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Read MoreWinter in Lake Placid:
12 Can’t-Miss Things
to Do in the Adirondacks
Winter in Lake Placid is the kind of season that feels like it was made for postcards—snow-dusted mountains, twinkling lights along Main Street, and crisp Adirondack air that practically begs you to get outside (and then warm back up with a great après cocktail). Whether you’re planning an action-packed getaway or a cozy lakeside retreat, adventure awaits not only in the village itself but throughout the surrounding Adirondack region. From iconic Olympic venues to nearby trails, mountains, and winter experiences just a short drive away, here are the top 12 things to do in and around Lake Placid this winter.
1. Explore Lake Placid’s Olympic Legacy at the Olympic Center
Step foot into the heart of Lake Placid’s Olympic history at the legendary Olympic Center, a must-visit destination for fans of sport, history, and unforgettable moments. This iconic complex is home to the very rink where the world witnessed the legendary “Miracle on Ice,” and today continues to welcome athletes and visitors from around the globe.
Inside the Olympic Center you’ll find three indoor ice rinks—each open for public skating sessions, community events, and competitions throughout the year. After you glide across the ice, cozy up at Roamer’s Café & Bar, a local favorite for grabbing a bite or a warm drink just steps from the action.
Just outside, don’t miss the chance to skate on the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, a true Lake Placid icon. Open for public skating in the winter months, the Oval offers a one-of-a-kind experience: skating beneath the mountains on the same ice where Olympic speed skaters once raced. Whether you’re taking leisurely laps or racing friends under the lights, it’s an unforgettable way to embrace winter in Lake Placid.
But the real treasure lies within the Olympic Museum, newly reimagined and filled with stories of triumph and legacy. Boasting North America’s second-largest collection of Winter Olympic artifacts, this museum showcases Olympic memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and immersive displays that bring decades of athletic achievement to life.
Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or a curious explorer, the Olympic Center offers a rich experience that celebrates Lake Placid’s place on the world stage.
2. Spend a Day on Mirror Lake
When winter conditions allow, Mirror Lake transforms into a true seasonal playground, offering some of Lake Placid’s most iconic cold-weather experiences. Wrapped in snow and surrounded by Adirondack peaks, the lake becomes a hub of activity that feels straight out of a winter postcard.
Bundle up for a classic dog sled ride with Lake Placid Dog Sledding, where teams glide across the frozen lake against a backdrop of mountain views—a timeless Adirondack experience for all ages. For a rush of old-school winter fun, head to the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute and race down the icy run before skimming across the lake’s surface. And of course, no winter visit is complete without skating on Mirror Lake. When conditions allow, our hotel helps clear and maintain a section of the lake, creating a convenient, open-air rink perfect for casual skating or spontaneous pick-up games. With the mountains as your backdrop and Main Street just steps away, it’s an easy, classic way to enjoy winter right outside your door.
3. Après Ski & Cozy Cocktails
Whether you spent your day carving turns on the slopes, exploring snowy trails, or strolling through town, après is an essential Lake Placid tradition. As the sun dips behind the mountains and the air turns crisp, the village invites you to slow down, warm up, and settle in.
Gather at local favorites like Generations Tap & Grill, where craft cocktails, local brews, and shareable plates set the tone for a relaxed, welcoming evening. Fireside lounges and cozy seating create the perfect backdrop for swapping stories from the day—whether it’s your best run at Whiteface, a snowy walk along Mirror Lake, or a spontaneous winter adventure.
Après in Lake Placid is less about rushing and more about savoring the moment—great food, good drinks, and easy conversation, all wrapped in classic Adirondack mountain-town charm.
4. Stroll Main Street
Main Street in Lake Placid is pure winter charm, especially when fresh snow dusts the sidewalks and twinkling lights glow in shop windows. Framed by historic buildings and mountain views, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and wander.
Browse boutique shops for unique finds, discover work by local artisans, and stop into well-loved gear shops to prep for your next adventure. Warm up along the way at inviting coffee shops, then treat yourself at local ice cream and chocolate shops that feel just as fitting in winter as they do in summer. When it’s time to eat, Main Street’s mountain-town restaurants offer everything from laid-back comfort food to cozy sit-down dining.
