Whiteface
Ski Resort

Whiteface ski resort is located in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York near Lake Placid. Lake Placid has twice hosted the Olympics, first in 1932 and then in 1980. Whiteface was the venue for the alpine ski events at the 1980 games.

Whiteface has the longest vertical drop east of the Rockies at 3,430 feet. It has been voted the number one ski resort in the Eastern US, in part because of its imposing vertical drop, but also because of its 200 inches of annual snowfall, 86 trails, 283 skiable acres, 11 ski lifts and Olympic heritage. In addition, Whiteface’s in-bounds backcountry experience in the Slides and two Olympic downhill runs provide world class challenge to advanced skiers. Intermediates enjoy long cruisers over the entirety of the resort’s vertical drop and beginner skiers have a seperate learning facility.

Just 15 minutes from Whiteface, the village of Lake Placid celebrates the region’s Olympic heritage and is home to a number of shops, restaurants and hotels. Ironically, Lake Placid is busier in the summer months when the Adirondacks buzz with campers, fishermen, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. However, there’s still plenty to do and explore in town during the winter months.

The Lake Placid regions is home to an impressive array of off-mountain activities which are sure to thrill and excite. Try bobsledding, luge and skeleton or visit to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Museum. Touch the ice in Lake Placid’s 1980 Rink, home of the most famous ice hockey game of all time, the “Miracle on Ice” victory by the USA over the Soviet Union.

At just four and a half hours from New York City, Whiteface is a comparable drive with many central Vermont ski resorts. It’s difficult to beat the continuous fall-line skiing and Olympic heritage at Whiteface, but the resort’s much maligned reputation as “Iceface” has a grain of truth to it. Snow conditions tend to be better in the Green Mountain State, but Whiteface’s high summit elevation makes it one of the most snowsure resorts in the East.

Whiteface Pros & Cons

+ Highest vertical drop east of the Rockies
+ Uniquely challenging expert skiing in the Slides
+ Easily accessible by New York City metro skiers
+ Olympic heritage and nightlife in the nearby village of Lake Place
– Well-deserved reputation for wind and cold
– No on-mountain lodging