July 28, 2020

The waters of Adirondack lakes have different forms: wind ruffled, slate gray on a gloomy day, misty on a cool morning. Each is beautiful in its own way, but for many, there is nothing as perfectly sublime as when the water is so calm and flat that it looks like glass, water so smooth that you feel like you could glide across it more beautifully than any figure skater. For water skier Ali Baumbach, glassy water — or simply glass — is a key ingredient for the perfect day of enjoying her favorite sport.

"The best part about water skiing is skiing glass. When you’re on glass and you’re in the rhythm, it’s just magical," Ali says, noting that to get that kind of gorgeous water, you need to set an alarm. "You really need to get up early to get that good water. Glass probably only lasts for only an hour in the morning, probably from 5 to 6, and it’s just when the water is so calm and so beautiful and being out on it is just indescribable. It’s just so calm and fantastic.”

Adirondack sunrises are warm and glowing, no matter where they are witnessed from. But just like skiing on glass, you have to be awake for it. The reward is immeasurable. Ali, who has seen countless sunrises at this point, adores first light, noting, "I feel like that’s kinda why you keep going out there; you never really know what you’re going to get. It makes it even more special when it’s a beautiful sunrise, it’s glass, you’re just with a great group of people that, that’s just the happiest I am all summer. That’s why you keep going back, because it’s not always like that.”

Ali grew up in the Adirondacks and to this day she tries not to take the natural beauty or the quiet lakes for granted. Even after a lifetime, Ali still has moments when she realizes, "This is spectacular. It puts me in awe." Ali notes that in the Adirondacks, unlike other vacation destinations, the views while skiing are equally impressive. Skiing on Lake Placid means that Whiteface, the fifth highest peak in the state, looms over the lake with its striking profile. "I love it and I'm so appreciative," says Ali.

Just as good as — if not even better than — the views is the community of fellow water skiers Ali has always had around her. She started out at the age of 5, in a family full of water skiers who showed her the way. As she grew older, started competing, rising to the national level, Ali has always found people around her to be just as enamored, just as excited, about water skiing as she is. While she might be alone on her ski, she has friends and family with her out on the water. Getting out in the mornings together means enjoying the quiet water together, reveling in what she describes as "a good vibe and we can all just enjoy what we love to do together, which is the best.”

And as for Ali's idea for a perfect morning? "Sun shining, glass, with about three of my friends and we're all just laughing on the way to the course." And that crisp, maybe even chilly fresh water? "Once you're in it, it's so worth it. It’s crisp and quiet, you’re the only one out there. Up here, you kind of have it to yourself, which is really nice.”

Explore the waters of Lake Placid for yourself and see why people like Ali fall in love with our quiet lakes and gorgeous sunrises. While you're here, explore other ways to play outdoors, dine overlooking Mirror Lake, and sit back and relax.

The Dawn Patrol series:

Episode 1: Mark

Episode 2: John

Episode 3: Beth

Episode 4: Mitchell and Bethany

Episode 5: Ali

Episode 6: Amanda

Episode 7: Erin

Episode 8: Keith

Episode 9: Stacy

Packages and Promotions

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Winter Clearance at Whiteface!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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Eastwind Lake Placid

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

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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Ampersand Bay Resort

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Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

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- Jan. 12

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

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

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

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Town House Lodge by the Lake

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Lake Placid Lodge

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The Bookstore Plus

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Green Goddess Natural Market & Catering

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The Devlin

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

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Girls Getaway Weekend

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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

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Lake Placid Lodge

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Bluebird Lake Placid

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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.

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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?

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Placid Bay Hotel

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High Peaks Resort

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

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

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Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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Grand Adirondack Hotel

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Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

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- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

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Bluebird Lake Placid

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- Apr. 10

Total Eclipse of the Park IPA

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

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- Jan. 5

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High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

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- Apr. 8

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- 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

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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!

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- 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 Apr. 12

- May. 1

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- May. 1

Winter Clearance - 40% OFF!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% Off Winter Merchandise

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