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Best Après Ski in
Lake Placid —
Where to Eat, Drink & Relax

Apres Ski at the firepit when you stay at the Golden Arrow this winter

Après Ski in Lake Placid: The Ultimate Guide to Warming Up, Winding Down & Savoring Winter Vibes

There’s something magical about stepping off the slopes at Whiteface Mountain, cheeks rosy, legs tired in the best way, and realizing the day isn’t over — it’s just getting good. In Lake Placid, après ski isn’t just a drink… It’s a whole mood. Think crackling fires, craft cocktails, comfort foods, live music, and that moment you trade ski boots for cozy socks and a warm drink in hand.

Whether you spent the day chasing fresh powder, exploring new terrain at Whiteface, or just here for the winter vibes, this guide is your roadmap to the perfect après ski experience in Lake Placid, NY.

What is Après Ski, Really?

“Après” is French for “after,” and “après ski” literally means after skiing.
But in Lake Placid? It means:

  • Toasting a great run with a cold local brew

  • Sinking into a hot tub or sauna

  • Sharing cheese boards, wings, or gooey s’mores

  • Swapping slope stories by the fire

  • Listening to live music in ski-base layers

  • Relaxing with friends, family — or a date night

It’s relaxing. It’s social. And it’s one of the best parts of a ski trip.

Apres Ski at the firepit when you stay at the Golden Arrow this winter

Where to Après in Lake Placid

Here are a few local-favorite spots for post-mountain indulgence:

🥨 Generations Tap & Grill – Hearty comfort food & fireside views.
Our Pick: Firetower Pretzel & A Nor Easter


🍻 Lake Placid Pub & Brewery – Pizza, pub bites & craft beer with casual ski-town energy.
Our Pick: Buffalo Chicken Pizza & A Mango Sour


🧀 The Cottage – Cozy lakeside hangout perfect for snowy day sipping.
Our Pick: Warm Brie & A Snow Storm


🍹 Top of the Park – Craft cocktails & tapas-style plates with a scenic overlook.
Our Pick: Cheese Board & A Hot Cider


🍖 Smoke Signals – BBQ favorites & smoked meats for big appetites after big powder days.
Our Pick: BBQ Nachos & A Huckleberry Lemonade


🍽 Lisa G’s – A local classic with creative comfort food in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Our Pick: Wings & A Mango Margarita

Calories don’t count after skiing, right? 😉

Come to Generations Tap & Grill for a giant Bavarian pretzel!

Après Ski at the Resort

Skip the crowds and enjoy après-ski without ever taking off your slippers. Sometimes the best kind of post-mountain unwind is slow, quiet, and just a few steps from your room.

Here’s how to cozy up right here on site:

Hot tubs & sauna — the ultimate cure for tired ski legs

Indoor pool — stretch, float, and let the warmth do the work

Fireplace or whirlpool suites — peak cozy-season luxury

Outdoor firepits — crisp winter air meets crackling flames and glowing evenings

Make-your-own s’mores kits — family fun + melty chocolate perfection

Hot Chocolate Shack — warm up with whipped cream peaks & winter cheer

Fluffy robes, soft blankets & lake views — because comfort counts

Sometimes the best après ski isn’t loud — it’s warm, quiet, and lakeside with snowflakes drifting past the window.

cocktails by the outdoor firepit

Not Skiing? Still Après.

Après isn’t only for skiers — it’s for any winter adventurer.

Great after:

  • A day of ice skating on Mirror Lake

  • Snowshoeing or winter hiking

  • Toboggan chute runs

  • Exploring downtown shops

  • Watching the pros at an event

You earned the hot chocolate either way.

Take a ride on the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute

If reading this has you already imagining yourself in a robe with rosy ski cheeks and hot chocolate in hand — make it real. Our Ski & Stay Package brings the best of winter together: full days on the mountain, and evenings that feel like a warm exhale.

Book a room, grab your lift tickets, and let the perfect après-ski routine fall into place.
No stress. No planning. Just snow, comfort, and memories waiting to happen.

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The only thing we overlook is the lake

Surrender yourself to the natural and untouched beauty of the Adirondack Mountains at the first resort in the U.S. to receive the Audubon International’s Platinum Eco Rating for Hotels. There are now only six hotels in the United States to obtain this honor! It’s a place to renew yourself on the serene shores of Mirror Lake, and take in the history of the town, just steps away from the famed Olympic Village and the heart of Lake Placid, New York. No other place on earth provides this unique blend of comfort, rejuvenation, or one-of-a-kind experiences. Start planning your stay at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort now!

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Come Live Like A Local

Come vacation where the term started.

Golden Arrow Canoe

Summer Fun in Lake Placid

August 4, 2022

Take a paddle on Mirror Lake

Vacation where the term started

The word vacation originated in Lake Placid in the 1800s when the nation’s social elite would “vacate” the stifling summer heat for the cool Adirondack air. There’s something special about a trip to the Adirondacks because the vacations here haven’t stopped since. While many people may associate Lake Placid with snow and winter (and maybe that little hockey game that took place in 1980), summer is actually a popular time to visit the area as well. The outdoor activities are endless, whether you’re looking for high adventure like rafting, ziplining, and hiking, or just want to take it easy and live the lake life. When you stay at the Golden Arrow, you’re minutes away from doing it all. 

Lakeside Living

The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort is located directly on Mirror Lake, which means when you stay here you’re just steps away from a day of fun and relaxation. Golden Arrow guests have access to complimentary water toys like kayaks, canoes, SUPS, and Hydrobikes. Mirror Lake does not allow motors, so the waters are calm and make for a great trip around the lake, no matter your skill level. Lifejackets in a variety of sizes are also provided and guests are encouraged to wear one.

After taking a trip around the lake, guests can lounge on our private white sand beach and soak up the sun. Need a snack? Bring your own, or grab something from our snack shack which offers cold drinks, ice cream, chips, and more.

Fun Fact: our beach is eco friendly! The crushed limestone helps counteract the effects of acid rain: a big problem in the Adirondack Park. Every spring we truck in tons of it to help keep Mirror Lake clean!

What a wonderful place to detox! Friendly staff and the beach has everything our kids wanted.

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Adventure Calls

The Adirondacks are made up of over six million acres and contain over 1,000 named mountains. This allows for endless adventures and beautiful views. 

If you’re looking to start small, check out something like Cobble Hill, Catamount, or Mt Van Hoevenberg. They are all 4 hour or less hikes and part of the LP9er. 

If you want to tackle a High Peak that won’t take all day, try Big Slide or Phelps.

Want something that will take you 12+ hours, take on Panther Peak or Mount Haystack.

No matter what size mountain you want to take on, remember to come prepared and do your research. Pack the right supplies and check for conditions (weather changes quickly in the Adirondacks at can be very different at the peak than trailhead).

views from Catamount
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The only thing we overlook is the lake!

hotel view from the lake
Surrender yourself to the natural and untouched beauty of the Adirondack Mountains at the first resort in the U.S. to receive the Audubon International’s Platinum Eco Rating for Hotels. There are now only six hotels in the United States to obtain this honor! It’s a place to renew yourself on the serene shores of Mirror Lake, and take in the history of the town, just steps away from the famed Olympic Village and the heart of Lake Placid, New York. No other place on earth provides this unique blend of comfort, rejuvenation, or one-of-a-kind experiences. Start planning your stay at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort now!
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Come live like a local!

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