January 07, 2019

Submitted by guest blogger Rebekah Ashley

The more I’ve traveled throughout my twenties the more I appreciate the Adirondacks — remote and quiet peaks, rugged terrain, a cold climate, and of course the people. The community here is a big part of what makes this place special.

Last winter Nor’easters barreled the East Coast and covered the High Peaks with deep snow, allowing Whiteface Mountain to stay open for its longest season yet. Looking back, this was probably some of the best snowboarding I’ve had on the East Coast.

Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey

Mid winter, after a storm left another foot of snow in the mountains, I called friends MacKenzie Hennessey and Tyler Chatigny to see if they were up for a quick trip to Lake Placid to ride Whiteface. It didn’t take much convincing. They drove up just a few days later from their home in Westfield, Massachusetts. The next day we were up early to get to the mountain. We picked up breakfast from Green Goddess on the way, a community favorite for healthy eats, and made a quick stop at Monument Falls so I could show them the partially frozen Ausable River.

Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey

When we reached Whiteface there was no time to waste. We threw our boots on in the parking lot and finished morning coffees as we waited for the gondola. At the top Kenz and Tyler couldn't believe the scale of the mountains here. The little lookout is a must-see for visitors, and even for those who know the area well. The view of Lake Placid and the High Peaks never gets old.

After strapping in we rode down Excelsior, keeping left after the first traverse to Lower Cloud, a shortcut to the summit chair and my childhood favorite when it comes to steep powder runs. When we reached the lift, high fives passed through our small group before we headed higher up the mountain. The trees around us were still frozen with ice and snow from the storm.

Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey

We dropped down Skyward to see what snow we might find. While the trails had been groomed there were still plenty of leftovers from the storm. Having too much fun to go inside we lapped the summit chair until we couldn’t feel our toes anymore. By then it was around noon, and none of us were opposed to a quick stop mid-mountain for a warm bite to eat and chance to dry our frozen hats and gloves.

Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey

After lunch we made a detour into the park before hopping back on the Gondola. The wind had calmed down since the morning and the clouds started to clear as we approached the top. When we shuffled out of the cabin there was a bluebird sky. Not a bad way to start the second half of the day.

Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey

We rode down Essex before veering off into the glades to see what snow we might find in the woods. By the time the lifts closed for the day I think we had covered just about each trail on the upper mountain. Kenz and Tyler assured me it was well worth the long drive here.

Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey

Here’s to more time in the mountains with friends as we go into the new season. From the looks of things, it’s going to be another incredible winter on the East Coast.  

Insider tips:

Morning necessities

Fresh, healthy breakfast on the go

Plan ahead

Download a trail map to your phone

Save money, protect the environment

Take the shuttle to Whiteface

This week in ADK news:

Sick day

Fort Fever and more

Pick your pike

Downtown gems

Splendors of snowshoeing

Ice fishing derby round-up

Consider the Triad

Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey
Photo credit: MacKenzie Hennessey

Packages and Promotions

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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

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

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Lake Placid Lodge

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100th Anniversary Package

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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

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- Apr. 8

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- 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 Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

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- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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

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 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

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- Apr. 6

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- Apr. 6

Solar Eclipse Storytime

The Bookstore Plus

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

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- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

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

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 May. 1

- Jun. 16

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- 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

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

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

Valid Apr. 12

- May. 1

Valid Mar. 5

- May. 1

Winter Clearance - 40% OFF!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% Off Winter Merchandise

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 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

- 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. 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 Feb. 11

- Jun. 30

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- Jun. 30

Stay 3 nights save 20%

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Book a 3-night stay and save 20%

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- Apr. 11

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Winter Clearance - Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

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- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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- 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 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 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 Apr. 5

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- 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!

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- Apr. 4

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Winter Clearance at Whiteface!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Select Items!

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!

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Valid Jan. 11

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Savor & Stay

Lake Placid Lodge

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

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- Jan. 11

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The Adirondack Elopement

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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The Devlin

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- May. 1

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

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- 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. 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 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. 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 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 Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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 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

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