July 18, 2013
The clouds were low and hopes were high as we set off for the summit of Whiteface Mountain. However, on this day we decided to try something a bit different, we would summit using the slides at the ski area. We spotted a second car at the Atmospheric Science Research Center in Wilmington and returned to the ski area to approach our climb.

Our first thought was to hike the Stag Brook Falls Trail but opted to use the ski trails as much as we could. We got a few odd looks as we passed by the many hanging around the lodge area, some of which were planning a day on slopes with their mountain bike, others just setting up for a scenic gondola ride.

The grass was swaying high in areas as we made our direct approach to the slides. Surprisingly there wasn’t as much mud as I had anticipated, but the absence of mud didn’t really make the steep climb any less difficult. As we approached mid-station we had made a friend in a local deer, which oddly enough was not upset by our close passing.

 

Deer on Ski Slopes

We continued to head right as we could and eventually grew tired of the ski slopes and veered into the brook much earlier than we needed planned. As we descended steeply through the trees we started to second guess our choices but continued anyhow. The brook came easy but passage throughout, did not. The brook is littered with abundant boulders, some for which blocked the entire route and would need to be skirted. Ultimately we saw the slide in the distance and rallied to achieve the base.

Boulder Jumble in the Brook

On the Slide

At the Split

Further up the Slide

Once we started the actual climb, which in the kingdom of rock climbing is not very steep, but sections were steep enough to require the use of hands at times. There was a steady stream of water running down the open rock, which isn’t surprising considering the saturation level of the ground. We continued to press on until we came to a fork in the slide, where we needed to make a decision. We chose right, for some odd reason, now that I think back. It seemed like the thing to do at the time but ended up being, not necessarily the wrong chose, but one that would choose our fate.

Looking down the Slide

From the Cripple Bush

This slide became much less of a slide as the open rock became more interrupted, with a mixture of scrub brush and cripple bush separating sections. This segment kept pushing us right, further from the summit and closer to the trail along the ridge. Eventually as the terrain steepen to an almost vertical angle with impenetrable trees, we switch-backed closer to the summit as the clouds parted and the buildings appeared.  We managed to find a path of the least resistance, but only after having to descend a bit to obtain it. Eventually we managed to squeeze ourselves through a narrow opening between a boulder and a wall of rock before a slight seem in the trees presented itself to us.

Then with no expectations we arose victorious and a bit raw onto the trail from the center. It was a 2-minute hike to the summit and about a dozen confused tourists who couldn’t believe we climbed to the summit – if they only knew the half of it!

Summit View of Lake Placid

Interested in a climb of the Ski Slides on Whiteface or other slides in the Adirondacks, seek out a local guide service for details and rates. Need a place to take a shower, eat a bit and hang your hat, check out what lake placid has to offer for lodging, restaurants and pubs.       

Deer on Ski Slopes
Boulder Jumble in the Brook
On the Slide
At the Split
Further up the Slide
Looking down the Slide
From the Cripple Bush
Summit View of Lake Placid

Packages and Promotions

Valid Nov. 27

- Mar. 30

Valid Nov. 27

- Mar. 30

10% off Gift The Gorge Package

High Falls Gorge

Treat someone you love with the gift of nature! This is an e-gift card program with packages for admission to the park, money to spend in the Gift Shop, and even more to spend in the River View Café.

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

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. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Dec. 22

- Dec. 27

Valid Dec. 7

- Dec. 30

Discounted Holiday Dates

New York Rental By Owner

Sunburst Cottage on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid! Sunburst is an Adirondack lakefront house that features a 7-person hot tub and free wifi. This is the premier vacation rentals on Mirror Lake with 6 bedrooms , each with their own private bath. In...

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid May. 1

- Oct. 31

Valid Dec. 6

- Nov. 1

Zip and Whip Expedition

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

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

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

Valid Dec. 19

- Jan. 22

Valid Dec. 19

- Jan. 22

Winter Wonderland Special!

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Stay longer and Save!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Stay and Save!

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Dec. 1

- Dec. 25

Valid Aug. 8

- Dec. 19

Christmas Buy One Get One FREE

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays December 1 - December 25! Call 855-421-3002 to book today! Terms: Buy One Get One Free valid for stays December 1-25, 2024, Sunday - Wednesday nights. Not valid on existing reservations; new reservations only. Cannot be...

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Linger longer in the Adirondacks and be rewarded!

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

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

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

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

Valid Dec. 6

- Dec. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 5

Girls Getaway Weekend

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 25

100th Anniversary Package

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

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Experience the unspoiled Adirondacks while spoiling yourself and a loved one

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

The Devlin

Maximize your time in the outdoors: book your room and a boat rental through HK Boat Rentals.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

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?

Valid Oct. 23

- Oct. 23

Valid Oct. 24

- Oct. 23

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

New York Rental By Owner

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

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

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Turkey Special in November

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Turkey Special In November - 3nts/4day weekend ($500/night: $1500) or 2 nts/3 day weekend ($600/night: $1200)

Load More