Beautifully lit and easy to explore on foot, Main Street is perfect for an afternoon stroll or an unplanned evening out—classic Lake Placid at its most inviting.
5. Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe
For a world-class Nordic experience, Mt. Van Hoevenberg is the crown jewel of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Lake Placid. Home to Olympic-level facilities and international competitions, the venue offers beautifully groomed trails, varied terrain, and stunning mountain scenery. With options for beginners and experienced skiers alike—as well as dedicated snowshoe trails—Mt. Van Hoevenberg provides an unforgettable way to explore the Adirondack winter landscape while skiing in the footsteps of elite athletes.
If you’re looking for a quieter, close-to-town winter adventure, Lake Placid offers several scenic trail networks perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Heaven Hill Trails feature peaceful forest loops and gentle terrain just minutes from downtown, making them ideal for families, beginners, and anyone looking to enjoy the Adirondack landscape at a relaxed pace.
Henry’s Woods, located near the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, offers a mix of wooded paths and open areas with beautiful mountain views. The trails are popular for their accessibility and variety, making them a great option for both classic skiing and snowshoeing without straying far from town. The Flume Trails, situated along the Ausable River corridor, provide another beautiful option with rolling terrain and scenic river views—perfect for those looking to explore a different slice of the Adirondacks while still staying within easy reach of Lake Placid.
6. Snowmobiling Adventures
Rev up the excitement with a snowmobiling adventure through miles of scenic Adirondack terrain, where groomed corridors and winding routes carry you deep into the winter landscape. The Lake Placid region is home to an extensive trail network that connects forests, small communities, and wide-open stretches of snow-covered wilderness—perfect for both scenic cruising and high-energy riding.
Local outfitters like Sled & Spoke make it easy to get started, offering rentals and guided tours designed for beginners and experienced riders alike. One of the highlights of riding in the area is access to portions of the Adirondack Rail Trail, a multi-use corridor that provides a smooth, well-marked route ideal for exploring longer distances while taking in the beauty of the surrounding Adirondacks. Knowledgeable guides help ensure a safe, comfortable experience while sharing insight into the region’s terrain and trail connections.
Whether you’re chasing adventure or simply looking for a new way to explore the winter landscape, snowmobiling in Lake Placid delivers a thrilling blend of scenery, accessibility, and classic Adirondack winter fun.
7. Winter Hiking & Ice Climbing
The Adirondacks don’t shut down in winter—they turn up the intensity. Snow, ice, and cold transform the landscape into a rugged playground built for adventure seekers who want more than just scenic views.
Push higher on winter hikes like Cobble Hill, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and High Falls Gorge, where snow-packed trails, icy overlooks, and frozen waterfalls raise the stakes and amplify the reward. Each step delivers crisp air, quiet forests, and dramatic winter scenery that feels earned—not handed to you.
For a true bucket-list challenge, ice climbing takes winter adventure to the next level. With a licensed guide, you’ll ascend frozen waterfalls using technical gear, learning the skills needed to tackle vertical ice in a controlled, exhilarating environment. No experience is required—just a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the thrill.
Know before you go: winter conditions demand preparation. Dress in proper layers, wear traction or snowshoes when needed, check trail and weather conditions, and always choose guided experiences for technical activities like ice climbing. Being prepared doesn’t take away from the adventure—it makes it possible.
This is Adirondack winter at full throttle—bold, challenging, and unforgettable.
8. Attend a World-Class Winter Sporting Event
Lake Placid isn’t just a winter destination—it’s a global stage for elite winter sports. Throughout the season, the village comes alive with world-class competitions that draw top athletes and passionate fans from around the globe. Depending on when you visit, you may have the opportunity to experience events such as the Luge World Cup, Freestyle World Cup, ECAC Hockey Championships, IBU Biathlon Cup, or Cross Country World Cup Finals.
