Whiteface - Lake Placid Details and Photos
Wilmington, NY (Directions)
Last Updated: 5/24/2012 10:56 PM
Overview
- 16 Beginner
- 33 Intermediate
- 22 Advanced
- 3 Expert
Whiteface Lake Placid has the highest elevation in the Northeast, greatest vertical east of the Rockies, and snowmaking on 98% of our terrain. Long cruisers, endless Adirondack vistas, and a separate mountain area for kids and families make Whiteface the complete mountain.
In our place, you get mountains of fun….serious fun. On the mountain it’s stuff of winter... legends. Off the mountain, well you know we’ve been the top-ranked resort in North America for 15 straight years according to the readers of SKI Magazine.
We have the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies and trails for everyone in your family. This is where the world's best come to train and compete and where kids come to learn and have fun. At the top of Whiteface, spare a moment to take in the views of the surrounding Adirondack peaks of New York. Spot Lake Champlain and Vermont to the east. Breathe deep. Point your skis downhill. Let them go. This is the face of eastern skiing. Read more
In our place, you get mountains of fun….serious fun. On the mountain it’s stuff of winter... legends. Off the mountain, well you know we’ve been the top-ranked resort in North America for 15 straight years according to the readers of SKI Magazine.
We have the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies and trails for everyone in your family. This is where the world's best come to train and compete and where kids come to learn and have fun. At the top of Whiteface, spare a moment to take in the views of the surrounding Adirondack peaks of New York. Spot Lake Champlain and Vermont to the east. Breathe deep. Point your skis downhill. Let them go. This is the face of eastern skiing. Read more
Operations
Status
Closed
Lifts Open/Total
0 of 11
Weekday Hours
--
Trails Open/Total
0 of 86
Weekend Hours
--
Stats & Conditions
Base Elevation
1,220 ft
24-hr Snowfall
0"
Vertical Drop
3,430 ft
Avg Base Depth
0"
Peak Elevation
4,650 ft
Photos
Whiteface - Lake Placid Logo
Whiteface - Lake Placid Trail Map
Reviews & Tips (65)
Was there 3/17 & 3/18. Really warm weather. They closed Lookout mountain as of 3/18. Spring conditions, like skiing in mashed potatoes, exposed rock.
Will definitely go back next season and pray for better conditions!
written Mar 22 2012 - 11:24 AM
Whiteface was awesome!! Three days of drastically different skiing - Negative temps., a nice sunny day and also spring skiing in a 3 day span. Did get a little icy first day. Good layout, easy to read, good assortment of levels. Liftopia saved us a ton, and Wednesday is Coke day, more great savings, almost made this trip affordable!! Staff was pretty nice, but not very energetic or upbeat. My daughter's boyfriend's skis flew out of the Gondola (was really windy and they are Armada's) their attitude was kind of blase' about the whole thing and we couldn't get any real answers on what they were going to do. They did end up sending a cat up to get them as they were out of bounds and there was no real way to get to them. The problem was no one explained how or when they might get them and didn't seem too concerned. Otherwise great trip!!
written Mar 13 2012 - 05:53 PM
Against all bad weather odds, Whiteface Staff kept the slopes enjoyable. Had an awesome "spring ski" day March 14, and more are to come. And you cannot find a better "apre ski" than being on the upper lounge deck at 4 P.M.!
written Mar 12 2012 - 06:50 AM
Je ne le souhaite à personne mais le service de patrouilleurs est excellent et rapide. Ma fille en a profité (quoiqu'elle aurait préféré skier!)
Merci à la patrouille et au service médical au bas des pentes
written Mar 09 2012 - 03:08 PM
Don't tell anyone else about Whiteface. I like it just the way it is.
Liftopia was great (even changed a ticket for us)
written Mar 04 2012 - 09:18 AM
Thanks Liftopia for the great lift ticket deal! We skied Thursday March 1 and it was great. No news on any lift at all. Conditions were really good considering there has been no natural snow this year. Some icy spots but there aways are at this mountain. I used the bag check for the first time here which was convenient. However it was $4 for all day and you can access your bag whenever you want. Other mountains offer this service for free, but it was better than a locker because the baskets were bigger.
