Getting Started

Lake Placid and the surrounding area has an abundance of businesses ready to help you begin your winter ski adventure.  Typically, businesses located right in town are ready for you to pick up your ski gear and take it anywhere you dare, while businesses like the rental shop at Mt. Van Hoevenberg offer the convenience of picking up your equipment and walking right out the door to hit the trails.  

Right In Town

Cunningham’s Ski Barn, located right across Main St. from the Olympic Arena offers rentals for both downhill and cross-country skiing.  The equipment available for cross-country skiing is suitable for the rolling terrain of the jackrabbit trail right in town.  Travelers looking for the most convenient skiing experience can walk right out the back door and experience what it’s like to ski on Mirror Lake.

High Peaks Cyclery not only offers equipment but an entire guide service to help you have a great day of skiing in the woods.  They advertise both backcountry and telemark skiing as part of their list of services.  Guides will take guests to terrain that is suitable for their ability and emphasize techniques appropriate for their chosen equipment. 

 Cross Country Ski Centers

Just outside of town visitors and locals alike can enjoy the equivalent of one stop shopping for a day of cross-country skiing. Cascade Ski Touring Center located on Rt. 73 offers a full-service ski shop, lessons, and a fantastic restaurant/bar to enjoy as part of the whole experience.  The friendly staff will help you select rental equipment that is right for you and get you on your way.  Cascade Ski Center is absolutely ideal for families.  Also, their Full-Moon parties taking place this year on 1/18, 2/15, and 3/15. 

The Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg offers 50K of groomed cross-country ski trails at the site of the 1980 Olympics.  Here, skiers can rent equipment, including “skate skis,” take lessons, or relax in the newly updated lodge.  It is here that each year the Lake Placid Loppet is held.  Skiers from all over the U.S. and Canada gather on the trails each January to contest this very challenging ski marathon. 

Regardless of what kind of cross-country ski experience you are looking for, you can find it in Lake Placid and surrounding area.  Get in touch with one of these great local businesses to get your adventure started.