The Proposition
If you’re a skier, an Olympics fan, or just someone who loves a luxury resort within driving distance that will appeal to the whole family, Whiteface Lodge (a AAA Four Diamond hotel) in Lake Placid (home to two Winter Olympics) is the place for you.
Just the name Lake Placid is magical to Americans of a certain generation who remember watching the Miracle on Ice (the stunning upset by the US men’s hockey team) at the 1980 Olympics, which took place here. While not quite as legendary, Whiteface Lodge is certainly a contender in the Gold Medal race. This Adirondack Park suite hotel not only is consistently ranked as one of the best ski resorts in the country, it also has made Condé Nast Traveler’s “The World’s Best Places to Stay” Gold List twice.
The Lodge has the style of an Adirondack camp and the downhill and cross-country skiing to go with it. But Whiteface also boasts the amenities and services of a top luxury resort. For example, at the outdoor firepit, the roaring flames are already built, and all the s’mores fixings are neatly set out for you. For winter-sports enthusiasts, there’s also snowshoeing, dog sledding, and more. Follow up your outdoor adventure with a rejuvenating treatment at the award-winning spa or a drink by the fire at the Kanu Lounge (or both). If you are more of an après-ski (or instead-of-ski) person, the Lodge has a game room with a two-lane bowling alley; a movie theater serving fresh popcorn; an ice cream parlor; and live music.
Must Do
Skiers and snowboarders should spend the day at Whiteface Mountain, which has the greatest continuous vertical drop in the East, at 3,430 feet. On your off-the-slopes day, visit the Lake Placid Olympic Center, where you can see Eric Heiden’s and Sonja Henie’s gold medals, watch the Miracle on Ice games at the museum, and visit the rink where it happened.
Average High & Low Temperatures
Dec: 32°F & 12°F
Jan: 27°F & 5°F
Feb: 32°F & 8°F
Mar: 40°F & 16°F
Average Snowfall
Dec: 23 inches
Jan: 21 inches
Feb: 19 inches
Mar: 19 inches
Prices start at $370; www.thewhitefacelodge.com