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Although the year-round population of Lake Placid, located in the Adirondack Mountains of New York's Essex County, is only slightly more than 2,000, the town sees a large influx of visitors during the winter months. Lake Placid is one of the most beautiful upstate New York towns in winter and a popular destination for city dwellers because of its modest size and charming atmosphere, as well as the alluring Whiteface Mountain and views across the lake.
As a result, it comes as no surprise that Lake Placid has been named the world's most Instagrammable winter landscape. The winters in Lake Placid are a unique kind of enchanting, but the town is beautiful all year round, like most small towns in upstate New York. There is gorgeous hiking, Main Street shopping and restaurants, magnificent fall foliage, and easy access to the breathtaking, untouched grandeur of Adirondack Park.
Lake Placid's Remarkable Tradition of Athletic Excellence
The world took notice of Lake Placid after it played host to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics —during which the United States hockey team famously defeated the Soviet Union in a game dubbed "The Miracle on Ice"—continues to attract the world's best athletes. Despite the passage of time, the area continues to honor its Olympic past by hosting competitions for promising athletes.
Indeed, in 2023, Lake Placid will play host to the FISU World University Winter Games, the largest winter multi-sport event for students worldwide. From January 12 to 22, 2023, competitions will be held at Whiteface Mountain, the Olympic Oval, and the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid, New York.
Several Olympic facilities are available to the general public, including the ski jumping complex, the bobsled track atop Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and the ice skating rinks on Main Street. Lake Placid has a downtown easily navigable on foot and is never far from the surrounding natural beauty, making it one of the most popular and pleasurable winter resort towns in the United States.
The Winter Activities That Keep People Coming To Lake Placid
Visitors visiting the Lake Placid area will not be disappointed by the region's many winter sports, including excellent hiking, world-class alpine skiing, and other options. Due to the abundance of level hiking paths, snowshoers and cross-country skiers have a lot to do in the winter in Adirondack Park.
There are opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on Mt. Van Hoevenberg. There is also the option to purchase a season pass for those who anticipate many visits. The VIC Center in Paul Smiths (a half-hour drive from downtown) is a hidden winter gem with 40 kilometers of groomed trails ranging in difficulty and set against a gorgeous winter landscape, perfect for those looking for a quieter track.
All across the Lake Placid region, countless snowmobile paths will provide snowmobile lovers with a heart-pounding sensation. Charlie's Inn on Lake Clear is a top snowmobile rental location. With petrol available around the clock and more than 300 trails in the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, this is the ideal starting point for the perfect adventure. Farmhouse Snowmobiling provides thrilling guided tours through the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake wilderness, suitable for novice and seasoned riders alike.
Ice fishing is an excellent option for those looking to appreciate the tranquility of Adirondack Park in the winter. Connery Pond, a short drive from Lake Placid's central business district, is one of the area's top ice fishing spots. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas, this place at the base of Whiteface Mountain is perfect for relaxing while waiting for a snack and taking in the breathtaking scenery. Copperas Pond is roughly 6.5 miles from downtown and features a rocky half-mile hike to the shore for anglers seeking a more secluded place.
The Thriving Lake Placid Cultural Scene
Visitors to the Lake Placid area can experience the region's thriving arts scene at venues like the Depot Theatre in Westport, a renovated train station with a view of Lake Champlain. They can also visit the Lake Placid Center for the Arts (which hosts concerts and gallery openings) and Gallery 46 (located on Main Street). Guests may enjoy a wide variety of artistic activities all through the year, including the free Songs at Mirror Lake concert series in the summer.
At the Lake Placid Film Festival, you may see movies of all types, from documentaries to silent films, shown in the historic Palace Theatre on Main Street. Nearby, in a converted upholstery factory by day, the Upper Jay Art Center (also known as Recovery Lounge) hosts unique performances, concerts, and other events. Sundays feature live performances by the Lake Placid Sinfonietta of both classical and popular music. The outdoor Open Sky Arts Festival is a hit with art lovers of all ages.
- Where to stay: Mirror Lake Inn - 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid, New York, 12946, USA. Mirror Lake Inn provides the quintessential Adirondack experience with its breathtaking location, gorgeous gardens, and rich Olympic history.
- Where to eat: Smoke Signals - 2489 Main Street, Lake Placid, New York, 12946, USA. Smoke Signals is a brick-lined Barbeque joint with a lakeside patio, a rotating selection of beers on tap, and regular live music.