Whiteface Mountain Summit in Lake Placid

Destinations Northeast New York Lake Placid

Whiteface Mountain Summit in Lake Placid

Whiteface Mountain Summit is an iconic destination in Lake Placid, New York, offering breathtaking views and a range of outdoor activities. This stunning peak, part of the Adirondack Mountains, holds a significant place in the region's history, as it was the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Its unique combination of accessible skiing, hiking trails, and spectacular vistas makes it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

Adventure Guide To Whiteface Mountain Summit

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort
This renowned resort features over 90 trails, making it a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. The Top of Whiteface, reached via the Cloudsplitter Gondola, provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the surrounding Adirondacks. Amenities include equipment rentals, dining facilities, and ski schools catering to all skill levels.
Summit Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride
During summer months, take a scenic gondola ride to the summit. The 15-minute journey offers a unique perspective of the landscape, showcasing the lush forests and mountain vistas. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy interpretative signage about the area’s natural history and the breathtaking 360-degree views.
Whiteface Mountain Hiking Trails
For those keen on hiking, the trails leading to the summit offer varying levels of difficulty, allowing adventurers to select a path suited to their experience. The Upper Little Whiteface trail is popular for its accessibility and beautiful wildflower displays during late spring and summer.

Local Insights

Whiteface Mountain Summit is home to unique geological features, including glacially carved rock formations and diverse wildlife. It’s also one of the few mountains in New York where you can drive to the summit, making it accessible year-round.

Visitor Tips

Best times to visit: Late spring and early fall for optimal hiking conditions and stunning foliage.
What to bring: Dressing in layers is advised; don’t forget sunscreen and a camera for capturing incredible views.
Driving Directions: Approximately 15 minutes from Lake Placid. Take NY-86 E, then merge onto NY-431 N to the parking area for the summit.

Reviews

Jennifer Arcara3 months ago

Absolutely amazing and beautiful views from the summit. It's not a hard hike to the top, but I wouldn't recommend it for kids under 8. There are stairs and rock scrambles with railings to climb to get to the summit. However, if you don't want to hike to the top, there's a 27 story high elevator that will bring you up (or down) from the summit. Definitely recommend the trip and make sure to wear proper shoes/boots, some of the rocks on the rock scrambles are smooth and you will slip.

Greg Dawson3 months ago

Amazing views!! Fun to drive up and a short hike to the top. We had a lot of clouds which was actually kinda cool especially when they cleared up at the top. Worth the bread to drive up top.

J2 months ago

Absolutely beautiful! Did not expect the $20 fee to drive up the mountain but it was well worth it. Elevator from parking to summit was an added plus for anyone with mobility issues.

B. S.3 months ago

Absolutely incredible views of the surrounding area when the weather is nice. If you take the path to the top instead of the elevator, be careful as there isn't stairs but it's mostly jagged rocks you have to crawl over.

Roger Mak2 months ago

Had a road trip to Adirondack mountains at the peak of fall color. It was the most beautiful fall trip I had for years. The weather was good, traffic not too bad, and beautiful color. The best part was a visit to the Whiteface mountain in the morning when the fog and cloud were lingering around. I visited last year a week after it was closed for the season. I come at the perfect time this year and was greeted by this majestic mountain.