Lake Placid loves cross-country skiing. This is the kind of town where residents can ski on their lunch breaks or head out as the sun rises to greet the day, and where visitors can enjoy Nordic adventures that range from gentle, easy trails to gnarly backcountry thrills. It’s the perfect place for spending time with family, laughing over spills with your friends, or finding quiet solitude on a solo adventure.
Just off Saranac Avenue, tucked away among Adirondack forest and on the shores of Lake Placid (the lake), the Whiteface Club & Resort is a sweet spot for a day or afternoon of cross-country skiing adventures, with the big bonus of big views and an on-site restaurant bursting with flavor. The Whiteface Club is located on the site of the historic Whiteface Inn, which first opened in the 1880s, meaning this spot has been welcoming visitors for nearly 150 years. Today, the old hotel may be gone, but the welcoming spirit and the emphasis on fun and enjoyment remains. Pairing gorgeous outdoor adventure with a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food? Count us in!
The Nordic Center
Whether you're an avid skier who travels with your own gear, or a beginner who needs a bit of guidance, the Nordic Center at the Whiteface Club is the place to start. Here you can get your bearings, take a peek at the trail map, and ask the friendly staff for their recommendations. The Nordic Center is also where you'll pay for your trail pass. If you're in need of gear, the Nordic Center has a wide range of excellent rental equipment to get you started on a safe and fun outing.
The trails
You've got your gear, you've chosen your adventure, it's time to enjoy the snow! The Whiteface Club offers 15km of professionally groomed trails, most with very gentle slopes and perfect for beginners, children, or those simply looking to enjoy an outing in the woods. Skate skiers will be happy to find lanes available for them, too.
The trails wind around and through the woods, with charming lean-tos offering wonderful spots to stop for a rest. Three of the trails, named Deer, Bear, and Moose after favorite Adirondack mammals, are considered easy, making them ideal for beginners. Deer Run makes a nice, smooth loop, while Bear Run offers a connection to take a slightly different route. Skiers looking for more of a challenge should definitely head for Peter's Plummet, which features steep hills. Snowshoers are welcome too, and there are 'shoes for rent at the Nordic Center, so no matter how you take to the trails, you'll find fun.
Fun fact: wondering what's under the snow? The famed Whiteface Club & Resort Golf Course!
Ski like a jackrabbit!
Not only do the trails at the Whiteface Club offer great skiing with beautiful views, but you can also link to the famous and beloved Jackrabbit Trail from the Club's property! From this location, skiers can choose to head west to Saranac Lake, or continue through Lake Placid and onward towards Keene. On the other end of Lake Placid, the Cascade Welcome Center has great trails, too!
Dine like a champion
Skiing and snowshoeing work up an appetite, sometimes a big one. You want to be rewarded with a hearty, tasty meal after your ski adventure, right? Fortunately, the Whiteface Club has fantastic meals that are worth the effort. Frankly, they're so good that you don't even need to use the trails as an excuse to show up!
During the winter months, the club's Café on the Green features chef-crafted meals packed with handcrafted ingredients and flavors for lunch and dinner. The seasonally-inspired menu includes favorites with a kicked-up twist, like the poutine, which features deep-fried cheese curds and a bone broth reduction. The grilled cheese? It's "Grown Up," stuffed with grilled pork belly, local artisanal cheese, and caramelized balsamic onion.
If deep-fried cheese doesn't tempt you, perhaps dessert will. What about a hot waffle with ice cream, homemade caramel sauce, and a stunning sweet-tart balsamic raspberry sauce? They say we eat with our eyes first, so take a peek:
Enjoy an Adirondack winter with classic outdoor adventures by ski or snowshoe and enjoy a day at the Whiteface Club & Resort. You could even ski, eat, and then ski again! Weather permitting, the Club's cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are open through mid-March. While you're there, take a peek at the views; this is a beautiful spot for a wedding any time of year!
While you're planning your trip be sure to explore our top attractions, perfect lodging options like Lake Placid's Resorts, and so many special events!
