A Weekend in Lake Placid

Writing and Photography by Justin Negard

Let’s face it. Winter in Westchester isn’t what it used to be. There are fewer fluffy snowscapes and frozen lakes and more parking lot slush and salty shoes. Kids are lucky to squeeze in one or two days of sleigh riding over the winter season, and the local ponds barely have enough ice to support a chipmunk. It’s time to reclaim winter, so dust off your ice skates and head north.

Drive four hours upstate, and you will enter a different world. You will see forests of pine trees and rolling hills of white. You will encounter soft, deep snow along the winding roads of warmly lit homes. It’s the winter your kids have been longing for. Let’s face it—it’s the winter you’ve been longing for. Welcome to Lake Placid.

A dining room and Christmas tree at the Mirror Lake Inn.

Get outside

Lake Placid is best enjoyed outdoors. With mountains, forests and rinks abounding, this historic town lives up to its Olympic heritage (1932 and 1980, in case you were wondering).

For skiing and snowboarding, Whiteface Mountain is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The mountain features a 3,430-foot vertical drop, making Whiteface the steepest slope on the east coast. It also boasts three peaks and nearly one hundred trails to please all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Plus, there are programs for kids and dining options for the whole family.

The next place to visit begs the question: Do you believe in miracles? If you’re a hockey fan, you already know where we’re headed. The legendary 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey game between Team USA and Team USSR took place in this very town at the Lake Placid Olympic Center. Decades later, the center is still a popular sports hub for the area. The building houses three indoor rinks: the USA Arena, the 1932 Jack Shea Arena and the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena (site of the previously mentioned Olympic matchup, now named after that team’s legendary coach). Outside the building, there is the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, which holds public skating sessions throughout the winter season from morning until night.

Just outside of town is the High Falls Gorge. This breathtaking natural site features four waterfalls that rush between the canyon rocks around them, with hiking trails and bridges that crisscross over the flowing waters below. The excursion could be done in approximately thirty minutes, but the countless vistas and photo ops are worth the extra time along the way. The gorge is open year-round, although there’s something particularly special about catching this spectacle during the winter season when the water is surrounded by snow and ice. It’s cold, but it’s worth it.

Once back in town, head over to Mirror Lake and step out onto the lake itself. In addition to ice skating and impromptu hockey games, this massive lake is a local favorite for snowy walks, jogs and even dog sled rides, all of which are done right on the frozen surface. There’s something particularly charming about watching a team of huskies running and barking their way across the ice, and for a few dollars, you can even join them.

Entryway of the Mirror Lake Inn.

Where to stay

Let’s start with lodging. There are several hotels, motels and rental houses throughout Lake Placid. You can stay at the base of the ski slope or comfortably close to the shops and restaurants of Lake Placid’s business district. Your best bet is the Mirror Lake Inn. Built in 1924, the inn is centrally located in the heart of town, right along the shore of Mirror Lake itself.

This hotel takes the winter season seriously. Practically every pine tree on the eight-acre property is draped in lights, along with the windows and trim on the buildings themselves. All 300,000 LED lights go up by Thanksgiving and remain up until March. The result is the kind of winter wonderland you’d typically find in the movies.

Once inside, you’ll see that Mirror Lake Inn is your classic winter hotel, filled with cozy lounges, warm fireplaces and dining throughout. The hotel features 55 different Christmas trees, each decorated in its own unique style. Naturally, the walls are adorned with moose—standing by to listen if you need to vent and aren’t seeking ‘helpful’ advice in return.

Experience the town

Lake Placid’s business district features a proper shopping and dining experience with restaurants, breweries, clothing stores and entertainment spots lining the streets. During the winter season, each building is draped in holiday lights and inviting decor that makes you feel like you’re walking through a postcard.

When it comes to food, if you’re looking for an on-the-go treat while out shopping for hockey jerseys and winter hats, stop in to Adirondack Chocolates or Origin Coffee Co. But if it’s time for dinner, Generations Tap & Grill is a family dining option located at the beginning of Main Street’s commercial center. It’s one of the more popular spots on the main drag, and you’ll even find patrons embracing the cold to enjoy a drink on the balcony after a long day on the slopes. For a slightly offbeat option, locals might point you towards the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery. This classic beer and wings hotspot is a tasty and reliable pub, and it’s a solid spot to finish a day of skiing and/or snowboarding. Yes, it gets crowded and noisy, but that’s exactly what you should expect from a wood-panelled sports bar.

But if you’re looking for an upscale experience, head back to the Mirror Lake Inn for an evening at The View, which is the inn’s flagship dining option. It’s a white tablecloth-style meal with lake views and highly rated options ranging from filet mignon and salmon to pasta and pork chops. The Cottage at Mirror Lake is a reliable and casual lunch spot, featuring sandwiches, pizzas and salads. Plus, the refitted cable cars in the outdoor dining section are a crowd-pleaser for the kids and the kids-at-heart. Another option is the Downtown Diner, located in the center of town, which makes an excellent breakfast that’s perfect before a day of winter activities or as a nice send-off before you leave town. Try some of their famous egg platters and breakfast sandwiches before heading back to Westchester.

Winter in our backyard

Sure, Vail and Aspen are nice (or so we’ve been told), but Lake Placid is in our own backyard—no airports, long-term parking and stuck-on-the-runway nightmares required. This town is an excellent option for that snowy weekend getaway you’ve been dreaming of. So when the weatherman overpromises the next big blizzard, leaving your children’s disappointed faces pressed against the living room window, take action. Point the car north and drive until you remember what winter used to look like. It’s still there, and it’s waiting for you in Lake Placid.

This article was published in the September/October 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.