Winter Activities in Lake Placid and the Adirondacks

In Lake Placid, winter arrives early and stays a while, transforming the Adirondacks into a world of snow-covered peaks, sparkling lakes, and cozy village charm. By December, the lights twinkle across Main Street, Whiteface Mountain’s lifts are turning, and the spirit of the season fills the air. As the months unfold, the energy shifts from festive celebrations to peaceful forest trails and thrilling winter games.

At High Peaks Resort, you’re at the heart of it all. Step outside to explore world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and seasonal events, or stay in to enjoy warm hospitality, breathtaking Mirror Lake views, and all the comforts that make winter feel like magic. However you spend the season, Lake Placid in winter is unforgettable, and High Peaks Resort is your perfect home base for it all.

December

Winter arrives early in Lake Placid, and by December, the village is blanketed in snow and sparkling with holiday cheer. From the first chair at Whiteface Mountain to the twinkling lights of a month-long holiday celebration, it’s a month that captures everything we love about Adirondack winter: fresh snow, cozy nights, and endless reasons to celebrate.

Downhill Skiing at Whiteface Mountain

By early December, the lifts are turning at Whiteface Mountain, marking the official start of ski season in the Adirondacks. Just a short drive from High Peaks Resort, Whiteface offers the highest vertical drop in the East, sweeping views of the High Peaks, and terrain for every skill level. After a day carving turns through fresh powder, guests can warm up by the fire at Dancing Bears Restaurant or unwind in the resort’s heated indoor pool. With our Adirondack Ski & Ride package, your Lake Placid ski getaway is effortless, complete with discounted rentals, snowshoe access, and guaranteed 2 PM check out for some last-minute runs before you depart.

Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll

Each December, Lake Placid glows with holiday cheer during the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll, when the whole town is transformed with twinkling lights, festive shopfronts, and family fun. Guests of High Peaks Resort are at the heart of it all, from cozy accommodations to live music at Double Axel at Lake House, a favorite local tradition for more than 50 years. Pair the weekend with our Sweet Holiday Stay package for a truly magical Adirondack getaway filled with music, chocolate, and mountain-town charm.

Holidays in the High Peaks

December at High Peaks Resort is full of festive spirit, with a calendar of holiday events that capture the magic of the season. From live music and painting classes to family-friendly fun and visits from Santa, there’s something happening every weekend to make your stay sparkle. Whether you’re sipping cocoa in the Lake House great room or watching snow fall over Mirror Lake, Holidays in the High Peaks is all about making memories. Plan a stay that feels merry and bright, surrounded by mountain charm and the warmth of the season.

January

After the excitement of the holidays, January in Lake Placid settles into a peaceful rhythm. The village is blanketed in snow, the air feels crisp and clean, and the Adirondacks invite you to embrace winter in every form. Whether you’re exploring frozen forests, discovering twinkling lights, or simply relaxing by the fire at High Peaks Resort, this is the month to slow down, breathe deeply, and find joy in the quiet beauty of the season.

Wild Lights at the Wild Center

Winter nights shine a little brighter at the Wild Center in nearby Tupper Lake with Wild Lights, an enchanting after-dark experience. On Friday and Saturday evenings this winter, the forest comes alive with thousands of colorful lights, art installations, and glowing trails that wind through the trees. It’s a magical way to experience the Adirondacks in winter, part nature walk, part light show, and entirely unforgettable. After exploring, return to the warmth and comfort of High Peaks Resort, where the glow of the lights gives way to the glow of a fire and the peace of a winter evening by Mirror Lake.

Sleigh Ride & Great Lodge Speakeasy Dinner Experience

A short, scenic drive from Lake Placid, Lake Clear Lodge offers one of the Adirondacks’ most magical winter experiences: a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy forest trails followed by a Great Lodge Speakeasy Dinner, complete with lantern light and old-world charm. It’s a step back in time and a reminder of how winter invites us to slow down and savor the moment. After dinner, return to the warmth and comfort of High Peaks Resort, where your cozy room and lake views make the perfect ending to a perfect Adirondack evening.'

Sensory Snowshoeing

Step off the beaten path and into the stillness of the Adirondack winter. On a Sensory Snowshoe Tour with Adirondack Riverwalking, you’ll move through quiet forests where the only sounds are the whisper of snow and the rhythm of your breath. Guided moments of mindfulness help you experience the season in a new way—feeling the cold air, noticing the light, and rediscovering calm in the heart of the mountains. When the tour ends, return to High Peaks Resort to warm up and let that sense of serenity linger just a little longer.

February

Winter is in full swing in February, and Lake Placid thrives on the energy of the season. The village hums with athletic spirit, fresh snow sparkles on the trails, and every day feels like an invitation to get outside and explore. From cheering on athletes at the Empire State Winter Games to discovering the beauty of the Adirondack Rail Trail, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate winter adventure. Back at High Peaks Resort, warm hospitality and cozy comfort are always waiting. We're your perfect retreat after a day in the snow.

Empire State Winter Games

Every February, Lake Placid comes alive with the Empire State Winter Games, a thrilling celebration of competition, community, and pure Adirondack winter fun. Thousands of athletes from across New York State gather to compete in more than 30 events, from skiing and skating to bobsled and snowshoe racing. Spectators fill the stands, the torches glow against the snowy backdrop, and the excitement of the games fills the air. Staying at High Peaks Resort puts you close to the action—and gives you the perfect home base to cheer, explore, and relax between events.

Olympic Winter Celebration

There’s no better place to celebrate the spirit of winter sports than right here in Lake Placid, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. During the Olympic Winter Celebration, the village honors its legacy with live music, athlete meet-and-greets, and exciting competitions at the Lake Placid Legacy Sites. It’s a weekend filled with pride, energy, and hometown spirit. Whether you’re watching athletes soar off the ski jumps or exploring the Olympic Center, there’s magic in being part of a true Olympic Village. After the festivities, return to High Peaks Resort, where your room overlooking Mirror Lake is the perfect place to reflect on the thrill of it all.

Adventure on the Adirondack Rail Trail

For those who love exploring at their own pace, the Adirondack Rail Trail offers miles of scenic winter beauty just beyond Lake Placid. The flat, groomed trail is ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, winding through quiet forests and frozen lakes. Guests of High Peaks Resort can borrow snowshoes from the front desk (subject to availability) and head right out to experience the peaceful side of the Adirondacks. Looking for a faster thrill? Sara-Placid Sled and Spoke provides snowmobile rentals for an unforgettable ride through snowy wilderness. However you explore, the Rail Trail is your path to Adirondack winter adventure.

From festive strolls and sparkling lights to snowy trails and cozy nights by Mirror Lake, winter in Lake Placid is a season full of wonder. Whether you come for the thrill of the slopes, the quiet of the forest, or the joy of discovering a village that celebrates winter like no other, High Peaks Resort is your home in the heart of it all. Explore our seasonal packages and offers, pack your warmest layers, and experience the magic of an Adirondack winter. Here, every day is a reason to fall in love with the season all over again.