Experiences

Lake Placid is a haven for hikers, offering trails that cater to every level of adventurer. Discover the scenic Cobble Hill for a quick trek with rewarding views of the village, or the Peninsula Trails, a network of easy paths along the lake’s edge. For those seeking a bit more adventure, Buck Mountain offers a more moderate hike, with scenic overlooks and peaceful woodlands to enjoy along the way. An experienced Adirondack Guide hired through the lodge will ensure you have a safe and memorable outing.

Renowned for its rainbow trout, Lake Placid offers some of the best fishing in Upstate New York. Mirror Lake, right outside the doors of Lake Placid Lodge, is perfect for a peaceful day of fishing, with trout and bass among the species found in its clear waters. Nearby rivers and streams are teeming with brook trout, offering a classic Adirondack fly-fishing experience. After your day on the water, bring your bounty back to the lodge, where one of its skilled chefs will prepare it for dinner.

Skiing destination Whiteface Mountain becomes a mountain-biker’s paradise in the summer months. The mountain’s 27 trails are accessible via gondola or shuttle. Riders can expect spectacular views of the Adirondacks, adrenaline-pumping descents, and even opportunities to take on technical features like rock gardens and banked turns. For those new to the sport, equipment rentals and lessons are available.

Ride down winding wooded trails atop a horse to experience the true rugged wilderness of the Adirondacks at Emerald Springs Ranch in Saranac Lake. Riders of all skill levels are welcome to saddle up with these gentle, well-trained horses and expert guides. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region, all while enjoying the quiet rhythm of the wilderness around you. 

Up for the challenge of conquering the Class 3 to Class 5 rapids of the Hudson River? From March to June, the concierge team can book you a whitewater rafting adventure through an experienced local company. With towering cliffs, rugged landscapes, and roaring rapids, this stretch of river offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the Northeast. Book a two-and-a-half-hour excursion with Wild Water Outdoor Center, offering easy access to the river from Warrensburg, rafts that hold six to eight people, and a riverside lunch.

The rugged Adirondack peaks surrounding Lake Placid Lodge provide breathtaking views, but for those seeking a hands-on adventure, scaling their granite faces is an unforgettable experience. Rock climbers can tackle renowned spots like the Pitchoff Chimney Cliff, which offers routes for both beginners and seasoned climbers. Year-round, local outfitters and guides are available to ensure a safe and exhilarating climb in the heart of the Adirondacks.

For golf enthusiasts, the Adirondacks offer a picturesque and challenging golf scene that combines world-class courses with breathtaking mountain views. Just minutes from the resort, the Lake Placid Club boasts not one but three unique courses: the Mountain Course, Links Course, and Pristine 9. Each is designed to complement the natural beauty of the surrounding peaks and mirror the tranquility of the region.

With its own private dock on the shores of Lake Placid, the resort provides kayaks, canoes, and electric boats all summer long. If you’re looking for more of a guided tour, every afternoon (in season) the resort offers an hour-long cruise aboard its 35-foot mahogany Hacker-Craft Christie. While Christie holds about a dozen people, for an added cost, you can turn it into a private champagne cruise around the lake.

Carve into winter adventure at Whiteface Mountain, just 30 minutes from the resort, where Olympic-level slopes and sweeping Adirondack views make for some of the best skiing on the East Coast. Whether you’re tackling the longest vertical drop in the East or gliding down groomed beginner runs, there’s a trail for every skill level. For a more laid-back experience, head to Mt. Pisgah in Saranac Lake, a charming, family-run spot offering both day and night skiing—plus a tubing hill that brings out the kid in everyone.

Glide through the serene winter landscapes of Lake Placid on miles of scenic cross-country trails. Guests at Lake Placid Lodge can venture beyond the property to discover the many routes winding through snow-covered forests and along frozen lakes for an unforgettable Adirondack experience. You can also access the groomed trails at nearby Whiteface Club, offering a mix of terrain for all skill levels.

For those looking to embrace the true winter spirit, ice fishing at Lake Placid Lodge offers a unique and tranquil outdoor experience. Venture out onto the frozen waters of nearby Lake Colby in Saranac Lake or St. Regis Lake in Paul Smiths, where the trout are plentiful and waiting to be caught. Expert guides are available to assist, ensuring your ice fishing adventure is both safe and successful while immersing you in the serene beauty of the Adirondacks in winter.

Lace up a pair of ice skates and glide across the ice, whether on property or at the legendary Olympic Skating Oval in nearby Lake Placid. The Oval, which played host to the 1980 Winter Games, offers a unique experience to skate where champions once performed. Both options allow you to take in the breathtaking Adirondack scenery while enjoying a classic Lake Placid winter adventure.

Step back in time and explore the rich history of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics at the Olympic Center and Museum in Lake Placid. Discover the inspiring stories of the athletes who competed on this world-renowned stage and relive the moments that shaped the legacy of the Winter Games. From iconic memorabilia to interactive exhibits, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Olympic competition, all set within the very venue that once hosted these legendary events.

Traverse snow-covered trails and take in the quiet beauty of winter with a snowshoeing adventure at John Brown Farm State Historic Site, a historic property that transforms into a serene escape in the colder months. With miles of mellow terrain, short loops, and some slightly challenging routes, it’s an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced snowshoers. Pick up a pair of snowshoes on property before you head out on your trek.

Shopping on Main Street is a year-round experience, and winter adds a special charm to this scenic, snow-dusted village. Stroll past cozy storefronts offering everything from locally made crafts and Adirondack-inspired home goods to high-end outdoor gear perfect for your winter adventures. Warm up with a hot beverage from Origin Coffee Co. as you browse boutique shops and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remember your trip.

For a thrilling winter tradition, take a ride down the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute, a nearly 30-foot-high slide that sends riders gliding across the frozen surface of Mirror Lake. Originally built in the 1960s and rebuilt for modern-day fun, this exhilarating experience is a favorite for all ages. After launching from the top, toboggans can slide as far as 1,000 feet across the ice, depending on conditions.