These competitions take place at legendary venues throughout the region, from the Olympic Center and Olympic Jumping Complex to Mt. Van Hoevenberg, offering spectators a front-row seat to Olympic-caliber action. Even if you’re new to winter sports, the energy is contagious—cowbells ringing, flags waving, and crowds bundled up and cheering in true Adirondack fashion.
9. Ski Whiteface Mountain
Just a short drive from Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain offers some of the most legendary skiing and riding in the East. Known for its vertical drop—the greatest east of the Rockies—Whiteface delivers a true Adirondack alpine experience, with sweeping mountain views, varied terrain, and consistently great snow conditions.
With trails for all ability levels, from wide beginner runs to expert terrain carved into the mountain’s natural landscape, Whiteface is a favorite for families, seasoned skiers, and thrill-seekers alike. The mountain also boasts a vibrant base area, modern lifts, and on-mountain dining options that make it easy to spend a full day on the slopes.
Whether you’re chasing fresh corduroy, tackling challenging terrain, or simply soaking in the views from the summit, a day at Whiteface Mountain is a Lake Placid winter classic—and a must-do for anyone visiting the Adirondacks.
Just minutes from town, Whiteface Mountain offers the highest vertical drop in the East and unforgettable Adirondack views. Whether you’re carving bold steeps or enjoying scenic cruisers, this is the premier skiing experience in the region.
10. Sleigh Rides
Looking for a romantic escape or a memorable family outing? A horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered Adirondack trails offers a peaceful and picturesque way to experience winter. Cozy up under warm blankets as the soft crunch of snow and the gentle jingle of bells accompany your ride through quiet forests and open scenery.
Just a short drive from Lake Placid, Lake Clear Sleigh Rides takes the experience a step further with the only lantern-lit trail sleigh rides in the Adirondacks. Guests travel along winding nature paths and to the shores of serene Lake Clear, guided by the warm glow of real kerosene lanterns that create a truly nostalgic atmosphere. For a one-of-a-kind evening, visitors can also enjoy a 1920s Speakeasy Dinner Experience, blending history, ambiance, and Adirondack hospitality into an unforgettable winter night.
Whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating a special occasion, or sharing a classic winter experience with loved ones, a sleigh ride with Lake Clear Sleigh Rides delivers timeless Adirondack charm.
11. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Each February, nearby Saranac Lake transforms into a winter wonderland with the creation of its legendary Ice Palace, an awe-inspiring structure built entirely from massive blocks of ice cut directly from Lake Flower. Rising above the shoreline, the palace is carefully constructed by hand and brought to life with illuminated ice walls, winding tunnels, and playful slides that delight visitors of all ages—especially after dark, when the ice glows against the winter sky.
The Ice Palace serves as the centerpiece of the beloved Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, a long-standing Adirondack tradition filled with parades, fireworks, live entertainment, themed events, and community celebrations. Each year, Winter Carnival features a creative theme that sets the tone for costumes, floats, décor, and events throughout the village. Past favorites have included Totally 80s and Creepy Carnival, and the fun continues with the 2026 theme: CARTOONIVAL—promising colorful characters, playful designs, and plenty of nostalgic flair.
Festive, imaginative, and full of small-town charm, Winter Carnival is a can’t-miss winter experience and a perfect addition to any Lake Placid getaway.
12. W!ld Lights
A winter visit to the Adirondacks wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Tupper Lake, where the Wild Center’s Wild Lights turns the surrounding forest into an illuminated nighttime adventure. This enchanting nighttime experience invites visitors to wander along illuminated forest pathways, explore artistic light installations inspired by nature, and cross the Center’s iconic treetop walkways, all brought to life with color and light after dark.
Designed to be both family-friendly and awe-inspiring, Wild Lights blends science, art, and the natural world into an experience that feels equal parts whimsical and serene. Kids love spotting glowing animals and interactive displays, while adults appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and stunning visuals woven into the surrounding woods. Every turn offers a new perspective—and plenty of photo-worthy moments that capture the magic of an Adirondack winter night.
Whether you’re visiting with family, planning a low-key evening adventure, or looking to add something unique to your winter itinerary, Wild Lights is a memorable outing that shines bright all season long.
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Read MoreThe only thing we overlook is the lake
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