Experience Lake Placid on skis 

One of the best ways to experience winter in Lake Placid is on skis! Whether you grew up skiing or are new to the sport, you'll find a trail in our area that is just right for you. Cross-country ski centers and a vast network of groomed and backcountry trails support adventures big and small, and warmth and food are never far.

Ski centers are for everyone

Cross-country ski centers are great places for seasoned skiers and those who are new to the sport — rent equipment, get some pointers from the staff, and master the basics on wide, well maintained paths. Mount Van Hoevenberg, site of the cross-country skiing events of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, offers more than 50km of trails, including 4km of world championship rate trails, with variety for everyone. Over at the Cascade X-C Ski Center (now owned by Adirondack Mountain Club), you'll find 20km of groomed trails, a cozy bunkhouse, an awesome ski shop where skiers of all abilities can make Cascade their winter getaway destination.

Go at your own pace

More experienced skiers will find plenty to love in our mountains. There’s a nice trail network near Adirondak Loj that’s a perfect place to prepare for the longer, more demanding trails in the region, and of course there’s the famous Jackrabbit Ski Trail, which passes through several Adirondack communities including Keene, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake along its 35 miles. You’ll find plenty of ups and downs along this breathtaking route!

Many winter enthusiasts are happy taking in the scenery from our mellower trails, while those looking to test their skills head into the High Peaks for a taste of the backcountry, where nothing beats the moderately difficult trail to Avalanche Pass. This iconic ski route is a little over 5 miles one way to Avalanche Lake, where the immense cliffs of Mount Colden rise dramatically from the shore. If steeper, thigh-burning backcountry experiences are what you crave, check out the ski trails up Mount Marcy and Wright Peak.

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks. 

Results for "Cross-country and Backcountry Skiing"

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Heaven Hill Trails
Bear Cub Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Route Overview One of the perfect things about the Adirondacks' newest trail system is the variety of options. There are three main loops and all of the paths are relatively flat and accessible. The Big Field Loop is 0.9 miles long and leads through...

  
Adirondack Rail Trail
400 Old Military Drive, Lake Placid

The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all possible on the well-graded, wheelchair accessible...

  
Mt Van Hoevenberg | Olympic Sports Complex
220 Bobsled Run Lane, Lake Placid
(518) 523-4436

No snow? No problem! The Mt Van Hoevenberg Legacy Site is jam-packed with legendary fun during the winter as well as summer months. From sledding experiences to hiking and mountain biking, you'll find days of fun.

  
Cascade Welcome Center
4833 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 837-5047

Opened in 2022, the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Cascade Welcome Center is a one-stop shop for visitor information, outdoor recreation, and much more.

  
Klondike Notch
South Meadows Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This steep trail ascends the shoulder of Phelps Mountain before topping out at Klondike Notch. One can descend the other side of the notch and arrive at Johns Brook Lodge in the Johns Brook Valley.

  
Scotts Cobble Nordic Center & High Peaks Mountain Guides
High Peaks Cyclery2739 Main Street, Lake Placid
(518) 523-3764

Click to book your rental now The Adirondack back country is a winter wonderland for cross country, AT, and telemark skiing opportunities. Our guides can instruct and lead you on a wide variety of cross country skiing terrain from our in town nature...

  
Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center at Whiteface Club & Resort
373 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2551

The Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Center at Whiteface Club and Resort boasts the finest groomed, set track in Lake Placid plus professional instructions, ski shop and rentals (including snowshoes). Open throughout the winter, weather permitting, daily, 9am...

  
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
115 John Brown Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-3900

Hiking John Brown Farm in the town of North Elba is the home and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown. John Brown died in the pursuit of freedom of slaves, and after an assault on Harpers Ferry to obtain arms in 1859 he was hanged in Virginia. His...

  
Peninsula Nature Trails
Brewster Peninsula Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

The Brewster Peninsula Trails are located on the shores of Lake Placid and are tucked back on a dirt road. The DEC has worked to use old access roads and selected new trails to develop this year-round destination for short, fun afternoon outings.

  
Henry's Woods
Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid
(518) 523-3061

Henry’s Woods, which is owned and maintained by the Uihlein Foundation, is a community preserve located just outside the village of Lake Placid. The caretakers of this beautiful property and the Uihlein Foundation invite the public to use these trails.

  
Avalanche Lake
Heart Lake, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Avalanche Lake is beautiful and remote. It's well worth the trip for those who are prepared for the miles.

  
Heart Lake Loop
Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

In summer, Heart Lake is a dream. In winter, it's still a dream, but with lots of snow for skiing!