cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Lake Placid, NY Region
Adding up all the cross-country ski trails in and around Lake Placid, NY reveals that the region stands as a major XC ski destination with 455 km of trails. Foremost is the Olympic Sports Complex, site of the Nordic and biathlon races during the 1980 Olympics. It has XC skiing on 50 km of marked trails that average 15 ft. wide, regularly groomed and patrolled and snowmaking. The complex has 10 marked loops offering one expert, six intermediate and three novice tours with additional expert skiing. CCSAA member
High Peaks Mountain Adventures (518-523-3764, www.highpeakscyclery.com) will make your backcountry adventure memories last a lifetime. For a full page of info click High Peaks Mountain Adventures. With 26 years of experience, High Peaks guides are licensed and certified mountain professionals that emphasize safety, courtesy, and fun in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks region.
Scotts Cobble Nordic Center has 10-20 km of groomed XC ski and snowshoe trails operated by High Peaks Cyclery in partnership with the town of North Elba using the Craig Wood golf course.
High Peak Mountain Adventure guides can customize courses and outings to meet specific needs for individuals, groups, families, students, and corporate clients. Services will include guiding or instruction for enthusiasts that range from first timer to advanced. There are guides and rental gear for all activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, camping, climbing, canoeing, and kayaking.
The Jackrabbit Trail was created by the Adirondack Ski Touring Council and it is a 50 km partly ungroomed (about 15 km groomed near XC ski areas) that runs from Keene, NY through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake to Paul Smiths trail. The trail was named after Herman “Jackrabbit” Johannsen who lived until 111 years old and was in the Lake Placid area for 6 years.
The Cross Country Ski Areas of New York was an organization (which no longer exists) dedicated to cross country ski centers in the state of New York with groomed ski trails and services such as lessons, rentals, kids programs, food and beverage service, weather and ski conditions, and a Google map locator, and more. The info on the New York site may be a bit dated, but there is still a wealth of details available there.
The Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa in Lake Placid, NY is a luxury lakefront resort in Lake Placid set on a scenic knoll, which has received an "exceptional" rating for 24 years. Recognition awards have been from Travel + Leisure, Wine Spectator, Conde Nast Traveler, and more. The Mirror Lake Inn has scenic views of the Adirondacks, a 4-diamond culinary team, a full service spa, five lodging buildings, pools, private beach and boathouse, and it is only one block from Main Street in Lake Placid.
Ausable Chasm in Ausable Chasm, NY is a 45-minute drive from Lake Placid and a unique and popular place for scenic site seers all year long. In the winter there are 16 km of trails half of which are groomed for xc skiing, There are separate trails for snowshoers. Free admission to the "Waterfall Walk" and a fee is required for the trail pass to use trails and see frozen waterfalls and unique rock formations.
The Lake Placid Club Resort has 25 km of trails and connects with the more secluded Jackrabbit Trail. The trails, which are on a golf course and in the forest are not open all the time. XC skiing and snowshoeing is a free amenity for lodging guests. Rentals for xc skiing and snowshoeing are available.
Cascade Cross Country Center in Lake Placid is an area that has 20 km of groomed trails and a good selection of retail xc ski equipment. CCSAA member
Snowshoeing trails crisscross the entire High Peaks Wilderness area—get maps and advice at the local High Peaks Cyclery on Lake Placid’s Main Street. For a more controlled snowshoe experience complete with bonfires to roast marshmallows and educational stops on the trail, stop at the High Falls Gorge center. Here you can follow a marked trek around the Ausable River gorge and be welcomed back with complimentary hot chocolate or coffee. Just south of Whiteface, High Falls Gorge is something different for families. Reservations recommended on weekends (518-946-2278).
According to "Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast" author David Goodman, the ski tour to Avalanche Pass and Lake Colden is one of the most spectacular ski tours in the east US. From Lake Placid, take Route 73 east to Adirondack Loj Road and go 5 miles to the end of the road to the ADK High Peaks Info Center. This is not a tour for beginning skiers.