The ultimate winter vacation destination, Lake Placid carries reminders of the snowy season all throughout the year. From Olympic monuments and murals depicting snow-covered scenery, to towering reminders like the 100 and 128-meter ski jumps dotting the horizon, winter is never far from mind. 

While you might not be ready for winter to actually arrive just yet, it's never too early to start planning! To inspire excitement for the coming season, here are three ways we're getting ready for winter in Lake Placid.

Making our shopping list

There's no better place to do your holiday shopping than Lake Placid. Our scenic lakeside Main Street is decorated like something out of a Hallmark movie, and fresh dustings of snow add authenticity to the warm ambiance of the season. With tons of unique and locally-owned boutiques, you can feel good about shopping small and supporting Adirondack artisans while you find the perfect gift for every person on your list. Mark your calendar for Holiday Village Stroll, December 12–14, for the ultimate holiday shopping experience.

Buying our lift tickets

Whether it's a season pass for frequent flyers or a perfectly priced ski and stay package for your ski getaway, now is the time to get your Whiteface Mountain lift tickets! Boasting the most epic (but also family-friendly) riding in the east, Whiteface is a must-visit for all skiers and snowboarders. Setting aside the 3,430' of vertical, the 94 trails covering 24 miles, and the ample onsite amenities, Whiteface's close proximity to Lake Placid makes it ideal for a day of skiing followed by an evening of unbeatable après.

Practicing our Team USA cheers

A two-time Winter Olympic village, and a frequent host of international competitions, Lake Placid has gold-medal spirit when it comes to winter sports. With the 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner, we're getting ready to put that spirit to good use and cheer on our favorite Team USA athletes, many of whom live, train, and compete in Lake Placid throughout the year!

It's not just the Olympics we have to whoop about, either. The Lake Placid Legacy Sites are hosting tons of world-class winter sporting events this winter, from weekend Can/Am hockey tournaments to World Cup events in luge, biathlon, Nordic skiing, freestyle aerials, and so much more!

As you start making your preparations for winter this year, think beyond testing the snowblower or swapping your snow tires. Use this time to start planning your winter getaway to Lake Placid! With so many exciting activities and events to experience, and countless cozy places to stay, having a Lake Placid vacation on the books might be just what you need to welcome winter with enthusiasm.