Nestled in the heart of the vast Adirondack Park, a sprawling region in upstate New York that spans over 6 million acres, is a tiny village oasis town known as Lake Placid. Lesser known then famed Manhattan and seemingly worlds away –and literally hundreds of miles away– is the true pride of New York State. A seemingly endless forest preserve heavily regulated by organizations like the DEC and the APA, what is locally referred to as the “blue line,” encompasses over 10,000 lakes and ponds, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, 100 towns and villages and over 2,000 miles worth of mountain and hiking trails, including the 46 highest peaks in New York State.
Although just one of 7 distinct regional areas of the Adirondack Park, the Lake Placid/High Peaks region manages to encompass everything you’d expect from the Adirondacks; from towering mountain landscapes, pristine waterways and boreal forests. Though many, if not most, areas of the park are protected as “forever wild” to preserve the exceptional scenic and ecological value, everything is accessible from downtown Lake Placid within a matter of minutes. Designated areas are maintained for skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and dozens more outdoor activities. The non-wild areas of the Lake Placid region are what keep the town diverse; unique settlements, farms, timberlands, businesses, homes, lodges and great camps continue to attract tourism from all over the world.
Not just a seasonal destination, Lake Placid has turned into a year-round destination for all sorts of travelers. Whether you’re a luxury traveler in search of upscale hotels and fine dining, or the thrifty like-a-local explorer on a budget, Lake Placid (and us at the Haus!) has something for you in every season.
Lake Placid in the wintertime is truly a magical wonderland right out of a book. If you’re lucky enough to have a white Christmas (and since the freezing temperatures hit around November, most likely you will be), the village is at its most charming and not to be missed. Every storefront and building twinkles with classic white lights, trees are decked out with ornaments and the smell of hot cider spills out of the village’s best cozy haunts. Once Mirror Lake freezes over, you have your choice of winter activity to enjoy; skating, dogsled, snowshoe, cross-country ski or toboggan. Seek refuge from the biting afternoon wind by cozying up in front of a crackling fire. Maybe you’ve booked one of our suites with a gas-operated fireplace in the living room, or maybe you’re up to venture down to one of the local haunts.
We are lucky enough to be located just a quick 10 minute drive from one of the world’s most renowned Olympic Ski mountains. Whiteface Mountain is home to many famous Olympic athletes from our small upstate village, and often plays host to many exciting national and international tournaments, competitions and events through out the wintertime. For those brave enough to bundle up and face the grueling temperatures and tough conditions, Whiteface has something for everyone. The Bear’s Den mountain is not only great for families younger kids, but also for any beginner looking to try skiing for the first time. The main side of the mountain boasts 97 trails and 11 lifts, including the popular Cloudsplitter Gondola. With a fairly well dispersed amount of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain, plus plenty of adrenaline-pumping terrain parks, slides and glade skiing, and an array of restaurants and shopping, skiers and riders flock everyday to the mountain that brings out the best cold weather enthusiasts.
If warm temperatures are more your thing, there is nothing better then Lake Placid in the summertime. Whether it’s for a paddle, swim or a boat cruise we encourage you to get on the water. In just our small village alone, your options are endless. There is no shortage of rental companies; whether you’re looking for a leisurely cruise in a pontoon boat to check out some of the gorgeous great camps, hoping to try Stand Up Paddle boarding for the first time, seeking a guided tour through the lake chains on a kayak or wanting to have a go at waterskiing in a luxury water sport speedboat, Lake Placid is your destination.
We look forward to welcoming you at our full-service Lake Placid Haus Boutique Hotel soon.