Lake Placid, New York is one of the most picturesque areas of the Adirondacks, and the most tourist-friendly if it's your first time visiting the region. Lake Placid is our go-to destination when we have friends visiting with us because of its Olympic history. It's the site of two winter Olympics, first in 1932, then in 1980 when the rookie USA Men's Hockey team famously defeated the four-time gold medal-winning Soviets. What many first time visitors quickly discover is that Lake Placid's Olympic attractions are just the tip of the iceberg as far as what this quaint town has to offer for families. Even my family is pleasantly surprised to find something new and fun to do each time we visit, and we have been coming for years!
This year, as part of my daughter's birthday wish for a ski getaway, my family chose to spend a long weekend with friends at Lake Placid. With COVID restrictions limiting our vacation plans and a seemingly endless winter, it was the perfect escape within a five-hour drive. If you decide to visit Lake Placid this winter, be sure to try these Macaroni Kid-approved family activities:
1. Toboggan Chute - Nothing gets your adrenaline going than speeding down a 30-foot ramp on a wooden toboggan that shoots right onto frozen Mirror Lake! Only open during the winter months depending on weather conditions, this thrilling ride will be the highlight of your day exploring the town. It is first come, first served, with limited hours, but you can ride as often as you like. Cash only: $15 for adults, $10 for students. Best for ages 6 and up.
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2. Dog Sled Rides - A classic Adirondack winter tradition, dog sledding in the middle of Mirror Lake is a must! There are two dog sled operators on Mirror Lake: one in front of High Peaks Resort, Mike Arnold Dog Sled Rides (518-323-7622) and another in front of the Golden Arrow Hotel, Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours (518-891-6239). Both operate on Mirror Lake with different hours depending on the weather conditions. Bundle up, bring cash (it's $20 per person) and be prepared to wait in line for awhile: this is a popular attraction, and it's first come, first served. Best for all ages. (Note for animal lovers: the dogs used at Mike Arnold Dog Sled Rides are Alaskan Malamute mixed breeds. Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours use Alaskan Huskies. Both breeds love running in the snow!)
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3. Visit the Lake Placid Olympic Center - When you want to thaw out from the first two activities, head over to the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena inside the Olympic Center on Main Street. The most popular attraction in downtown Lake Placid and the site of the "Miracle on Ice," there is only a limited area to view the famous skating arena and take pictures due to the COVID restrictions. On certain days and hours, the rink is open for indoor public ice skating. Admission to see the arena is free, but there is a small fee to enter the Olympic Museum to learn more about the 1932 and 1980 Olympics. Advance reservations are required to enter the museum due to limited capacity. Best for all ages.
4. Ride the SkyRide - Enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking scenery that the Adirondacks High Peaks is known for when you take the Skyride at the Olympic Jumping Complex. The eight-person gondola ride is the same one Olympic athletes and coaches use to get to the 90 and 120-meter ski jump towers: masks are required at all times. If you want a glimpse of what ski jumpers see before they start their ski jump, visitors can take the new glass-enclosed elevator at the end of the gondola ride, which leads to the observation deck of the K-120 meter jump. Don't look down!
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5. Ski/Snowboard Whiteface Mountain - Only a 15 minute drive from downtown Lake Place, Whiteface Mountain is a destination itself. If you can secure lift tickets to Whiteface Mountain this year, do it! Skiing Whiteface was the center of our trip, and the most difficult to secure due to limited capacity. Planning in advance and being flexible on dates are keys to success. Weekends are booked up quickly so be sure to check lift ticket availability. We have skied at smaller mountains in the NJ/NY area this year, and Whiteface by far is the most organized. From contactless RFID lift cards to multiple dining options throughout the mountain, including the cozy J. Lohr Wine Bar, Whiteface has the best amenities for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
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The expansive mountain allows for longer "green and blue" runs without overcrowding on the trails and long waits at the ski lifts. For more adventurous skiers, there are wooded terrain and double black diamond "Slides" on the famous Whiteface Summit, which is 4,650 feet above sea level. For beginners, there is "Bear Den Learning Center," a separate base lodge and parking area, making it convenient to take private lessons on smaller slopes. Note there are no group lessons available in 2021. View the Whiteface Mountain Trail Map HERE.
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The J. Lohr Vineyards Wine Bar at the base of Whiteface Mountain offers some of the best apres ski drinks and bites in the region!
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6. Enjoy Adirondack dining - Main Street has no shortage of food options. Due to COVID restrictions, many restaurants are not taking reservations so it's best to plan ahead.
For breakfast, we ate at Dancing Bears Restaurant at High Peaks resort, which not only had good food but a nice view of Mirror Lake. Their proportions, even for the kids menu, was solid so come hungry as a bear! Seating is first come, first served.
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Not to be missed is The Pickled Pig, conveniently located across the street from the Olympic Center. Besides the funny name, The Pickled Pig boasts of award-winning wings with different homemade sauces. The wings, which we ordered with their homemade BBQ sauce, didn't disappoint. Pair it with a tall glass of craft beer or virgin Shirley Temples for the kids, and you've got yourself a true Adirondack meal. Seating is first come, first served.
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Share with us your favorite family vacation activities. Tag @northeastbergen_macaronikid on Instagram so we can follow your family fun!
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