Lake Placid – When New Year’s Day has come and gone, let’s remember that the pulse of Lake Placid doesn’t slow down. We’ve got skiing, boarding, skating, sledding…lots to continue doing in this destination resort in Upstate New York. Much of it is, literally, at your fingertips.
Of course, January 1 marks the start of a new year. It also indicates that we have three months or more of a winter season that offers so much energy and fun here in the Adirondacks.
In January, keep an eye on Mirror Lake. The body of water from which our resort takes its name will freeze safely at some point in the month, and when it does, it will take days to experience what this winter playground offers.
At the Mirror Lake Inn, just walk across the street and down onto the snow and ice. You can bring your skates and change out of your boots outside the Cottage Café. When the lake is safe, you can skate and/or play hockey right off the Cottage’s deck. Our crew will even set up two nets so you can play the game in its original form – outside and on natural ice.
If the weather is cooperative, our town fathers in Lake Placid will have lanes of ice cleared around and across Mirror Lake. Also, the shoulder adjacent to the ice is comprised of packed snow and walkable. Use boots or snow shoes. Skate or walk to your heart’s content – it’s actually great cardio exercise and costs exactly $0 to do. Spend all day out there if you’d like. When done, return to The Cottage, change back to your boots, and come inside for your favorite beverage or Lake Placid’s best lakeside pub food.
At the far side of Mirror Lake from the hotel, you will find the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute. This is the most popular activity on that ice in wintertime. For a nominal fee, the town staff will hook you up with a sled, position you at the top of the chute, and then send you screaming down the icy ramp onto the lake. Where you’ll stop is anyone’s guess, based on weather and ice conditions. There’s one thing that’s for sure, however – you’ll have a blast.
Another hockey rink will be established next to the chute. You’ll find it at the site of the Lake Placid Municipal Beach, complete with benches for changing into your skates.
While the skating, snow shoeing and tobogganing is happening, there are dog sled vendors at both ends of the lake. Find the one that’s closest to you, take your seat in the sled, and the crew and pilot with take you for a great ride on the ice.
Not being biased or anything, but I have to say – you have to look long and hard for such varied experiences all in one location. And right next to Lake Placid’s Main Street.
We are hopeful that all this will be available in early to mid-January in the northern Adirondack Mountains. The weather will make that determination. It’s all about safety first.