As the snow starts to fall and cover the ground, Lake Placid comes more and more to life. This small upstate town, tucked away in the Adirondacks is a magical destination that brings together the best of everything in the region. Whether you want to hit the slopes, explore the many shops and restaurants, or check out the Olympic Park, Lake Placids is a winter paradise. So here are some of the best things to do while visiting.
Relax at One of The Lake Placid Calm Spas
First on our list of things to do in Lake Placid’s winter paradise is to ease your muscles. Try one of the spa packages at Mirror Lake Inn or the heated pools and hot tub of Whiteface Lodge. Enjoy spa treatments with names like the Adirondack Maple Sugar Body Scrub and the Lodge Mud Wrap. Other ways to unwind include the Eucalyptus Steam Room, Pure Placid Cleansing Ritual, Reiki, Great Salt Lake Bath, and Cold Stone Cryotherapy services. There’s something for everyone at the spas in Lake Placid.
Stroll Down Main Street to Shop the Day Away
The next entry to explore in Lake Placid’s winter paradise is Main Street. On Main Street you can find a little bit of everything – from fudge to antique adirondack furniture. Lake Placid features many different genres of speciality shops. Wandering the road will remind you of a time gone by and create a nostalgic feeling. While ducking in and out of the shops, you’ll find many opportunities to buy a gift or souvenir to remind you of your trip to the Adirondacks.
Take a Break at a Pub or Wine Bar
While walking down Main Street, grab lunch at one of the many restaurants. Lake Placid features many different types of cuisine – from delis to pubs to cafes. With so many options, you might just have trouble deciding. No matter where you pick, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and experience fresh, local ingredients. During your meal, don’t forget to enjoy the incredible views of Mirror Lake.
Experience History by Visiting the Olympic Park
Did you know that Lake Placid was selected to host the winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980? It was here that the underdog US team faced the heavily favored USSR team. Despite the odds, the United States team turned it around to win gold. That moment was memorialized across the country as the “Miracle on Ice.” In addition to the famous hockey rink, you can see the Olympic Jumping Complex used by ski jumpers and the Olympic Sports Complex which housed bobsled, luge, cross country and biathlon events. Athletes competing for bobsled, luge, and skeleton still use the Sports Complex track to this day. To learn more about the winter Olympics, check out the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
Hit the Slopes at Whiteface Resort
If you prefer to be the center of the action, check out Whiteface Resort. At Whiteface there are over 80 trails to test out your skiing and snowboarding skills. Daredevils rejoice because Whiteface features the country’s greatest vertical drop East of the Rockies. However, if you’re new to winter sports, there’s still plenty of opportunity for you to enjoy the mountain. Whiteface offers group lessons for anyone from kids lessons to seniors. Additionally the resort offers private lessons and special adaptive lessons for those with disabilities. Work up an appetite on the mountain and then dine at one of the resort’s seven restaurants.
