Your mountain town spring break guide

Ditch the crowded beaches and overpriced coastal resorts this spring break. Lake Placid is calling with something better: epic spring skiing, Olympic adventures, and laid back beers on the mountain that will make your friends back home seriously jealous. Thanks to a winter packed with fresh powder, we’re trading sand for slopes and sunsets over the ocean for après-ski by a roaring fire.

Spring skiing at its peak

While your friends are fighting for towel space on a Florida beach, you could be making turns in some of the best snow conditions of the season. This winter delivered for the Adirondacks, with well above average snowfall that set up our ski areas with an incredible base for spring.

Whiteface Mountain is where that snowpack pays off. Warmer temperatures and longer days create perfect corn snow conditions, that soft, forgiving surface that makes every turn effortless. Plus, the spring schedule works in your favor: start mid-morning when the snow softens under bluebird skies, then finish with plenty of daylight left for exploring Lake Placid.

Spring skiing at Whiteface is as much about the lodge scene as the runs. The Legacy Lodge at Midstation deck offers prime people-watching as skiers carve down Mountain Run, while Cloudspin Bar serves up cold brews, live music, and seasonal events. The longer days and sunshiney slopes create the perfect blend of quality skiing and mountain culture.

Adventure beyond the slopes at Olympic sites

Lake Placid's double Olympic hosting means world-class facilities you can actually use. The Olympic Legacy Sites Passport grants access to all four sites: the Olympic Center, Whiteface Mountain, the Olympic Jumping Complex, and Mt Van Hoevenberg. Ride the Skyride at the Jumping Complex for panoramic views and explore the Olympic Center's museum and Herb Brooks Arena where the "Miracle on Ice" happened. Ski Olympic-worthy trails at Whiteface Mountain and glide across world-class cross-country trails at Mt Van Hoevenberg. These sites deliver experiences beach destinations can't match: authentic Olympic atmosphere accessible during your spring break.

Après everything

Spring break in Lake Placid doesn't end when you leave the mountain. Main Street delivers that classic mountain town vibe with local breweries, coffee shops, and dining that beats any beach boardwalk scene. Post-ski, grab a craft beer at Big Slide Brewery, Prison City Brewery, or Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, or warm up with coffee at one of the local roasters before exploring the shops and galleries that line the street.

Mirror Lake anchors the town's après scene with activities that shift with the season. In early spring, you might catch ice skating or dog sledding on the frozen lake, while the lakeside path offers peaceful walks with mountain views year-round. The waterfront restaurants and bars provide front-row seats to the action, whether you're watching skaters glide across the ice or simply soaking in the Adirondack scenery. Lake Placid's après culture isn't about one single spot, but about a town that knows how to balance adventure with relaxation, all within walking distance of wherever you're staying.

Choose your Lake Placid basecamp

​​Spring break is about good times with your crew, and Lake Placid delivers lodging that's affordable, group-friendly, and perfectly positioned for mountain town adventures.

• Placid Bay Hotel sits on the shores of Lake Placid with High Peaks views. This budget-friendly "Smart Hotel" features contactless check-in, is walking distance from Main Street, and sits just 20 minutes from Whiteface Mountain. Enjoy a lakeside setting, mountain town vibe, and group-friendly prices.
• The Devlin delivers rustic charm with spacious grounds, mountain views, and an outdoor heated pool. This pet-friendly hotel's village location puts restaurants, shops, and Olympic venues at your doorstep. Perfect for groups seeking personal service and cozy atmosphere without the premium cost.
• Cambria Hotel Lake Placid combines lakeside resort amenities with affordable rates. Wake up to panoramic mountain views, grab onsite dining and drinks, and head out to explore the outdoors. Modern comforts and stylish rooms without the luxury price tag.
• Golden Arrow Lake Placid blends cozy Adirondack charm with lakeside convenience. Relax in comfortable rooms, enjoy onsite dining with a German flair and creative cocktails, then stroll around Mirror Lake or explore nearby trails.
• Laurel Lake Placid offers a peaceful retreat on the corner of Main Street with a blend of Scandinavian and Japanese influence. Enjoy lakeside views, relaxing rooms, and easy access to local reatuarants and shops. 
• Grandview Lake Placid delivers classic Adirondack charm with sweeping mountain and lake views. Unwind in your room or their stunning great room, savor onsite dining, and step out to nearby trails or Whiteface.

The spring break you didn't know you needed

Lake Placid in spring is what happens when you combine legitimate skiing with the relaxed energy of shoulder season. The snow is plentiful thanks to this winter's above-average snowfall, the crowds are lighter than peak season, the prices are better, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.

You'll spend your days skiing Olympic-caliber terrain, trying activities that'll give you stories for years, eating and drinking exceptionally well, and crashing somewhere comfortable with your best friends. The Adirondack spring sunsets over the mountains are free, the memories are priceless, and you'll come back already planning next year's trip. Skip the beach. Lake Placid is where spring break shows up, in the best possible way.