Lake Placid & Adirondacks Activities Guide

Winter in Lake Placid is truly something to savor, and at High Peaks Resort, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the season and share everything that makes it so magical. There’s something about this time of year that brings out the best in the Adirondacks—snow-covered mountains, crisp air, and a cozy warmth that settles in as we gather to celebrate. From holiday festivities to serene outdoor adventures, Lake Placid offers winter experiences that feel both timeless and refreshingly new. Imagine starting your mornings with a peaceful yoga session overlooking Mirror Lake, warming up with hot cocoa or a festive cocktail by the fire after a day spent skiing at Whiteface, or wandering Main Street during the Holiday Village Stroll, taking in the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere. This season, whether you’re looking to make cherished family memories, relax and reconnect, or dive into winter adventures, we’re here to help you experience the Adirondacks in a way you’ll always remember.

December

Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll

Experience the magic of the season at the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll! This cherished annual event brings the warmth and wonder of the holidays to Lake Placid's enchanting Main Street. Enjoy festive parades, unique local shopping, holiday treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities that capture the spirit of an Adirondack winter wonderland. Whether you're strolling through twinkling lights, sipping hot cocoa by Mirror Lake, or meeting Santa, the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll promises a joyful celebration that will become a cherished holiday tradition. On Friday, December 13, High Peaks Resort guests are treated to special face painting and balloon animals, perfect for families looking to add a little extra joy to their holiday weekend. Then, on Saturday, December 14, join us at the Lake House at High Peaks Resort for live music with Double Axel, open to the Lake Placid public!

Wild Lights at the Wild Center

Step into a winter night filled with pure enchantment at Wild Lights at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake, where the familiar forest is transformed into a luminous wonderland, now accompanied by a specially composed soundtrack by Whatever Penny. Thousands of lights cast a soft, magical glow over snow-dusted trees and winding trails, creating an atmosphere that invites visitors of all ages to slow down, look around, and feel the season come alive. As Whatever Penny’s music flows through the air, enhancing each sparkling view, you'll discover whimsical, glowing installations tucked among the trees, adding a playful sense of discovery. The iconic Wild Walk offers a stunning, elevated view of the illuminated forest, making you feel as if you’re floating among the lights and stars above, with music setting the perfect tone. Each twist in the path reveals a new vista, with lights casting a peaceful warmth over the winter landscape. Whether shared with family, friends, or as a quiet, personal journey, Wild Lights at the Wild Center is a celebration of wonder, an embrace of winter’s beauty, and an unforgettable way to experience the heart of the Adirondacks with an unforgettable soundtrack.

Holidays in the Mountains

Celebrate holiday week at High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid with a full calendar of festive events that bring holiday cheer to the heart of the Adirondacks! From December 20 to January 1, each day is packed with activities to make this season memorable for families, couples, and friends alike. For guests looking to fully immerse in holiday fun while its still quiet, the week of December 20 through 26 offers the perfect mix of events and relaxation. Begin your mornings with rejuvenating Vinyasa Flow Yoga to ease into the day, then join us for holiday crafting workshops led by ADK ArtRise, where kids can create handmade keepsakes. Evenings are just as delightful, with cozy gatherings in The Den featuring festive cocktails and s’mores by the fire, perfect for warming up in the crisp winter air. Special events add extra holiday magic, including Breakfast with Santa, face painting with Pipsqueak the Clown, and an inspiring Birds of Prey demonstration that offers a unique glimpse into Adirondack wildlife. Whether you're here to relax or to create new family traditions, High Peaks Resort provides an enchanting holiday experience filled with warmth, adventure, and cherished memories in the Adirondack mountains.

Sleigh Ride & Great Lodge Speakeasy Dinner Experience

Discover a winter evening like no other with the Sleigh Ride & Great Lodge Speakeasy Dinner Experience at Lake Clear Lodge! Begin with a charming sleigh ride through snow-blanketed trails, where the quiet beauty of the Adirondacks and the sound of jingling sleigh bells create a truly magical atmosphere. Afterward, step into the lodge’s intimate 1920s-inspired Speakeasy for an immersive dining experience that transports you to another era, with handcrafted cocktails and a carefully curated multi-course meal served in a setting that captures the elegance of a bygone time. Perfect for couples or small groups, this experience combines the serene enchantment of a winter sleigh ride with the rich, nostalgic charm of an Adirondack speakeasy, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a truly memorable night out.

