Whiteface Ski Resort (only a 10 minute drive) is our favorite place to ski on the East Coast. This is a serious mountain, with a decent variety of expert, intermediate and beginner runs.

The resort is huge. On any given day throughout the season, there are usually a handful of good runs open off Cloudsplitter Gondola. If you’re experienced, The Slides are an extra special treat. These runs are only open during peak conditions, most likely in the spring. In general, the runs off Summit Chair are better experienced after heavy snow (which we do get a lot of up here). For beginners, The Bearden Lodge area is the perfect place to learn.

Aside from being a great place to ski, Whiteface Mountain also has some pretty decent food and drink options. At the main lodge, Taste NY serves up a good cheese plate in the lower area, while the Cloudspin Bar & Grill upstairs is a great spot for both lunch and après-ski drinks! 

Rentals: If you’re only here for a day or two, you should consider simply renting at Whiteface as you’ll get more runs in; however, if you have time to run into town and are looking for a discount, Lake Placid Ski & Board shop offers great rental deals.

We have multiple options for cross country skiing in the area! Cascade Welcome Center (17 minute drive) has a well-marked network of trails which you can explore either by skis or snowshoes, a truly magical experience! Your other option is the famous Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Ski Center (16 minute drive). Both centers offer ski and snowshoe rentals at good rates.

Hiking and climbing are major sports in the Adirondack High Peaks region. If you prepare appropriately, the High Peaks are still accessible during the winter. Read more about what to pack and where to hike in the winter here. Baxter Mountain Trail is a great winter option. If you are in need of gear, check out The Mountaineer in Keene Valley (12 minute drive). This shop sells just about everything you’d need for winter hiking and climbing. You can book a guided ice climbing or trekking experience from High Peaks Mountain Guides.

One of our favorite winter hikes (that does not require any gear), is the short walk through High Falls Gorge (only a 10 minute drive from Warner’s Camp). Also on our list of things to do in the summer, the High Falls Gorge area on the Ausable River consists of a series natural gorges and waterfalls. The owners of this attraction have installed paths and walkways allowing you to see the falls from multiple angles. If you go in the winter, they’ll attach yaktrax to your shoes (making it easier for you to walk on the ice). You can likely see most of the falls in about 20 minutes, so this should be doable in your regular winter coat. We love this spot in the winter as it’s less crowded, and the frozen waterfalls are spectacular.

After returning from your winter hike, you must fire up our sauna for a steam! There is no better way to unwind.