Whiteface, located in Lake Placid, is most famous for having hosted the Olympics, not once, but twice in 1932 and 1980. When you drive into the village, you immediately get a sense that this place has a lot of history. Situated in a beautiful green bubble within the Adirondack Mountains, you can come here to see some real peaks. For those living in Toronto, Boston or New York, Whiteface is the closest big mountain and is about a 5-hour drive in good weather.
The peaks tower above the hotels and restaurants and the ski hill is a short drive from the town of Lake Placid. Whiteface has a lot of runs with some great steep terrain. You can launch down the downhill and race your friends in the Nastar course. The terrain is varied and can easily accommodate all levels. On a good snow day, there are some nice narrow, steep chutes up top to play in.
Though the town of Lake Placid has become a bit more of a summer resort destination, things still swing in the winter. There are some yummy restaurants especially for long lingering meals with a big group of friends. Pete’s steakhouse is awesome and you can get a mean plate of lobster and steak.
The bars are also fun and full of locals who will challenge you to a game of foosball. Watch for beer deals and happy hour specials. The bars seem highly committed to getting you drunk for cheap.
There are a lot of unique shops in town as well. From locally made clothing to rare antiques and funky house wares, it’s worth it to take some time to check them out. Be sure to visit the all hat store. It’s a great place to find a new toque/Easter bonnet/Abraham Lincoln hat/expedition grade fur baklava.
Also well worth your time and attention, the Olympic museum. Check out what the Olympics were like in the 1930’s and marvel at how racers back then skied on skis the size of trees, made only of trees, without hitting any trees.
Whiteface is a really beautiful place to ski and an enlightening escape from the city. There’s a real genuine and kind vibe in the town and on the hill. The locals are happy to talk skiing shop you can be sure to have a hilarious encounter with a rowdy group of bankers high on mountain air.
