March 06, 2013
Entrance to The Slides at Whiteface Mountain Ski Area
Entrance to The Slides at Whiteface Mountain Ski Area

The elusive Slides, Whiteface Mountain's legendary double black diamond trails. "Elusive" because they only open when the conditions are right, sometimes for it's only a few days, a couple weeks a year and many can go years without having the opportunity of being at the mountain on a day the slides are open.

The Slides at Whiteface Mountain, NY
The Slides at Whiteface Mountain, NY

Getting the best of The Slides

It is helpful to know there are varying ways in how they open the slides. First Ski Patrol checks the conditions out and once approved, they will usually open the slides first to individuals with beacons and shovels. This is the best opportunity to experience the best of the slides! Then hours or sometimes even a day or two later, they will open the trail to the general public and then prime conditions get skied out quick.

I was lucky enough this year to get in and ride the slides. The first two days they were only opened to skiers and riders with beacons and shovels. I had a friend, who worked at Whiteface and had never been in the slides. With beacons in hand we headed to the summit and approached the entrance to the Slides as the trail opened.

Slides open to skiers and riders with beacons and shovels
Slides open to skiers and riders with beacons and shovels

The trail starts at the top of the Summit lift and is about a 5 minute traverse to the the first slide. Skiers can ski it, but I had my snowboard that day so I had to unstrap and walk in.

Slide 1 at Whiteface Mtn
Slide 1 at Whiteface Mtn

First run, we took Slide 1

The first slide is wide and open, it was a bit wind blown and slightly tracked up but the snow was great and there were large untouched pockets of snow. The snow was definitely some of the best I'd seen all year.

Slides at Whiteface Mtn
The Slides at Whiteface Mtn

Legend of the Falls

I think there are at least few legends floating around the frozen waterfalls and drops of The Slides. You reach them when you are about 1/2 way down the trail. The tale I heard my first season (or as rumor has it) at Whiteface was Will Garrow pulling backflips on his snowboard sometime in the 90's. In today's digital era, we now have better documentation - such as a photo of Keith Shipman's epic backflip the first day the Slides opened this year. Go Keith!!

Feel free to post any of your legends in the comment section at the bottom of this blog! I'd love to hear some stories!

Slide 1 Whiteface
Slide 1 Whiteface

Tips when navigating the Slides and the Falls

  • Take your time - safe navigation of these frozen falls is something to take seriously. I chose the line 'skiers left' and was able to navigate around most of them.
  • What not to do - I've seen people get stuck and try to slide down the falls on their behinds trying to get down them -- this is extremely dangerous! My advice (and have to admit got stuck doing, one of my first time ever through the slides) is to swallow your pride and hike up and around to a place where it is clear to ski/ride down. ...not much fun when you're racing to get that next run in, but hike it out and remain injury free to ski the next run - imagine Ski Patrol trying to get a sled in there to help you!
  • Pay attention and listen to Ski Patrol at the top, they will tell you which Slides are open and they are there to make sure you stay safe.
Slide 1 on left, Slide 2 on right, Whiteface Mountain
Slide 1 on left, Slide 2 on right, Whiteface Mountain

Slide Out

At the bottom Slides 1, 2 and 3 (and 4, if you find the traverse) meet up and funnel into "Slide Out". Slide Out narrows and take a sharp right up a traverse and out to Lower Skyward. Pay attention here, there usually is a bit of an uphill headwall and depending on conditions will send you flying into the air! LOL. It is quite amusing after having conquered the slides, getting taken out on the exit traverse. After the brief off ramp, it is a short, almost flat traverse out.

Slide 2 trail marker, Whiteface Mtn
Slide 2 trail marker, Whiteface Mtn

Second Run, Slide 2

Traverse over the top of Slide 1, go past a section of trees and you're at the top of Slide 2 (marked with a little sign). When you drop in the 1st chute narrows and you come out into another large area and eventually drops into the lower half of Slide 1, in-time to navigate through the falls again.

top of Slide 2 at Whiteface
top of Slide 2 at Whiteface

Past Slide 2 is Slide 3 and if you continue on is Slide 4 (you get the idea..).

The best time to catch the slides is when they are first opened, preferably for beacon access only. Please note, once the slides are open to the public they get skied off quickly - especially in the area of the falls.

If you do get the opportunity to ski or ride the Slides - enjoy!

Spring is here - Lake Placid hotels are offering great Ski and Stay Packages - book today!

