Lake Placid – The ice is now out on Mirror Lake which means spring is here in Lake Placid and the Adirondacks.
With local children now winding down their spring break, residents and businesses in this Upstate New York region have their sights set on the approaching spring and summer seasons.
Around Lake Placid, the snow, abundant during the entire winter, is now just an afterthought. The temperatures are also relenting. Heavy parkas have been replaced by hoodies; winter boots by sneakers; wool hats by ball caps; gloves by bare hands.
Even man’s best friend, who needed their own topcoat this past winter, has shed the heavy layer while walking. And there’s definitely no need to run one’s vehicle for a few minutes prior to driving off.
Even though we are shedding layers, some of our winter activities remain in play. At Whiteface Mountain, for instance, even though daily operations cease on April 12, the 1980 Olympic Mountain will reopen for skiing and riding on April 17-18. Such was the depth of snow that accumulated over the past five months. It’s never over until it’s over.
The hiking season in these parts never really begins or ends. It’s just always there, although we do make some adjustments going from winter to spring. You must watch for dry conditions on our trails at lower elevations, with the potential for soft, muddy tracks up above.
If walking is more your style, there is a beautiful stroll around Mirror Lake that begins and ends at our hotel front door. It’s less than 3 miles on paved sidewalk, low impact, and takes you through our Main Street business district. Bring your dog – we have 40 dog friendly units – and they’ll love it. too.
Anglers in the North Country got the green light on April 1 to start the new season. If you look closely, you might see some fishermen/women fly-fishing the Ausable River and other regional streams and ponds. Of note, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has spared no expense in stocking waters in and around Lake Placid.
The golf season is getting closer by the day in these mountains. The Mirror Lake Inn’s sister property, the Whiteface Club and Resort, has set May 8 for the opening shots of the year on its championship golf course. Visitors can get stay and play packages through the Mirror Lake Inn. These properties are just three miles apart.
Finally, if you followed the recent Winter Olympics/Paralympics and were fascinated by athletic achievement on snow and ice, then a trip to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum should be on your to-do list. It’s located about a mile from our hotel straight down Main Street.
Hopefully, this has given you a running start into our spring season and planted a few seeds for an upcoming visit.