Top 6 Things To Do In Lake Placid During The Winter

If you haven't been to this winter sport Mecca yet, you're going to want to hurry up and plan your trip; there's only a month left and your winter season is not complete without a trip to Lake Placid, New York. This gorgeous mountain town is covered with snow, winter sports are at their full potential, and relaxation opportunities are just around the horizon. 

Regardless of whether you're an adventurous or laid-back traveler, Lake Placid has something to offer. Imagine spending your days being pampered in a luxurious hotel; dog sledding through nature in the mountains; or attending one of the country's most famous events: The Empire State Winter Games.

Whether you are traveling alone, with your significant other, or together with your family, you will find an adventure to embark on and an activity that suits all of your desires. 

In no particular order, these are the Top 6 Things to Do in Lake Placid During the Winter:

 

1. Mt. Van Hoevenberg Cross Country & Biathlon Center: Winter sports enthusiasts will be delighted to know that they can fulfill their adventurous desires right at home in Lake Placid at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Cross Country & Biathlon Center. Enjoy world-class skiing on Olympic cross country ski trails.

2. Empire State Winter Games: Watch some of New York State's best athletes compete in a variety of winter sports during the Empire State Winter Games. These Olympic-style competitions, typically held in February, encompass several divisions, which allow athletes of all ages to compete. Some of the most exciting competitions to watch include bobsledding, ski jumping, figure skating, speed skating, and biathlon.

3. Dog Sledding: Believe it or not, Lake Placid is a popular dog sledding destination. When Mirror Lake freezes over, people flock to Main Street to glide in the wilderness, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Check out the famous Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours for the thrill of a lifetime.

4. Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa: Known for its sports-related innovations, luxurious spa, cozy and extravagant accommodations, and delicious dining options, it's no wonder the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa was placed among the world's 500 best hotels according to Travel and Leisure Magazine; and it is rated higher than many of the top resorts in the nation, according to readers on TripAdvisor. This lakeshore resort, which overlooks the beautiful Mirror Lake, has accepted the AAA Four Diamond Award of Excellence for 32 years straight; it is the only AAA Four Diamond lodging and dining combination offered in the Adirondacks. During the winter guests will enjoy complementary amenities with their stay, some of which include a heated indoor pool, 60-foot lap pool, afternoon tea, fitness center, free snowshoe rentals, a private skating rink, and delicious chocolate chips cookies.

5. World Snowshoe Championships: You still have time to attend or participate in one of the most exciting events of the season: the World Snowshoe Championships. This event will take place Feb. 24 to 25.

6. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival: You can't visit the Lake Placid without going to the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival — a festival that includes sports, performances, two parades, and fireworks.  The carnival began in 1897, and since then it has been known as the longest-running event of its kind in the eastern United States. One of its most popular attractions includes the lighting of the palace and the fireworks display.

 

Other events to attend include:

Lake Placid Nordic Festival – February 24-26, 2017

34th Annual Lake Placid Loppet and Kort Loppet – February 25, 2017

2017 XC Junior National Championships – March 3, 2017

ECAC Men's Ice Hockey Championships – March 17-18, 2017

4th Annual Tastes of Maple – March 25, 2017

 

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