72 hours to perfection in Lake Placid

They say there’s no such thing as perfection, but one visit to Lake Placid in winter would quickly disprove those naysayers. A winter in Lake Placid is like no other on earth! With an iconic ski mountain as a friendly neighbor, a charming downtown reminiscent of Norman Rockwell’s wintry scenes, and Olympic heritage pumping through the region, it doesn’t get more perfect than this. Get in on the fun when you plan your next snowy getaway. Not sure where to start? We’ve got the lowdown on everything perfect you can fit into 72 hours in Lake Placid this winter. 

Cozy cabins and lodge luxury 

No stay can start without a comfy cozy place to rest your head. In Lake Placid, there’s an endless number of hotels, cabins, and private lodges you can book to start off your classic winter retreat. Choose from stays like the Grand Log Cabin in nearby Wilmington, offering quick routes to Whiteface Mountain and wooded seclusion that allows you to get lost in peaceful snow-covered scenes outside your window. Want to be in the center of it all? The newly renovated Grand Adirondack Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, stands in the middle of Lake Placid’s Main Street and offers a chic stay with Adirondack themes humming through its interior design and restaurant. With decor reminiscent of Adirondack Great Camps that could at one point be found everywhere around the region, you’ll be transported back to classic Adirondack living during your stay. Your commute to the rest of Lake Placid has been shortened to a few minutes when you choose this prized hotel!

Main Street

No visit to Lake Placid can be complete without a leisurely stroll down Main Street. Complete with boutiques of all kinds, you'll be surrounded by stunning views everywhere you turn - Mirror Lake hugs this quaint road, and the High Peaks can be seen at the end of the street! Start your day at a coffee shop,  then stroll down Main Street as you take in the charming atmosphere of downtown Lake Placid. Restock on gear for a snowshoe hike through the woods, or purchase a cozy knit sweater to become a true Adirondack local. After you’ve gotten your shopping fix, look to Mirror Lake as dog sleds pull patrons across the ice, and maybe join in on the fun!

Legacy sites 

The Olympic Legacy Sites that dot the region come alive in winter, naturally. The same locations of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games have been maintained and used as training facilities by winter athletes from far and wide, year after year! These historic sites continue to host athletes from all over the world, in World Cup competitions, training sessions, and everything winter sports oriented. When these sites aren’t hosting World Cups, the public can get in on the action! Skate on the Olympic speed skating oval, soar above the skies at the Olympic Jumping Complex, or walk through history at the Olympic Museum. 

The trails 

Lake Placid has been a hub for winter sports and winter lovers since... the dawn of time at this point. And why wouldn’t it be? Lake Placid is home to acres of land carved by calming and scenic cross-country skiing trails, a nearby ski resort offering up some of the best skiing in the east, and good fun in town that everyone can get in on, toboggan ride anyone? For those who love to spend winter up in the clouds, Whiteface Mountain is an alpine skier’s dream, offering prime skiing from double black diamonds to greens. When you buy a lift ticket to Whiteface, you get access to the three peaks that make up the resort, Whiteface, Little Whiteface, and Lookout Mountain. Each offers their own variations of difficulties, and makes for a full day of prime skiing bliss. If you’re more of a boots-on-the-ground adventurer, there’s still plenty of hiking to be done during winter! Most trails around the region can transition from summer to winter with ease, as long as you’ve got your snowshoes handy. 

Unwind 

In Lake Placid, we like to work hard and play harder. Because of this, the recovery of our resident athletes is paramount to life in Lake Placid. Ok, maybe some of us just like a good pedicure and facial to get through the week. Get the full resort treatment when you book at any of the spas around town. Full-service spas and salons can be found all over Lake Placid, ready to aid in your post-trail recovery. Indulge in offerings like a massage to work snow-burdened muscles, or be soothed to sleep with some luxurious aromatherapy. The Spa at Whiteface Lodge is one of many around the region that offers impeccable services, including mud wraps, deep tissue massages, facials, hydrafacials, pedicures, manicures, and more! After a day of pampering, you’ll find yourself relaxed and rejuvenated for more days of snowy adventures. 

A unique culinary experience

No visit would be complete without your own tour of the unique dining options to be found in Lake Placid. While outdoor seating came and went with summer time, there’s something to be said about the region’s knack for lodge-style dining, complete with grand fireplaces and wooded interiors to indulge in. In the morning, sip on some locally-crafted coffee and breakfast sandwiches. For the real breakfast lovers, stop by the breakfast club, etc for the best hot-skillet eggs and potatoes you’ve ever had. Take your après lifestyle to the next level when you book at any fine dining restaurant in Lake Placid. For luxurious dining not too far off the mountain, book a table at Kanu, Whiteface Lodge’s premier dining venue. Set in a spectacular great room, you’ll be able to watch as chefs prepare each element of your meal in the open kitchen. Each selection on the menu is paired with a unique wine to enhance your dining experience. And of course, what dinner would be complete without valet parking!

The best of winter 

Lake Placid has been a host to winter lovers and ski enthusiasts for generations, so it’s about time you got in on the fun! Ski to your heart’s content on Whiteface Mountain, indulge in some craft beer local to the Adirondacks, or simply take a stroll around the frozen Mirror Lake. You’ll find adorable shops and boutiques along Main Street, and memories to take home from the most perfect 72 hours in Lake Placid.