January

Sara-Placid Sled & Spoke

Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure with Sara-Placid Sled & Spoke, your go-to destination for snowmobile rentals and guided tours in the heart of the Adirondacks! Conveniently located right on the Adirondack Rail Trail, Sled & Spoke offers a fleet of 20 brand-new Polaris snowmobiles, including comfortable two-seater sleds perfect for sharing the thrill with friends or family. Whether you’re new to snowmobiling or an experienced rider, Sled & Spoke has options tailored for every adventurer. Choose from guided tours that take you through breathtaking winter landscapes across Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Lake Clear, where experienced guides lead the way through some of the region's most scenic and exciting trails. For those craving the freedom to explore solo, renting a sled to carve your own path along the Adirondack Rail Trail is an exhilarating option. With a commitment to top-notch service and safety, Sled & Spoke ensures a memorable snowmobiling experience in the stunning Adirondack wilderness.

Alpine Skiing at Whiteface Mountain

Discover the thrill of alpine skiing and snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain, renowned for offering the highest vertical drop in the Northeast and some of the most exhilarating skiing and snowboarding terrain in the region. From beginner-friendly slopes to challenging trails with breathtaking Adirondack views, Whiteface has something for every level of skier. To make your ski adventure truly unforgettable, stay at High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid, just a short drive from the mountain. At High Peaks Resort, you’ll find the perfect blend of comfort and Adirondack ambiance, with spacious rooms, many overlooking beautiful Mirror Lake, to help you unwind after a day on the slopes. Enjoy relaxing amenities, such as fireside lounges, on-site dining, and convenient access to Lake Placid's charming shops and restaurants for après-ski. Whether you're warming up with a hot drink, savoring a meal at Dancing Bears Restaurant, or simply enjoying the cozy atmosphere, High Peaks Resort provides everything you need for a seamless and memorable Whiteface Mountain getaway. This winter, Cunningham's Ski Barn is offering High Peaks Resort guests 10% off their rental when the book online.

Adirondack Rail Trail

Embrace the wonders of winter along the Adirondack Rail Trail, a stunning 34-mile route stretching from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, winding through the heart of the Adirondack Park. This transformed rail corridor takes you on a journey through charming towns, peaceful forests, and scenic lakeshores, offering a wealth of recreation opportunities along the way. Ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and winter hiking, the trail connects three Adirondack communities: Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. The Rail Trail’s route offers well-groomed paths that make it accessible for all levels, from families and casual explorers to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. As you travel along this breathtaking corridor, you’ll enjoy snow-covered views of the Adirondack Mountains, frozen lakes, and pristine wilderness that make the Adirondacks so captivating. With nearby towns providing warming spots, dining, and accommodations, the Adirondack Rail Trail is a perfect destination to immerse yourself in the beauty, adventure, and charm of a true Adirondack winter experience.

Sky Ride at Mount Vanhoevenberg

Experience the winter beauty of the Adirondacks like never before with the Sky Ride gondola at Olympic Jumping Complex. This scenic gondola journey offers a peaceful ascent through snow-blanketed forests, treating riders to panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks and surrounding Olympic venues from an awe-inspiring vantage point. As you glide smoothly up the mountain, you’ll be immersed in the quiet magic of winter, with stunning, uninterrupted views of the expansive, snow-dusted landscape below. The Sky Ride is ideal for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking to embrace the season’s charm, whether as a refreshing escape or as part of an action-packed day of exploring the Olympic Region's other winter activities. Perfect for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable way to take in the Adirondacks’ winter wonder, the Sky Ride gondola is a must-do experience for your Lake Placid winter getaway.

