New York State is stunning to travel through during the winter, and there's no arguing that Lake Placid is one of the most beautiful winter destinations. However, there's equally no arguing that Lake Placid is freezing in the winter.
For those who want to enjoy the snowy scenery of frozen lakes and the dramatic Adirondacks without the fear of frostbite, there are several ways to warmly enjoy visiting this picturesque town in the colder months. Here are 10 ways to stay warm in Lake Placid in the winter.
10 Hang Out By A Fireplace
Many hotel lobbies and even hotel rooms themselves offer fireplaces throughout Lake Placid.
What better way to stay warm and cozy than by sitting by the fireplace with a nice book, a cup of tea or coffee, and bundling up near the warmth of a fire on a cold wintry day?
9 Enjoy A Spa Day
Enjoy picturesque views of the outdoor weather from the warm confines of one of Lake Placid's many spas. Mirror Lake Inn Spa is one of the best in this New York town, offering a wooden log-cabin-style spa with large windows that show the beauty of the outdoor world.
Hang out in their heated swimming pool or hot tub, get a massage or a facial, and for the real warming experience, hang out in the sauna.
8 Chill In An Outdoor Hot Tub
Not only are indoor spas a popular commodity in Lake Placid, but outdoor ones, even in the cold winter months, are quite a treat as well. Since visitors are looking for a way to stay warm, we can think of fewer ways than by slipping into an outdoor hot tub against the cool winter backdrop of the Adirondacks.
The best option for an outdoor hot tub in Lake Placid is the one at Whiteface Lodge.
7 Bundle Up!
Maybe it's silly to remind visitors to wear layers when visiting Lake Placid in the winter, but it's worth mentioning. Bring layers... and layers... and layers.
Lake Placid often falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the wintertime, and the wind, thanks to the nearby mountains, only adds to the intensity. Whip out those cute winter scarves, mittens, hats, and coats, don't forget to wear leg warmers, and be ready to face the cold.
6 Enjoy A Fine-Dining Meal At The View Restaurant
The View is the only AAA Four Diamond Restaurant in Lake Placid. It's located inside Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, and if they're lucky enough to snag a reservation, visitors should absolutely prioritize going.
Enjoy starters like a crisp, refreshing baby gem lettuce salad, and arancini balls accompanied by perfectly tangy pickled red onions, and for the showstopper, order the filet, served with fresh veggies, crispy onions, and a potato purée so smooth, diners will want to lick the plate clean.
5 Sip Hot Cocoa
A nice steaming cup of rich, hot chocolate just tastes better when it's being enjoyed from the warm confines of an indoor setting during the winter months.
Hot cocoa can be found all over Lake Placid, but some of the best spots for it are Cocoa & Dough Co., Adirondack Chocolates, and Emma's Lake Placid Creamery.
4 Sip Mulled Wine Or A S'mores Martini
There are many cozy bars throughout Lake Placid, but some stand out for their specific winter concoctions. Fewer drinks are as delectable as the s'mores martini offered in the Whiteface Lodge's Peak 47 and Kanu.
Mulled wine and Irish coffee are great treats over at The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa. While those are our top picks, there are many places throughout the town that offers similar concoctions that are sure to warm visitors' spirits.
3 Get An Adrenaline Rush By Engaging In A Winter Sport
"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" is the saying after all. Going outside in the cold is inevitable, and for those looking to stay as warm as possible while facing the tundras of this Upstate New York lake, why not get an adrenaline rush from one of the many winter activities offered in Lake Placid?
For the ultimate thrill, rent a snowmobile and go snowmobiling through the stunning scenery of the Adirondacks. Head to Mirror Lake to ice-skate on a natural frozen lake. Ride the infamous Toboggan Chute, which can shoot riders over 1000 feet onto Mirror Lake.
The options are endless, and getting the blood pumping and heart racing from some good ol' winter fun is a great way to stay warm.
2 Go Dog-Sledding
Following what was just mentioned, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em," another activity that is unique to the Lake Placid area that will certainly have visitors warmed right up is dog-sledding.
That's right, travelers don't need to trek all the way to Alaska or Scandinavia to ride with these winter-obsessed creatures. There are two dog sledding operations in Lake Placid, and the cost is $20 per person.
Note that this activity does not start until after Christmas.
1 Spend A Day At The Olympic Museum
Lake Placid is famously known for hosting the 1980 Olympics. This is when tourism dramatically increased in the area. There's plenty of Olympic memorabilia all around Lake Placid, including original framed medals in the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa lobby.
For those who want to learn a bit more about the history of the Olympics, head to The Olympic Museum.