In the Adirondacks, we love winter. We really, really love winter. Join us in counting down the reasons why winter in Lake Placid is perfect!

9.  Winter never gets us down!

Year round you'll find folks topping our peaks, exploring our trails, and getting close to nature. Of course, outdoor adventuring in our winter weather offers unique challenges — luckily our experienced local Adirondack guides can help suit you up, offer advice, and even show you the way. Among all of Lake Placid's things to do in winter, a guided hike up your new favorite mountain may be the most memorable.

8. Go for the gold, or silver, or... 

Skating, skiing, hockey, bobsled, and more — Lake Placid's rich Olympic heritage is alive and well. No matter the season, you can tour our Olympic sites where you'll often find athletes from around the world training as they pursue their own gold medals. 2020 marked the 40th anniversary of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games and 2022 marked the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Winter Olympic Games held right here in Lake Placid. When you're in Lake Placid, you will experience a town where miracles happen and the legacy lives on!

7. Craft brews

For a modest mountain town, we boast an impressive variety of locally brewed beer. Tour our three breweries that feature classic brews as well as bold twists on tradition! With so many choices, Lake Placid is the perfect place to find a new favorite craft beer. Many restaurants in town also have taps that feature beers from around the region. Wherever you go, you'll be sure to find a delicious locally brewed beer!

6. Skiing, boarding, relaxing

Don't let the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies scare you -- 60% of the terrain at Whiteface Mountain is geared toward beginner and intermediate skiers and riders, and there is a special learning area designed exclusively for kids and beginners. Of course, experts will find more than enough trails and slides to get their adrenaline pumping. Don't miss an opportunity to check out the Wilmington Trail, Whiteface's longest run! Skiing not your thing? Take a relaxing 15-minute ride up the gondola to see the wonderful winter views from the top of Little Whiteface.

We aren't the only ones who love the mountain and Lake Placid in the winter! Whiteface has been featured as the #1 resort in the east for off-hill activities by readers of Ski Magazine. 

5. Swimming and hot tubbing — in the snow

That's right, we swim outdoors even in the snow! Enter the heated pool from inside the luxurious Whiteface Lodge and if you're feeling courageous, with a quick duck of your head you'll emerge outside from under a little bridge. Want to ramp up this already memorable experience? Try sitting in the outdoor hot tub while the snow falls on and around you.

Rather stay warm and relax in a spa? No worries, Lake Placid has 10 to choose from!

4. Dog sled rides

Stroll down Main Street on most winter days, and you'll hear the unmistakable sounds of a dog sled team. Follow the whistles to the shore of Mirror Lake and you'll be greeted by mushers ready to take you on an unforgettable ride across the ice. This is something the whole family will enjoy and is on many lists of top things to do in the Adirondacks in winter! You'll stay nice and cozy tucked into your sled as you pass skaters and skiers enjoying the groomed Mirror Lake ice loop.

3. Extreme tobogganing

Take winter fun to the extreme! Imagine sliding down a frozen 30-foot tall toboggan chute to speed across the frozen surface of Mirror Lake. Depending on the weather conditions, tobogganers can travel more than 1,000 feet once they reach the frozen lake surface. Scary? Maybe to some. Amazingly fun? Yes!

2. Need we say s'more?

Picture an Adirondack campfire and the vision of s'mores is probably your next thought. Ours too! We're happy to indulge in this unbeatable treat whenever the mood strikes. As a matter of fact, some of our local eateries have gone a step further and will offer up this decadent dessert right at your dinner table — and yes, you get to toast your marshmallows over an open flame. 

1. Snow globe life

If you've ever taken a moment to imagine what it's like to live in a snow globe, Lake Placid in the winter is about as perfect an answer as you'll find. From quaint storefronts and friendly neighbors, to celebrations of all things winter and, of course, plenty of snow to play in, we can't think of a better way to describe this charming village.