Winter in Lake Placid is always a festive time of year. With snow blanketing the countryside and the festive atmosphere in the village, you'll want to make sure you immerse yourself in all the area has to offer, including some of our best events of the year. Lake Placid is even creating a winter "Fun Zone" downtown during President's Week.
Winter Games
From February 4th through the 7th, make it a point to attend some of our Empire State Winter Games competitions. The Games are now in their 36th year. With 27 different events, there's a winter sport sure to pique your interest over the course of the weekend. From figure skating to the brand new winter bike events, action takes place all day long at venues in Lake Placid, Wilmington, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths, and Malone. Exciting new contemporary action sports events include the dynamic Big Air snowboard and ski competition as well as winter bike enduro, cross-country, and bike cross. These events will offer a terrific opportunity for spectators at the family-friendly venues of Titus Mountain in Malone and Mt. Pisgah in Saranac Lake. For a full schedule of events visit the Empire State Games website.
Globetrotters
Continuing on into February you'll be entertained by the Harlem Globetrotters in the big 1980 Olympic Center arena on February 16th. This world-renowned entertainment team has wowed audiences for decades. This year's team is no exception. Don't miss it, get your tickets early and be prepared to cheer, laugh, and possibly make the team — for a few minutes anyway!
Nordic Fest
In its second year, the Lake Placid Nordic Festival will be the event to put on your must-attend list for the weekend of February 19 - 21. It's three days of family Nordic fun and games with the Lake Placid Loppet as the highlight of the weekend on Sunday. Over the course of the event you'll be able to take XC ski lessons, participate in waxing clinics, and take part in free equipment demos and dinners. There will be tons of fun and non-competitive races for the "average joe" Nordic skier at Mt. Van Hoevenberg XC Ski Center. A great weekend is on tap with entertainment, food, and beverage, all centered around the fun of Nordic skiing.
Two college hockey weekends
The best in college hockey will be on tap in March in Lake Placid. The first tournament is the ECAC Division I College Hockey Championships on March 18- 19. Winner of this tourney goes on to the NCAA Frozen 4 for Division I later in March. The following weekend NCAA Division III Hockey Championships arrive in Lake Placid for their division's deciding games of the season. So, there you have two weekends back to back, featuring some of the very best college hockey in the nation.
Make sure you check the entire calendar for many more event options during your stay and don't forget to visit the Fun Zone on Main Street during President's Week. We'll be providing lots of activities, including tubing, live entertainment, and hot chocolate and s'mores all FREE of charge to show our visitors how very much they're appreciated!
Plan ahead
It's also not too early to plan ahead for EAT ADK Restaurant Week from May 13 - 22. Many local dining establishments will be offering prix fixe menus during the 10-day event with lots of creative dishes — many of which are not normally on their menus. Some tap takeovers will also happen during this gastronomical week, so be sure to come back and enjoy our great restaurants in May.
Look around on our lodging pages for places to stay, and come immerse yourself in Lake Placid.
