“Do you believe in miracles?” Those old enough to remember the Miracle on Ice in 1980 will recall those as the final words of broadcaster Al Michaels. Michaels witnessed arguably the greatest upset in sports history when an undermanned American Olympic hockey team defeated the mighty Soviet Union en route to a gold medal. And it all happened in Lake Placid! Four decades later those miracles continue as the region carries on, offering its gorgeous locale up to visitors this winter season. Here is Mommy Poppins’ list of the best things to do on a winter vacation to Lake Placid.

Families can hit the slopes on Whiteface Mountain.

Hit the Slopes: Skiing and Snowboarding Adventures

1. Ski or Snowboard at Whiteface Mountain

The site of the 1980 Olympic Alpine skiing events is one of the highest peaks in New York State with terrain suiting skiers of all abilities. Be sure to buy lift tickets in advance!

2. Cross Country Skiing

If downhill skiing isn’t your speed, why not try one of Lake Placid’s groomed cross country tracks? You can try at the Olympic center at Mount Van Hoevenberg or at Cascade X-C Ski Center. The centers boast a combined 43 miles of cross country trails as well as warming huts, a ski shop, and a pub for food and drink. 

Have a tube race with your family on Saranac Lake. 

3. Snow Tubing on Saranac Lake

What winter destination is complete without a snow tubing venue? Visitors to Lake Placid will find tubing at Mount Pisgah at Saranac Lake. Two lanes are even set up for tube races.

Once this lake freezes to sufficient thickness it opens to the public for skating. 

Beyond the Slopes: Alternative Winter Fun

4. Ice Skating on Mirror Lake

Once this Adirondack lake freezes to sufficient thickness (at least 4 inches), locals and tourists alike head outdoors for some skating. Word of warning: Have your skates tuned after a session on the lake or you might have some balance issues next time out.

Find a pick-up game of ice hockey to join. 

5. Pick-up Hockey

Kids can almost always find a game in the winter months. Try Mirror Lake first; if you’re unsuccessful check the Olympic Ice Arena. 

Catch some serious speed toboggan riding on Mirror Lake. 

6. Toboggan Riding on Mirror Lake

Imagine a 1,000-foot slide across the ice. That’s what awaits visitors at this popular attraction that is scheduled to open for the season in early February. Riders begin their adventure at the 30-foot-high tower on Mirror Lake.

7. Ride the Olympic Bobsled

When available, this attraction lets passengers experience the thrill of an Olympic bobsled run. Riders on the half-mile track can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. Riders must be at least 4 feet tall, and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

On the Cliffside Coaster you control the ride. You have the ability to go as slow or as fast as you’d like. 

8. Ice Palace at Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

A local tradition since 1898, Saranac Lake's ice palace is crafted from thousands of blocks of ice and illuminated from inside with a rainbow of colors. The palace is free to explore and is built at the beginning of February and lasts until it melts. Don't miss the annual fireworks show set off right from inside the palace.

9. Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride

Non-skiers especially will appreciate this 15-minute ride to the summit of Little Whiteface Mountain. Take in majestic views of the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and Lake Placid. 

10. Ice Climbing

Lake Placid’s accomplished guides will teach your family how to safely scale the icy cliff faces of the Adirondacks. Ice climbing is, of course, dependent on conditions. 

11. Dogsled Rides on Mirror Lake

Once the lake freezes, mushers line up along Main Street for a Lake Placid tradition. Iditarod-like snow dogs pull their sleds across the lake with families in tow. Views of the mountain peaks are breathtaking.

12. Sledding

As you might imagine, Lake Placid boasts a number of sledding hills. Particularly popular, especially among parents of young children, is Kiwanis Teddy Bear Park, right in the heart of the downtown. (Bring your own equipment to Teddy Bear Park.)

13. Kicksledding

New to this country, kicksledding has been a favorite pastime in Scandinavia for years. A kicksled consists of a pair of steel runners attached to a wooden seat with handlebars. Push along the steel runners on flat or uphill terrain; hop aboard the seat for a downhill thrill. There’s a two-mile route on Mirror Lake and rentals are available in town. 

14. High Falls Gorge

Explore the trails around High Falls Gorge in the winter as the waterfalls turn into ice castles. Afterward, grab lunch and hot chocolate at the Riverview Cafe inside the park.

15. Adirondack Wildlife Refuge

This unique, four-seasons nature park offers visitors the chance to see wolves, moose, and black bears in their natural habitats. Look closely and you might spot an occasional bald eagle, falcon, or even a vulture. (Ugh!) 

16. Winter Hiking

Put on your snowshoes (and maybe microspikes) and explore frozen waterfalls and winter wonderland scenery on some of the easy winter hikes in the High Peaks region. Popular short hikes include the trail around Heart Lake and Roaring Brook Falls.  

