There's a lot of great skiing out there and it's within your reach,and grasp, at Whiteface Mountain.
Skiers are a restless breed, always on the lookout for 'freshies'; always awaiting the big dump. Ahh...nothing like fresh powder! I've skied Whistler and Blackcolm Mountains in Canada and I've skied several mountains out west, Vail being one of my fav's. My home turf is the Snow Making Capitol of the World, Hunter Mountain. Hunter can't be beat for great conditions even with NO natural snow. I had the good fortune to ski Whiteface Mountain not once this season, but twice. Let me tell you, I've heard the rumor..."Ice face"; well I'm here to tell you, it's just NOT TRUE! Whiteface has a family mountain feel, but with all the perks of big mountain skiing. It's terrain covers everything from green trails to double black diamond, with an added bonus of glade and slide skiing.
I had two of the best skis days this whole season at Whiteface. Bluebird skies and all!
Whiteface is located in Wilmington, New York, next to Lake Placid, in the heart of the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains,and it's not to be missed. Although I grew up in the Hudson River Valley in upstate New York, there is something about the drive through the Adirondacks that makes you question yourself. 'Am I really still in New York'? The white birch forests that line the highway and the trickling streams that seem to flow everywhere are nothing less than breathtaking.
Whiteface is a social place; a vintage house party. Many of the present visitors came as children and return every year, often with their own offspring in tow.
From the top of the 1980 Olympic down hill course,elevation-4867', one can't help but feel invigorated and full of life. I'm alive! I took a deep breath and filled my lungs with fresh Adirondack air. My friend, Dudley, announced to everyone, "Take your time boys and girls, it's even steeper than it looks." I like the steeps. I thought about the Olympians who stood here 30 years ago to the day, I'm sure my heart was beating just as fast, but for a different reason; fear. What's truly great about Whiteface Mountain is that all levels of skiers can enjoy this mountain. While I took the downhill course, I had friends that chose the long cruiser run to the right. All the trails lead to the same end point, so you can meet up again with your party. To enhance your trip, I suggest downloading "The Bridget Widget" to your computer. (I will insert a link at the bottom of this page.) Named after my friend Bridget, you can get the latest snow conditions, 5-day weather forecast, special offers, deals and up to the last minute news on what's happening at Whiteface; let my friend Bridget entertain you in the process.
No matter your mood, Lake Placid is a great spot to be. It's not just about skiing. With two prior winter Olympics held in Lake Placid,the first in 1932 and the memorable 1980 games, when the U.S. Men's Hockey team beat Russia, there is so much to do. You can take a high speed bobsled or luge or skeleton run; it's like your childhood sled on steroids. Or,take the elevator to the top of the 120 meter tower of the Olympic ski jumping area. And,skating at the Olympic speed skating oval is a blast! Whatever your mood, Whiteface and Lake Placid have the answer.
If there are non-skiers in your party, there is plenty do do in the Whiteface/Lake Placid area. The eight person high speed Gondola carries you from the main base lodge to the top of Little Whiteface in 15 minutes. There are plenty of breath taking sights to see from the top. If you're not an adrenaline junky at all, then just take a stroll through town. There's lots of shopping and little cafes to choose from. The village's centerpiece is the beautiful Mirror Lake. On the day that I strolled through town, a man was out on the frozen lake with his dog sled and children and their families were ice skating. They even have a fun Toboggan run on the east side of the lake.
As for lodging, I would recommend two different spots. The Crowne Plaza offered a mid-week ski package that's a steal. $89. per night includes a full breakfast and a lift ticket. Or, there is the fabulous and pet friendly Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge. Reasonably priced, clean,over sized spacious rooms with hot coffee, cocoa, tea and homemade muffins and donuts in the morning. For those who don't know who Art Devlin was, read my previous blog and learn about the greatest ski jumper in the world, Lake Placid native, Art Devlin.
For more information on the Olympic Sports Complex contact the ORDA Store:
518-523-1420 or: www.lakeplacidwhiteface.com
For information on Whiteface Mountain go to:www.whitefacelakeplacid.com
Whiteface Mountain
5021 Rt. 86
Wilmington, NY 12997
For Crowne Plaza Resort information go to: www.lakeplacidcp.com
101 Olympic Dr.
Lake Placid, NY 12947
For Reservations call 1-877-570-5891
to get the mid-week ski deal contact the hotel directly at 518-523-2556
Art Devlin's for sure is my #1 Spot! Still family owned and operated by Sue and Art Devlin. You will not be disappointed!
For more information on Art Devlin's go to www.artdevlins.com
Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge
2764 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
518-523-3700
Ask for Art Jr. Tell him I sent you!
For your free download of the Bridget Widget go to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com
See you on the Mountain!
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