January 27, 2011
Lake Placid Toboggan Chute
Lake Placid Toboggan Chute

(Updated Sept 15, 2022) The Lake Placid Toboggan Chute is currently operated by the North Elba Parks District. Be sure to check their website for an up-to-date operating schedule, ticket prices and more. 

 

It wasn't so long ago that my children would not venture onto amusement rides alone. Now I am left on the merry-go-round watching while the two of them twist and turn on roller coasters with names like Hurricane and Avalanche. Somehow they convince me that going down the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute will not be the same thing. 

Since I am not the brave one in the family, my daughter lets me know she'll hold me on the way down the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute. My seven-year-old is now comforting me. It isn't a long wait to climb up the 30' high converted ski jump trestle. It is awkward in the beginning, though, as the toboggan is cumbersome. It is crowded enough that we have to hold the sleds as we climb the steps to the landing area. We do not have much of a wait and the attendants are quick to get people settled. We get to the top and wait our turn.

We are tucked into the sled: child, adult, child, adult and given instruction. We are to keep our feet inside the toboggan and hang on. I am having flashes of Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" and wonder if I have second thoughts and try to climb back up, would I also get a boot in the face?

I have a few more questions, thinking I can prolong the inevitable.

Toboggan kids
Toboggan kids

People are eagerly waiting for our position. There is no time for idle chitchat. A push start is not necessary. We are nudged to the edge and a second later I am muttering under my breath. My teeth chatter together as I refrain from screaming like the girls preceding us. It is difficult. We are going really fast down an icy chute onto frozen Mirror Lake. Behind me, muffled by outdoor clothes, my daughter sums it up with one word. "Wheeeee!"

The schedule changes weekly so I encourage you to check the North Elba website with the latest hours of operation. For live action fun here is the first Lake Placid Toboggan run of the 2011 season. 

Two worthwhile tobogganing events on the roster are the Lake Placid Lions Club 45th Annual Toboggan Chute Championship and the Rock 105 Adirondack International Toboggan Championship.

toboggan ramp
toboggan ramp

The Lions Club event takes place on February 12, 2010 and kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Teams of up to four people take three runs and the team with the farthest run wins. Registration for the event is $15.00/team (includes the toboggan) with no age limit. The one request is that an adult accompany children.

The Rock 105 Adirondack International Toboggan Championship take place February 19th at 4:00 p.m. The fee is $10.00 with all proceeds benefiting the USA Luge Team.

Diane Chase's Adirondack Family Time Tip™: If the conditions are a bit wet or snowy and you have young children, put the youngest in the middle. The wet snow and speed can overwhelm a youngster. Depending on the conditions the person in front can get a face full of snow. 

Sign with drawn graphic on Lake Placid Toboggan Chute

Story photos and content © Diane Chase, Adirondack Family Time™. Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook series and co-owner of the the young adult wilderness adventure program, Adirondack Outdoor Expeditions.

Lake Placid Toboggan Chute
Lake Placid Toboggan Chute
Toboggan kids
Toboggan kids
toboggan ramp
toboggan ramp
Sign with drawn graphic on Lake Placid Toboggan Chute

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