Lake Placid - Pitstops for Kids

Best ski towns: Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain

December 11, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to plan Lake Placid skiing with kids? Whiteface Mountain boasts the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies, it hosted the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, and it has an impressive (or intimidating, depending on your skiing ability) 38% expert runs. But what you might not expect is that Whiteface is also a great place for families with young kids just starting out on the slopes.

One of my favorite aspects of Whiteface’s Kids Kampus is how separate it is from the rest of the mountain. While it’s easy for parents to take a run over to check up on their little ones, it’s isolated enough that the lift and runs are occupied almost solely by kids enrolled in lessons. That means that the lift is less crowded, and that you don’t have to worry about someone speeding by your child as they’re just learning to traverse the hill. The runs themselves are all green circles, except for an intermediate glade run, but they’re long enough to challenge kids that have moved beyond a magic carpet. To give some perspective, our 5-year-old, who has been skiing for two and a half years, was happy on the same hill as our 3-year-old, who just started earlier this year.

Kids Kampus is also great for its one-stop shopping. Parents can arrive at the Kids Kampus and buy lift tickets for everyone, reserve lessons and day care, and drop the kids off for their activities. They have a separate parking lot, lodge with cafeteria, and rental shop. To get back to the main mountain, you can either take the Bunny Hutch lift and ski over, or take the shuttle that runs all day between the Kids Kampus lodge and the main lodge.

And kids aren’t the only ones that can learn some new skills at Whiteface. Adult lessons are available from the main lodge and can accommodate all abilities. If someone in your group has never skied before, Whiteface also offers a Parallel from the Start program that includes a lesson, lift ticket, and rental. They also have an adaptive ski program that offers lessons and rental adaptive equipment for kids and adults with disabilities. Basically, whatever your age or ability, there’s something new to learn at Whiteface.

As for the mountain, of course it’s great! Even on a busy day, the hill doesn’t seem crowded because there are so many parts of the mountain to explore. The Cloudsplitter Gondola is a great place to start, and from there you can move on to the Summit Quad and ski the same hill used for the downhill races in the 1980 Olympics. If you’re really lucky (which I wasn’t, unfortunately), you’ll catch Whiteface on a rare day when The Slides are open. These are a series of chutes accessed by the Summit Quad. Most of the year they’re closed due to insufficient snow or avalanche danger, and even when they’re open there are certain precautions that are required—ski buddies, a beacon, shovel and probe. But if the conditions are right, you could be in for the best runs in the east!

Website info:

Whiteface: http://www.whiteface.com/ (this website is also where you’ll find info on the other Olympic venues, including information on sliding or cross country skiing). Another great planning site is visitadirondacks.com.

Lift Ticket prices:

Prices are listed on the website, and range from $79 for a half day in the Bear’s Den Nursery, to $143 for a full day of Play-N-Ski (two sessions of lessons, with free play and lunch in the nursery). Adult lessons start at $46 for two hours, and the Parallel from the Start program (which includes lift ticket and rental) is $139/day.

Lodging:

Our pick is the Lake Placid Towne Plaza for lodging close to the slopes. Read my full review.

Directions:

From NYC: take the New York State Thruway (I-87) north to Exit 24 (Albany). Take I-87 north (Adirondack Northway) to Exit 30. Pick up Route 9 north and follow it for two miles to Route 73. Continue on Route 73 for 28 Miles to Lake Placid.

From Boston: Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to Albany. Pick up I-787 north to Cohoes. Connect with Route 7 west to I-87 north. Follow I-87 north (Adirondack Northway) to Exit 30. Pick up Route 9 north and follow it for two miles to Route 73. Continue on Route 73 for 28 Miles to Lake Placid.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I skied Whiteface as guests of the resort, for the purpose of reviewing their child and adult lesson packages. All opinions are our own.

Lake Placid lodging: Crowne Plaza Resort

December 8, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

My family and I have visited Lake Placid in late summer, and although we have a great time kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing, I continually thought to myself “OK, but I really need to come back in the winter!” Well, the snow fell, and we headed back to the Adirondacks last February, this time for some skiing and snowshoeing. Because Lake Placid has hosted two winter Olympic games (1932 and 1980), it has a wide variety of off-the-slopes entertainment, including ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and—for the adventurous types in your group—bobsled and skeleton racing. Because my kids are on the young side (3 and 5), we stuck to some hikes, exploring the town, and downhill skiing.

Lake Placid lodging: the Crowne Plaza Resort and Golf Club at Lake Placid is a great place to make your home base for exploring the area. It’s just a short walk up the hill from the Olympic Center and Main Street Lake Placid with restaurants, shops, and even a toboggan run onto Mirror Lake. Because it’s up on a hill overlooking Mirror Lake, it has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, especially from the main lobby of the hotel. We stayed in a suite in the Adirondack wing of the hotel, with a separate bedroom (with soaking tub!), kitchenette, and a pullout couch in the spacious living room.

