Lake Placid is a winter wonderland right now! We’ve had a big snowfall and it’s just gorgeous here – like a big snow globe. Fresh snow also makes for perfect skiing and snowshoeing conditions. And that means a healthy way to start the new year. We have availability in both our cottages this winter, so you can take part in all the winter activity Lake Placid has to offer.
For downhill skiing, there’s no better place than Whiteface Mountain. It’s one of the highest peaks in New York and of course our favorite in the country. At 4,865 feet tall, it offers some pretty spectacular views and 90 trails. It stands alone from the other high peaks, so you can see all the lakes in the region including Mirror Lake and Lake Placid itself.
Everyone that works at Whiteface is super friendly and helpful. There are also some great passes and deals you can get when planning your trip. And since it’s just a ten minute drive from GO-Cottage and downtown Lake Placid, it couldn’t be more convenient to come back and relax after a long day on the slopes.
One of the other major reasons we love Lake Placid is because we get to cross country ski at Mt. Van Hoevenberg! If you haven’t visited it yet, you’re in for a giant treat. With over 50 kilometers of trail, you could spend all day gliding through the snow. It’s relatively cheap as well, especially if you have your own cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Every year, the Lake Placid Loppet takes place on Mt. Van Hoe. This year the race is on Saturday, March 14th. The Loppet and Kort-Loppet run on a modified version of the 5okm course for the 1980 Winter Olympics. So it’s your chance to follow in the footsteps of Olympians! The Loppet is a full 50km and the Kort-Loppet is 25km. There are also shorter Citizen’s Challenge Races, at 12.5km, 6km, and 3km.
But for the rest of the winter, nothing can beat the serenity of these woods. It’s so peaceful and quiet here that all you can hear is the wind rustling through the trees and the snow gently falling. It’s not uncommon to see cute little bunnies hop past you, and once I even saw a wolf! If you’re looking for an incredibly peaceful, calming workout, then Mt. Van Hoevenberg is definitely the place!
Another workout with a view is fun, healthy snowshoeing! Lake Placid has tons of scenic trails to choose from. Nye Mountain, Cobble Hill, Peninsula Nature Trails, and Algonquin Peak are all short drives from the cottages. Wearing snowshoes also makes it safer for everyone enjoying Lake Placid’s trails. Otherwise you can posthole, which means you plunge into the snow and create holes that other skiers or hikers could fall into. And it’s safer for you too! I would recommend MSR’s snowshoes.
One of the great things about snowshoeing is that you can bring your dogs for a romp in the snow! The Jackrabbit Trail is especially dog-friendly. So what are you waiting for? Book our Two-Bedroom or Studio cottages now and experience the winter wonderland that is Lake Placid!