Learn about the history of the Olympic Games at the Olympic Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Exploring the Olympic Legacy and Historic Sites

17. Mt Van Hoevenberg

Explore Mt Van Hoevenberg, the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. Families can watch Olympic athletes in training and also participate in some sports themselves, including cross-country skiing, luge, and indoor rock climbing. Check their event calendar for professional winter sporting events held at the site.

18. Visit the Olympic Museum

The Lake Placid Olympic Museum pays tribute to the community’s two Winter Olympiads, in 1932 and 1980. Interactive exhibits tell the stories of figure skater turned movie star Sonja Henie; speed skater Eric Heiden, who won five gold medals in 1980; and, yes, the Miracle on Ice. 

19. Winter Sports at the Olympic Complex

Check out a live winter sporting event like the Miracle Holiday Classic or the Lake Placid Ice Dancing Championships. Or try out some sports yourself, including figure skating, curling, and hockey. The facility also features public skating sessions at its indoor and outdoor rinks.

20. Olympic Jumping Complex

Watch ski jumpers soar through the air from the 240-feet-tall launching structures. Athletes at all levels, from first-timers to Team USA ski jumpers, aerialists, snowboarders, Freestyle, and freeskiers train here. 

Indoor Escapes for Fun When it's Too Cold Outside

21. The Wild Center

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake offers lots of indoor programs for kids and families, including 54,000 square feet of exhibit halls, live animal encounters, a theater, and a planetarium.

22. North Country Children's Museum

While it is a bit of a drive from Lake Placid, this expansive children's museum is worth it. The museum features STEAM-focused exhibits, an indoor climbing area, and exhibits specific to the region, including an Amish mini-house built by local Amish builders and an Adirondack animal wall, where kids can learn about local wildlife. 

23. Hit the Lanes at Big Z's Hangout

This family fun center in downtown Lake Placid is a perfect alternative to howling winds and chilling cold. Go bowling or check out the multi-sport simulator, classic arcade games, pool table, dart boards, and shuffleboard table.

Take a stroll down Main Street to visit the local shops. 

24. Shopping Along Main Street

This eclectic village offers a bit of something for everyone. Discover bed and bath products, syrups, clothes, chocolatiers, even a year-round Christmas store. 

25. Lake Placid Center for the Arts

This performing arts center has plenty of children's programming including art classes, performances, and rotating exhibits!  

Grab a delicious bite at Dancing Bears Cafe. 

Kid-Approved Dining Options in Lake Placid

26. Dancing Bears Restaurant

It's breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this Main Street American bistro popular with kids. Enjoy omelets, pancakes, artisanal burgers, signature pizzas, salads, and appetizers.

27. The Breakfast Club

The first meal of the day is available all day at this popular Main Street eatery. Of course, there are also burgers, salads, chicken dishes, and for the adults, specialty coffees.

It's pizza with a view of Mirror Lake at Ere's Pizza. 

28. Ere's Pizza

Overlooking Mirror Lake, this popular Italian bistro offers eat-in or takeout service. Locals rave about the pizza.  

It's hard to make a choice with all the flavors at Emma's Lake Placid Creamery. 

29. Emma's Lake Placid Creamery 

Kids love this downtown ice cream parlor whose frozen creations hit the spot even on the coldest nights. Enjoy hard and soft ice cream options; the truly daring will want to try the cheesecake on a stick.     

30. Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

If you want to try out some local craft brews, this brewery is a great family-friendly option, featuring a large deck overlooking Mirror Lake, a full food menu, and kids' games inside and on the lawn.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Lake Placid

31. Whiteface Lodge

For a full rustic Adirondacks lodge experience with luxury amenities, including one of the highest-rated spas in North America, this resort is our top pick for families if your budget allows it. The lodge offers tons of activities onsite, including a bowling alley, a game room, a movie theater, an ice skating rink (with complementary skates), indoor pools and hot tubs, and acres of grounds for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The Lodge also offers extensive children's programs, including arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, science experiments, and more.

32. Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa

This luxurious hotel sits right on Mirror Lake and boasts panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. The hotel also features a spa, pool, and on-site restaurant, and is just steps away from the main drag in downtown Lake Placid, with dozens of dining and shopping options.

33. High Peaks Resort

Located right in downtown Lake Placid, High Peaks Resort offers unique lodging experiences based on your personal preferences. Their waterfront collection features rooms right on Mirror Lake, so you can just step out of your room for ice skating or dogsled rides. The hotel also features an indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, and free snowshoes for exploring the nearby trails.

34. Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid

This hotel is a more budget-friendly option but still features great amenities and a prime location right on Mirror Lake. The hotel features an indoor pool, firepits, and direct access to Mirror Lake Beach. The hotel is also walking distance from the Lake Placid Olympic Center and lots of dining options.

An earlier version of this article published on Mommy Poppins in 2014 by Allison Tibaldi. Updated August 2023.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of Visit Adirondacks

 this legendary venue is now a year-round hub for outdoor recreation, world-class competition, athlete training, and family-friendly fun.