Entrance to The Slides at Whiteface Mountain Ski Area
Entrance to The Slides at Whiteface Mountain Ski Area
The Slides at Whiteface Mountain, NY
The Slides at Whiteface Mountain, NY
Slides open to skiers and riders with beacons and shovels
Slides open to skiers and riders with beacons and shovels
Slide 1 at Whiteface Mtn
Slide 1 at Whiteface Mtn
Slides at Whiteface Mtn
The Slides at Whiteface Mtn
Slide 1 Whiteface
Slide 1 Whiteface
Slide 1 on left, Slide 2 on right, Whiteface Mountain
Slide 1 on left, Slide 2 on right, Whiteface Mountain
Slide 2 trail marker, Whiteface Mtn
Slide 2 trail marker, Whiteface Mtn
top of Slide 2 at Whiteface
top of Slide 2 at Whiteface

Packages and Promotions

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Town House Lodge by the Lake

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Apr. 6

- Apr. 9

Valid Jan. 8

- Apr. 9

2024 Eclipse at the Mirror Lake Inn

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to view solar eclipse with luxurious accommodations, breakfast at 'The View' Restaurant, Eclipse Viewing Glasses & $50 resort credit per room per night.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Valid Apr. 12

- May. 1

Valid Mar. 5

- May. 1

Winter Clearance - 40% OFF!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% Off Winter Merchandise

Valid Mar. 26

- Apr. 8

Valid Mar. 26

- Apr. 8

Solar Eclipse Lunch To Go

Green Goddess Natural Market & Catering

Get your eclipse provisions to go from Green Goddess Market & Cafe for just $14.99!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Feb. 16

- May. 30

Valid Feb. 16

- May. 30

Stay and Sip

Eastwind Lake Placid

Unwind in comfort with a luxurious hotel stay while enjoying the added delight of two complimentary cocktails.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Golf & Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Starting at: $119.00 * Weekend & Summer packages available at higher rates

Valid Apr. 8

- Apr. 8

Valid Feb. 29

- Apr. 8

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!

Moose Lodge Boathouse Restaurant

Specialty cocktails featuring Angel's Envy whiskey, delicious buffet offerings, live music and a prime viewing spot to experience totality.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Play and Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Includes stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel with Golf at our Lake Placid Club Courses

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid May. 1

- Jun. 16

Valid Feb. 20

- Jun. 15

Pre-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Pre-Season Golf from May 1- June 16. Stay two nights at the Cambria Hotel Lake Placid and play two rounds of unlimited golf and a cart at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid May. 3

- May. 5

Valid Feb. 20

- May. 1

Immersion into Tantra Yoga

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Nourish your body and mind by indulging in a weekend of growth with Todd Norian, founder of Ashaya Yoga.

Valid Feb. 6

- Feb. 29

Valid Feb. 6

- Feb. 29

Ampersand Bay Resort Sweetheart Package

Ampersand Bay Resort

Dinner for 2 at the Sunset Bistro ($150 value) Chocolate Covered Strawberries and a Bottle of Champagne in the room on arrival. 1pm late check out.

Valid Apr. 5

- Apr. 10

Valid Feb. 23

- Apr. 10

Total Eclipse of the Park IPA

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

Get your hands on some Out-of-this-World beer before its gone!

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Apr. 6

- Apr. 6

Valid Feb. 21

- Apr. 6

Solar Eclipse Storytime

The Bookstore Plus

Come learn about a solar eclipse and make cereal box viewers with us!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Mar. 22

- Mar. 24

Valid Jan. 8

- Mar. 24

Girls Getaway Weekend

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

100th Anniversary Package

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid Feb. 11

- Jun. 30

Valid Feb. 11

- Jun. 30

Stay 3 nights save 20%

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Book a 3-night stay and save 20%

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 31

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 31

Celebrate 2024 with 24% OFF!

Grand Adirondack Hotel

Winter adventure and snow-kissed peaks beckon! Celebrate 2024 with a 24% discount on stays Sunday-Thursday through March. Rate is 24 percent off our Retail rates. Rate is fully prepaid and non-refundable. Available select weekdays through March 2024...

Valid Jan. 11

- Jun. 15

Valid Jan. 11

- Jun. 15

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE!

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE! *Rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy in a standard room. Available Sunday-Thursday, Opening Day-mid June. Tax not included. Subject to availability. US $

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 23

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 23

Savor & Stay

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy breakfast and dinner at one of our five star restaurants. Packaged with your stay!

Valid Mar. 29

- Apr. 4

Valid Mar. 5

- Apr. 4

Winter Clearance at Whiteface!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Select Items!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Apr. 5

- Apr. 11

Valid Mar. 5

- Apr. 11

Winter Clearance - Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Load More