peaks Cyclery2739 Main Street, Lake Placid

(518) 523-3764

Click to book your rental now The Adirondack back country is a winter wonderland for cross country, AT, and telemark skiing opportunities. Our guides can instruct and lead you on a wide variety of cross country skiing terrain from our in town nature...

Peninsula Nature Trails

Brewster Peninsula Rd, Lake Placid

(518) 523-2445

The Brewster Peninsula Trails are located on the shores of Lake Placid and are tucked back on a dirt road. The DEC has worked to use old access roads and selected new trails to develop this year-round destination for short, fun afternoon outings.

Heart Lake Loop

Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid

(518) 523-2445

In summer, Heart Lake is a dream. In winter, it's still a dream, but with lots of snow for skiing!

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High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

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Town House Lodge by the Lake

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- Oct. 31

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- Nov. 1

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Farmhouse UTVs

Experience Outdoors and Farmhouse UTVs have teamed up to bring your family and friends the Adirondack adventure you've been waiting for. Double up on a UTV and zipline experience. Ziplines are located in Lake Placid and the UTVs are located in Gabriels.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

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Town House Lodge by the Lake

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

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- May. 1

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Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

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- Feb. 7

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

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High Falls Gorge

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Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

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Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

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SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

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100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

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Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway! Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Jan. 11

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The Adirondack Elopement

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid May. 1

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The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

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Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

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Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Jan. 8

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High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

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Experience Lake Placid on skis

Ski centers are for everyone

Go at your own pace

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

Results for "Cross-country and Backcountry Skiing"

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High Peaks Resort

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Valid May. 1

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa