The 10 Best Resorts in the East for Overall Satisfaction
These are the Eastern resorts with that certain je ne se quoi that makes skiers want to come back for more.
15. Whiteface Mountain, New York
It’s sometimes hard to appreciate the size of six-million-acre Adirondack State Park. But its grandeur is hard to miss when you’re in Lake Placid, surrounded by the gob-smacking beauty of the High Peaks Region.
Towering Whiteface Mountain lies at the heart of it. It’s remote, and conservation laws of the State Park ensure that it’ll stay that way: the ski area has the East’s highest vert (3,430 feet) and least development (none). On the other hand, you’re not roughing it when you have Lake Placid nearby. The little mountain town that hosted two Olympics has charm and a sense of place that few resorts can match. Its streets glow with life on winter nights as visitors and locals bustle between its shops, bars, and restaurants, and the Olympic venues offer an unmatched variety of activities. Folks gripe about cold weather and icy trails. But chances are that first-timers will be too enchanted with the charms of Lake Placid to notice the chill. – Joe Cutts
No. 15 in the East: Whiteface Mountain, N.Y.
Whiteface Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 190″ | 288 | 12 | 87 |
Whiteface Mountain Pass Info
Whiteface is on NYSKI3 pass. Full pass holders get unlimited access to the resort. Limited pass holders get holiday-restricted access to the slopes.
Trip Planning
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain, N.Y.
After-Dark Hotspot
Located on Main Street, check out Top of the Park for the most comprehensive cocktail list around, including beer cocktails and CBD cocktails, among their other delicious drinks.
Romantic Getaway
The Stagecoach Inn is the spot for couples, and a more personal and historic lodging option. Built in the late 1700s on seven acres of land, the Inn is the oldest building in Lake Placid. A complimentary two-course breakfast is included, as well as a free beverage during happy hour.
Après Spot
The Cloudspin Bar and Grill at the Whiteface base has windows looking out to the terrain you just skied. It’s the only option right on the mountain. They’ve also got a deck, a large bar, and lots of tables.
Local Tip
Little-known fact: Abolitionist icon John Brown and others killed at Harper’s Ferry moulder in their graves at his farm in nearby North Elba. A fascinating side trip.
Off-Hill Restaurant
Big Mountain Deli and Café for breakfast and to-go lunches (only so much can be expected of the Whiteface cafeteria). The also-popular Smokehouse does BBQ right.
Family Experience
The bobsled, if you dare. Seriously, it’s not for the timid— banked turns at 55 mph—but it’s wicked fun. You must be this high (48 inches).
Dinner Pick
Treat yourself to a stay at the venerable Lake Placid Lodge someday. Meantime, you can get a taste of the place in its excellent restaurant, Artisans: high-end cuisine amid high-Adirondack décor.
Mandatory Run
Don’t be trying to admire the views if you’re skiing Cloudspin (the Olympic downhill). Try Wilmington Trail, a meandering blue run with similar vistas.
Dinner Pick
The venerable Lake Placid Lodge remains the toniest address in town (No kids under age 13).
Don’t Miss
A visit to the Olympic stadium and hockey rink.
These 10 Resorts Have the Best Beds in the East
From service-oriented hotels to roomy condos and everything in between, these are the resorts with the best lodging options in the East.
The 10 Best Eastern Resorts for Challenge
If you're looking to test yourself on Eastern slopes, make a beeline for these resorts.
Resort Guide 2020 East: Spring Break Destination
Give the season a proper send-off at the East's best resorts for late-season stoke.
Resort Guide 2020 East: Skier's Mountains
Just wanna ski? These are the top 10 ski resorts in the East for hardcore skiers.
Resort Guide 2020 East: Family Resorts
Young skiers rule at these Top 10 resorts in the East for families.
Summer in the Mountains: Whiteface, N.Y.
This summer, you can tube down an Olympic ski jump and explore hidden waterfalls near the iconic Lake Placid.
Ski Free in December
Take advantage of resorts' generosity this holiday season and hit the slopes.
Six Olympic Runs You Can Ski
Pretend you're the fastest skier in the world or just get down these world-famous runs.
Resorts of the Year 2019: Awards in the East
The season's best spots in the East for skiers, according to readers and editors.
2015 Top Ski Towns: Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid’s famous Olympic history echoes louder when Mirror Lake is iced over and snowbanks pile high along Main Street.
Ski Resort Guide 2016: Best Apres
Because after a good day on the mountain, it's your right to celebrate with a drink.
Trip Ideas: Whiteface, New York
When conditions allow, the hike-to (frequently closed) Slides are some of the gnarliest terrain in the East.
Explore Lake Placid, NY
With the highest vert in the East, Whiteface rocks. But in and around the home of two Winter Olympics, there’s a lot more than skiing to keep you entertained.
In World Cup Freestyle Moguls, it's Vermont vs. Montreal
Nipped at last week's World Championships, retiring Kearney battles gold-medalist Justine and the Dufour-Lapointe sisters.
Skiing With TBI and Paralysis
One man's determination to ski again after a paralyzing car crash.
New Pass Deals Announced
Check out these 2013/14 pass deals that will save you money and get you skiing.
Resort Guide 2013: #8 Whiteface
Check out Joe Cutts's author page.
Tasting the Season: Oktoberfest 2012
Usher forth the coming ski season with four wunderbar festivals.
Whiteface Mountain Hosts Fall Festival Oct 4-5, 11-12
Check out SkiMag.com Editors's author page.
Whiteface Mountain Hosts Fall Festival Oct 4-5, 11-12
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
Golden Arrow Hotel
A simple hotel with a great view.
Artisans
An intimate, fire-lit Lake Placid restaurant that takes full advantage of their location right on the lake.
Ashley's Cafe
Lake Placid's ultimate local breakfast spot.
Lake Placid Pub and Brewery
An award-winning brewery.
Nicola's Over Main
Italian classics.
The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn
Unique twists on pub-style favorites and a killer bar.
Mirror Lake Inn Spa
The Mirror Lake Inn offers a straight-forward approach to luxury. No hippy-dippy business.
Where to Ski This Weekend: March 20-21
We've got springtime suggestions for the best resorts to visit this weekend. For free concerts and fresh snow, head to Aspen. To watch a big event, try the Big Air Fiesta at Stevens Pass, Washington, or the U.S. Alpine Championships at Whiteface, New York. Looking for a good deal? Go to Schweitzer, Idaho. Or maybe you feel like driving a snowcat? The Canyons, Utah.
Lake Placid Lodge
Luxurious and refined with a rich history
Sidetracks: Lake Placid Olympic Sports Center
Feed your need for speed off the slopes with a bobsled ride down Lake Placid’s World Cup track.
Whiteface Named First for NASTAR
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
Details: Whiteface N.Y
Where to ski, stay and dine in Lake Placid
2004 Top 100 Instructors: EAST
Instruction
2004 East Rankings
Features
Bode-Mania Gains Momentum
Features
U.S. Alpine Championships
Features
Home, James
Vibe
War and Skiing
From the Top
Top 100 Instructors: EAST
Features
Transactions: February 2001
Mountain Life
Almanac: Lake Placid
Features