The Crowne Plaza has plenty of amenities—including restaurants on site, a fitness center, and a pool and hot tub. The pool, and especially the hot tub, was busy in the afternoon with the after-ski crowd. We visited during February break, which may have increased the number of families, but it was great to see so many kids splashing and warming up after a day on the slopes! (For those looking for a quieter getaway, I would avoid visiting during school vacations.)

The dining options at the Crowne Plaza turned out to be very kid-friendly as well. We had breakfast each morning at MacKenzie’s Restaurant in the hotel, which includes a breakfast buffet complete with an omlette bar, pancakes, eggs, oatmeal, and much more. One night we had dinner at the slightly fancier Lake Placid Club Boathouse. I had some reservations about this, because my kids are not great eaters under ideal circumstances, and sometimes behave like wild animals when let loose on a restaurant. But we had an early dinner (5:30 reservations) and the restaurant was practically empty (probably a little too early for those doing a full day at Whiteface). The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the food was great. My 5-year-old told me that the next time we go there, I should have the noodles with butter, because it was delicious…must be a house specialty!

Winter rates at the Crowne Plaza range from about $125/night midweek or $200/night weekend for a standard hotel room with two queen beds, to $350-$400/night for a suite like the one we had. They also offer “Ski and Stay Getaway” packages, which include breakfast and a lift ticket to Whiteface. These packages cost $119/person, /night midweek, or $169/person, /night weekends. The midweek package has the option of booking a third night and third day of skiing for free. Considering that an all-day adult lift ticket at Whiteface is $85/day, this is a pretty good deal!

Date last visited:

February 17–20, 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87.

Directions / Contact:

The Crowne Plaza Lake Placid is located at 101 Olympic Drive in Lake Placid, NY 12946. Call or email them at 1-877-570-5891 or [email protected].

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I stayed at Crowne Plaza as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. Kids are the best critics, so you can be sure your little ones will enjoy Crowne Plaza as well!

Using the Lake Placid Olympic Region Passport with kids

November 6, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

On a recent trip to Lake Placid, NY, we got to check out a piece of Olympic history with the Olympic Sites Passport. Our group included some pretty little kids (2 and 4), but there was still plenty for them to do and see using the Lake Placid Olympic Region Passport. I’m a huge fan of the Olympics (any season, any sport!), so it was fun to pass some of that excitement on to my kids. Even off-season, and well after hosting the games, the Olympic facilities at Lake Placid are impressive.

Whiteface:

We started out at Whiteface, the ski resort just outside of Lake Placid. We drove up the Veterans Memorial Highway, which goes to the summit of Whiteface Mountain. It’s a beautiful drive, and at the top you walk through a tunnel to get to an elevator to the summit. At the top, there are lots of places to explore, take in the view, and even rock scramble (obviously, this was a big hit with the kids!).

After driving back down to the base of the Whiteface ski area, we rode the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the top of the ski hill. There are some beautiful views at the top, but unfortunately for us, a thundershower chased us back into the gondola just after arriving!

Olympic Jumping Complex:

Our next stop was the Olympic Jumping Complex. If you only make one Olympic stop during your Lake Placid trip, this should be it. I had only seen the jumping towers on TV, and to see it on site was truly impressive. To tour the jumps, you take a chairlift to the base of the tower (our two-year-old’s favorite part by far!), then a 26-story elevator to the top. Once you’re up there, you can go outside to the top of the jump to get the ski jumper’s perspective. The kids were amazed that someone could really do that (especially our 4 year old, who has some skiing experience). Our two year old volunteered on the spot to strap on some skis and go…maybe next year!

After touring the jumps, you’ll want to check out the freestyle pool. We lucked out on our visit, and got to watch some jumpers practicing all sorts of flips and twists. Check their calendar for the Summer Jumping Series when planning your visit, and you’ll get to see some of the best jumpers in the world, and maybe even meet the athletes.

The Olympic Sites Passport also gets you into the Olympic Sports Complex, where the sliding (bobsled, skeleton, etc.) facilities are located, and the Olympic Center, where you can tour the Olympic museum and the skating rink (site of the 1980 Miracle on Ice). Ours were a little young for these activities, but if you have any winter sports fanatics in your group, it’s a can’t-miss!

The Olympic Sites Passport is also a great deal. It’s only $32 per person (kids 6 and under are free), and gets you in to all the sites listed above (Whiteface, Olympic Jumping Complex, Olympic Sports Complex, and Olympic Center). There are all sorts of additional activities (at additional cost, but at a discount with the Olympic Sites Passport), including nature treks, mountain biking at Whiteface, and bobsled rides. The ORDA (Olympic Regional Development Authority, the organization that manages the Olympic facilities) website isn’t terribly helpful, but all information can be found on the Whiteface site.

Date last visited: August 29-30, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87. Wondering where to stay? Our pick is Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort.

Directions / Contact:

Site locations can be found on the Whiteface website. Tickets can be bought at the ORDA store at 2426 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946; tel. (518) 523-1420.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our family experienced the Olympic Region as guests of ORDA for the purpose of review.

