Navigating Nordic: Exploring Lake Placid’s Winter Wonderland
by Brooks Reynolds on February 7, 2024
Lake Placid, New York is a winter sports paradise, and one of the best ways to experience the area’s natural beauty is by hitting the trails at one of the many Nordic ski centers in and around the town. These centers offer a variety of terrain for skiers of all abilities, from beginner to expert, and provide a great way to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors during the colder months.
With two Olympic gold medals and eight World Championship titles under her belt, four-time Olympic biathlete, Andrea Henkel Burke, decided to call Lake Placid home following her retirement. In her own words, “Lake Placid is a Nordic paradise. You can not only find 3!!! Nordic Centers with groomed trails for all levels within 3 miles, there are also endless off trail and backcountry skiing options right in town or close by. It never gets old.”
One of the most popular Nordic ski centers in the Lake Placid area is the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Cross-Country Ski Center. This center offers over 48-kilometers of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Mt. Van Hoevenberg is also one of the only places that you can learn about and try your hand at biathlon – the only sport that combines ski wax and bullets. The trails are set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The center also has snowmaking capabilities, a warm-up cabin and equipment rental facilities, making it a great option for visitors who don’t have their own gear.
Scotts Cobble Nordic Center features 10 kilometers of groomed trails for skating and classic skiing on a lit trail network. Experience magical night skiing in motion-detector lights. The Nordic Center is along the Jackrabbit trail connector. It is a 5-kilometer ski from Lake Placid village to the west and has a heated lodge with restrooms, ski and rental shop, refreshments and showers.
The Adirondack Mountain Club’s Cascade Welcome Center, formerly known as Cascade X-C Ski Center, contains a 20-kilometer trail network of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Welcome Center also has other recreation opportunities such as cross-country skiing clinics, ski maintenance workshops, naturalist walks, and family-friendly events. The lodge also has ski equipment available for rent.
Another great option for Nordic skiers in Lake Placid is the Jackrabbit Trail. This 50-kilometer trail runs from Keene, through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, to Paul Smiths. It is a trail that connects with four ski centers and several backcountry routes along the way. The sections of the trail which pass through the groomed trails of Whiteface Club, Lake Placid Club and Cascade Welcome Center do not require a trail fee so long as skiers stay on the marked Jackrabbit Trail. Snowshoeing is also permitted on all sections of the trail.
If you’re looking for a more remote Nordic skiing experience, the High Peaks Wilderness is another great option. This area offers miles of backcountry trails that take skiers through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the Adirondacks. These trails are not groomed, so they’re best for experienced skiers who are comfortable navigating through the wilderness. Make sure you know before you go, check with Local Guides at High Peaks Cyclery, Cascade Welcome Center, or online before you head out into the backcountry.
The wonders of Nordic skiing await you in Lake Placid, with trails catering to skiers of all levels amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Adirondack Mountains. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking new challenges in the backcountry, there’s a perfect trail waiting for you. At The Reynolds Group, we’re more than just real estate experts—we’re passionate advocates for life in the Adirondacks. Let us be your guides to this extraordinary mountain paradise. Connect with our knowledgeable agents to learn more about the joys of living in Lake Placid and how we can help you find your dream home in this idyllic setting. Embrace the adventure, immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, and discover the magic of Nordic skiing in the Adirondacks with us by your side. Reach out today and let’s start your journey toward Adirondack living!
