LAKE PLACID, ADIRONDACKS USA - The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is pleased to remind the world that people have been playing in the snow for over 100 years in Lake Placid, N.Y., America's First Winter Resort.

[img:wintermtbikes.jpg]The Adirondacks became a popular summer destination for Northeast city dwellers in the late 1800's. In those days, the wealthy would "vacate" the stifling city heat to enjoy the cool, clean mountain air and crystal clear waters of the region.

The Lake Placid Club, situated on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, welcomed summer guests beginning in 1895. In the winter of 1904-1905, the famed club remained open through the winter for the first time. Thus, Lake Placid became America's First Winter Resort; and people have been coming to Lake Placid to play in the snow ever since!

Today, the Adirondack wilderness that protects Lake Placid beckons visitors year-round, and most popular summer activities simply take on a slight twist in the frosty winter.

The mountains are reliably blanketed in white between the months of January and March, when summer hiking trails are ideal for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, golf courses convert into cross country ski centers and the Adirondacks'

46 High Peaks are always accessible for a cold-weather hike.

For those who need suggestions for creative winter play - aside from snowball fights and making snow angels - following is a compilation of 5 recommended ways to play in the Adirondack snow:

1. Ride the Toboggan Chute:
   Slide out onto a frozen lake via a recycled ski jump - relocated from the famed Lake Placid Club property!
2. Try Winter Mountain Biking:
   
The same as in summer, (without the mud) riding a mountain bike in winter is an exhilarating way to tackle trails when conditions allow. Rental bikes with studded tires and guides are available!
3. Hike a High (or not-so-high) Peak:
   
Using snowshoes, or microspikes or crampons in light snow or icy conditions, there are ascents for every skill level.
4. Explore a Natural Wonder on Snowshoes:
   
High Falls Gorge and Ausable Chasm offer winter excursions for views of remarkable rock formations and frozen waterfalls.
5. MUSH:

   Well, the driver will likely do the mushing, but a ride across a frozen lake on a dogsled is a must-do!

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy winter in the Adirondacks - shopping on Lake Placid's quaint Main Street, and a variety of options to please one's palate, from pizza to fine dining. And at the end of the day, a choice of retreats, from B&B's to full service resorts, many complete with a cozy fireside perch!

For more information and to invent your own perfect winter days in Lake Placid, visit www.lakeplacid.com.

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