One of the Best Ski Towns in the U.S. Is This Upstate NY Olympic Village — With the East’s Biggest Vertical Drop

Lake Placid, New York has once again proven it’s not just a pretty Adirondack postcard—it’s one of the country’s top ski towns . USA TODAY just ranked the upstate village among the best ski destinations in the U.S. for 2025 , celebrating its Olympic legacy, major-mountain terrain, and the kind of winter-town charm that makes a long weekend feel like a full alpine escape. This is the latest national recognition for the storied High Peaks village, which has also been named one of America’s best downtowns, one of the **most beautiful small towns in the world**, and even home to one of the **best Main Streets in the country**. But this time, it’s the [skiing](https://secretnyc.co/best-ski-resorts-near-nyc/) —and everything surrounding it—that takes center stage. A true Olympic ski town --------------------------- While plenty of ski resorts try to play the “winter heritage” card, Lake Placid doesn’t have to pretend. The village has hosted two Winter Olympics (1932 and 1980) , and the venues from both are still very much in action . You can skate on the Olympic Speedskating Oval , watch athletes soar from the iconic ski jumps, or even suit up for a real bobsled ride at Mt. Van Hoevenberg , hitting speeds up to 50 mph as you fly down the track. It feels less like a regular ski town and more like a destination where every street corner whispers, “champions train here.” Whiteface Mountain: The East’s biggest vertical --------------------------------------------------- Whiteface Mountain is the true centerpiece of Lake Placid’s ski identity, and a major reason why USA TODAY readers ranked the town among the best in the nation. With 3,430 feet of vertical drop — the largest in the East — Whiteface offers long, sustained, big-mountain runs more commonly found in the Rockies than the Northeast. Expert terrain like The Slides provides steep, dramatic lines and hike-to skiing that feels almost otherworldly when conditions are right, while legendary Olympic runs like Skyward and Cloudspin let visitors follow in the tracks of 1980 athletes. Yet despite its reputation as one of the East’s most challenging mountains , Whiteface is far from a pros-only experience. Nearly half the terrain caters to intermediate skiers , including long cruisers like the Wilmington Trail, and the dedicated Bear Den area gives beginners a great place to learn without feeling overwhelmed. Modern upgrades — including the Cloudsplitter Gondola, new high-speed lifts, and expanded beginner facilities — have made the entire mountain more comfortable, reliable, and family-friendly, especially with strong grooming and snowmaking to hold conditions throughout the season. More than downhill: A full winter adventure village ------------------------------------------------------- Skiers and riders may come for Whiteface, but Lake Placid delivers an entire winter itinerary beyond the lifts . Cross-country skiers can explore 55+ km of groomed trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg , one of the premier Nordic centers in the East. Mirror Lake becomes a winter playground with outdoor skating, dog-sled rides, and — when conditions permit — the famous Lake Placid Toboggan Chute that launches riders from a 30-foot ramp straight onto the frozen lake. Snowshoeing, bobsled experiences, snowmobiling, and even biathlo n runs with real target shooting make it easy to mix skiing with unique Olympic-style thrills. A walkable alpine village with serious après ------------------------------------------------ One thing that separates Lake Placid from many ski destinations: you don’t need to drive once you’re back in town. Main Street lines the edge of Mirror Lake with pubs, shops, tasting rooms, cafes, and late-night spots within a short snowy stroll of most accommodations . Favorites include Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and The Cottage, where fireside drinks are paired with Adirondack lake and mountain views. It’s not a purpose-built corporate ski village — it feels like a real North Country town that just happens to have world-class skiing and Olympic venues woven into daily life. Where to stay ----------------- Lake Placid offers a full spread of ski-trip accommodations, from rustic lodges to high-end mountain retreats: * Whiteface Lodge – a luxury Adirondack resort with a spa and indoor/outdoor pool * High Peaks Resort – lakeside, centrally located, and often offering ski packages * Cabins, motels, and rentals for groups and budget-friendly getaways The 10 best ski towns in America, according to USA Today -------------------------------------------------------- 1. North Conway, New Hampshire 2. Mammoth Lakes, California 3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming 4. Truckee, California 5. Breckenridge, Colorado 6. Lake Placid, New York 7. Aspen, Colorado 8. Stowe, Vermont 9. Bend, Oregon 10. McCall, Idaho Source: https://secretnyc.co/best-ski-town-in-us-2025-lake-placid-ny-usa-today/