Outdoor exploration with kids: Eastern Mountain Sports Schools

October 23, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

EMS is one of my favorite outdoor gear stores, and I look to them whenever we need something new for backpacking, hiking, or climbing. But did you know that they have special “schools” for climbing (rock and ice), skiing (avalanche training, back country, telemark), kayaking, and biking? These EMS schools are located throughout New England and New York and are available to everyone from experts to newcomers. When you join a class, all equipment is provided (except personal clothing, jackets, raingear, etc.) so it’s a great way to get started in a sport without making a big investment. Half day, full day, and even overnight classes are offered. So whether you live in the area, or are spending some time here on vacation, check out the EMS website to see what’s available near you!

We recently took a half-day beginner rock climbing class in Lake Placid, NY after introducing our five-year-old to the sport at the local climbing gym. (Tip: we paired our EMS schools class with a stay at Lake Placid’s Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort.) Our instructor was friendly and great with kids, and was able to give instructions without skimping on fun. He knew of a great beginner site that was just a short hike off the road, and Homer got to try out a number of different ascents, ranging in difficulty. He must have climbed that cliff 15 times before he asked for a break!

An EMS climbing class may seem expensive ($350 for a family of 4 or 5 people, full day), but when you consider the cost of equipment, and the importance of an instructor who is going to do a lot of the grunt work for you (think of all the ropes that need to be fixed at the top before you even start!), the price sounds pretty reasonable. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’ll definitely check out what is offered by EMS schools before my next New England/New York getaway!

Check out their website to see what’s on offer near you. Classes are located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New York.

Date last visited: August 29, 2013

Distance from the interstate: Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87.

Where to stay: Read our review of Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort!

Directions / Contact:

See the EMS website for information on an activity near you. The Lake Placid store is located at 2453 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946; tel: (518) 523-2505

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced EMS Schools as guests of EMS, for the purpose of review.

Autumn in Lake Placid: The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

October 21, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When you think of Lake Placid, the first thing you probably think of is the 1980 winter Olympics (Miracle on Ice, anyone?). While the wintertime recreation opportunities are spectacular, Lake Placid is also a wonderful place to visit during the summer and fall. So leave your skis (or bobsled) at home, and pack up your swimsuits, canoe, and hiking boots!

We recently took to the family to Lake Placid to enjoy a few early fall days at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort on Mirror Lake. The Golden Arrow has been a family-run hotel since the Holderied family bought the hotel in 1974. Since that time, they have added several additions, and gone through several renovations with two key results: 1. The hotel is a bit of a maze. Expect to get lost a few times at least (I suspect that there might be some moving staircases, ala Hogwarts!). 2. The suites available in the hotel have all been custom made to fit just about any family arrangement you can imagine. Ever been on vacation and the kids were sprawled out on a king sized bed in the single bedroom while both parents tossed and turned on a lumpy pullout couch? That won’t happen here! Most one- or two-bedroom suites have queen or king sized beds in the living room, so when you put the kids to bed in the bedroom, you can still enjoy a good night’s sleep on a regular bed. When you call to make a reservation, just tell the hotel staff what your family arrangement is, and I have no doubt that they’ll be able to accommodate you.

The Golden Arrow has also made a substantial effort to become an environmentally friendly resort. They have a number of programs at the resort, but the ones that stood out the most to me were the green roof installation (a 3000 square foot roof garden that serves as both insulation and a storm water filtration system), and the white sand beach. This beautiful beach (located directly behind the resort, on pristine Mirror Lake) is made of crushed limestone that helps to counteract the increasing problem of acid rain in the Adirondacks. Get more information on the sustainability programs at the Golden Arrow.

Amenities at Golden Arrow:

The amenities at the Golden Arrow are great. Our kids had a wonderful time at the lake, enjoying the paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks that the resort provides free of charge. They also loved the indoor pool and hot tubs. Although, I have a feeling those are even better on a cold winter day! The on-site restaurant, Generations, has a lot of great locally produced food and a good children’s menu. (There is no kids’ menu for breakfast, but there are a lot of kid-friendly options, such as short stack pancakes and oatmeal). Of course, the Golden Arrow is located right in the middle of the main drag of Lake Placid, so it’s an easy walk from the resort to a variety of restaurants, sandwich shops, and ice cream shops.

Room rates and deals:

The Golden Arrow is a reasonably priced resort, with suite and specialty rooms ranging from about $199 to $359, depending on the season. Many rooms have kitchenettes and can comfortably sleep up to 7 people, so you can save on dining out and paying for additional rooms for a large family. Another way to save is to check out the package deals at the Golden Arrow. They work with Whiteface, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, EMS, and others to put together affordable packages that can include ski passes, mountain biking, touring the Olympic facilities, rock climbing, or just about any adventure you can think of!

Overall, we had a great time at the Golden Arrow in Lake Placid. I can’t wait to plan a winter trip to enjoy the rest of what the Adirondacks have to offer!

Date last visited:

August 28–30, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87.

Directions / Contact:

The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort is located at 2559 Main Street in Lake Placid, NY 12946. Call or email them at 1-800-582-5540 or [email protected].

Photo credit: Kate Lepore and Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the resort as guests of Golden Arrow. All opinions are our own.