February

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

Experience the joy and wonder of the season at the 2025 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, an iconic Adirondack celebration that has captivated locals and visitors alike for over a century. This year’s theme, "Music Legends," brings the spirit of rock, pop, jazz, and more to every corner of the festival, transforming Saranac Lake into a winter wonderland with a musical twist. Over ten days, enjoy an exciting lineup of activities for all ages, including live performances, family-friendly games, sports competitions, and the famously colorful parade, featuring floats, costumes, and music inspired by iconic artists and unforgettable tunes. Marvel at the intricately carved ice palace, themed for "Music Legends" and crafted from blocks of ice harvested from local lakes, and cap off the celebration with breathtaking fireworks lighting up the winter sky. Rooted in local tradition and community spirit, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival invites you to celebrate music, winter, and Adirondack culture in one unforgettable experience.

Empire State Winter Games

Experience the thrill of the Empire State Winter Games, New York's largest winter sports festival, set in the breathtaking Adirondacks and the historic Olympic venues of Lake Placid! This multi-day event gathers over 2,000 athletes from across the state and beyond to compete in a diverse range of winter sports, including alpine skiing, figure skating, bobsledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Beyond the competitions, the Empire State Winter Games create a vibrant festival atmosphere with live music, local food, and family-friendly activities, making it a winter celebration for all ages. Whether you're watching athletes push their limits or enjoying the snowy charm of Lake Placid, the Empire State Winter Games offer an unforgettable way to embrace the beauty and excitement of winter in the Adirondacks.

Sensory Snowshoeing and Winter Forest Bathing

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Adirondacks with Sensory Snowshoeing and Winter Forest Bathing, a unique experience offered by Adirondack Riverwalking that blends mindful snowshoeing with the health benefits of forest bathing. Guided by certified experts, this journey encourages you to connect deeply with nature through all your senses, allowing you to fully experience the calming presence of the winter forest. Forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku,” is known for reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing focus, largely thanks to the phytoncides—natural oils released by trees and plants—that you breathe in during your walk. These phytoncides have been shown to strengthen immune function, improve cardiovascular health, and foster a sense of relaxation and well-being. As you wander through the quiet, snow-covered landscape, you'll absorb these beneficial compounds, experience the peaceful sights and sounds of nature, and feel a restorative sense of calm. Ideal for anyone seeking relaxation, mindfulness, or a healing outdoor escape, Sensory Snowshoeing and Winter Forest Bathing with Adirondack Riverwalking offers a holistic and refreshing way to embrace winter’s tranquility in the Adirondacks.

High Falls Gorge

Experience the wonder of winter at High Falls Gorge, where the beauty of the Adirondacks takes on a magical, frozen charm. In this natural attraction, well-maintained walkways lead you through the gorge, offering close-up views of waterfalls transformed into striking ice formations, surrounded by snow-dusted cliffs and shimmering icicles. Winter’s quiet enhances the beauty of every twist and turn, making it an ideal destination for families, photographers, and anyone looking to escape into nature. With the sound of the rushing Ausable River flowing beneath sheets of ice, High Falls Gorge offers a peaceful and inspiring setting that captures the heart of the Adirondacks in winter. Cozy up with hot cocoa in the warming hut afterward and take in the stunning winter landscape from the comfort of this incredible, scenic spot. High Falls Gorge is a must-visit for those seeking the serene and dramatic beauty of the season.

For us at High Peaks Resort, winter isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a collection of special moments that bring people together. From the joyful laughter of kids meeting Santa, the quiet peace of snowshoeing through frosted forests, to the thrill of skiing down Whiteface Mountain, each experience is woven into what makes winter here so memorable. We’re honored to be a part of this season’s story and can’t wait to share our favorite traditions with you—from the local festivities and cozy nights in to exhilarating days on the trails. As winter unfolds, let us be your hosts, your guides, and your friends, here to help you find everything that makes winter in Lake Placid so unforgettable. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to High Peaks Resort and sharing in the magic of this incredible season together.

Cunningham's Ski Barn

Gear up for your winter adventure with Cunningham's Ski Barn, where High Peaks Resort guests enjoy a special 10% discount on rentals this season! Conveniently located and offering top-quality skis, snowboards, and equipment, Cunningham’s has everything you need for a perfect day on the slopes. Book online to take advantage of this exclusive offer and hit the snow fully prepared. With great savings and expert service, Cunningham’s Ski Barn ensures your Lake Placid winter getaway is as smooth and enjoyable as possible!