Can't wait to go again next year.
written Mar 04 2012 - 05:54 AM
Conditions have been the best I have seen in years .The snow makers have out done them selves. Tip.- Watch the weather they frequently have to shut down most of the lifts for winds .Sucks to get there early pay $190 for NON REFUNDABLE tickets and sit there half the day and hope they start the lifts. If they predict any winds over 8 mph b eprepared. I would be nice if liftopia had some way to give credit when you are unable to ski.
written Mar 02 2012 - 07:54 AM
We got our tickets on line (great savings and very easy). We only skied Sunday 2/19, it was absolutely wonderful. We brought our 3 kids, this was their first time at Whiteface ages, 9 and twins 7 years old. They have been skiing for two years. We didn't visit the kid zone. We went right up the Quad lift then the Gondola. They did great and loved every minute of it. We got there at 8:30 and skied until 1 pm. Our last run was icy. Everyone was so friendly! Loved the views and got some great shots of the kids skiing. Most definitely coming back next year!
written Feb 21 2012 - 04:06 PM
Ski'd for three days with my wife 2-12-thru 2-14. Saved big time using liftopia.
The skiing was great each day for the first two hours then the ice conditions....well.... Because this has been a bad snow year (for the whole freakin continent) there were no lines Sunday, Mon and Tues. We want to come back again. There is a challenge for ever level of skier. Plenty of runs for the intermediate guys plus the diamonds....wow! The kick was worth every penny. The folks that run the place are friendly and helpful. This is a must visit place for everybody......The gondola ride was worth the lift ticket...the view and talkin to the folks on the ride were priceless.
We are from Michigan....10 hour drive....but the 20 minute runs were what we dreamed they would be......had to stop an smell the roses each time down.....wow the views were something else.
You folks out east got a gem here.
written Feb 15 2012 - 05:50 PM
Ski'd for three days with my wife 2-12-thru 2-14. Saved big time using liftopia.
The skiing was great each day for the first two hours then the ice conditions....well.... Because this has been a bad snow year (for the whole freakin continent) there were no lines Sunday, Mon and Tues. We want to come back again. There is a challenge for ever level of skier. Plenty of runs for the intermediate guys plus the diamonds....wow! The kick was worth every penny. The folks that run the place are friendly and helpful. This is a must visit place for everybody......The gondola ride was worth the lift ticket...the view and talkin to the folks on the ride were priceless.
We are from Michigan....10 hour drive....but the 20 minute runs were what we dreamed they would be......had to stop an smell the roses each time down.....wow the views were something else.
You folks out east got a gem here.
written Feb 15 2012 - 05:49 PM
Beautiful place! Went for a 4 day trip with friends and everyone had a great time. Only downfall was the runs got REALLY icey towards late morning/noon which made it not very enjoyable at times. Other then that I have no complaints! I would definately go back again when they have more fresh powder.
written Feb 14 2012 - 05:47 PM
just spent the last three days at Whiteface - consideriung the lack of natural snow, the conditions were great as the snowmakers and groomers are doing a fantastic job - had total sunshine all three days which made visibility obviously excellent - was able to ski until 1:30 all three days before the grooming was skiied off - the summit chair was skiied off by 12:00 but the Wilmington 2 1/2 mile advanced blue trail was awesome all day - absolutely no crowds on the weekdays - never had to wait except for the opening of the gondola for 3 minutes
written Feb 09 2012 - 10:58 AM
Just spent the Last 3 Days on this Magnifcent Mountain. Ski It As early as Possible It is not called Iceface for nothing and once the crowds arrive and expose all the cover Razor blades can,t Help you cut and edge .With that said Midweek was awesome Mon and Tue they got 8 of frshies and you have the whole mountain to yourself.If you ski and don,t ski here your not sjiing at all
written Jan 31 2012 - 04:38 PM
This was my first trip to Whiteface and it was absolutely positively awesome! The people at guest services were super nice and helpful and so were the other folks just skiing there.
My tip though would be to sharpen your edges before you go. The day I went was not very icy, meaning the boiler plate was staying at bay, however conditions were getting firmer as the day went on. I quit at about 1:30, started at 9. I would suggest skiing as early as you can here. I know that's true for many mountains but this one in particular. Also try Aki sushi in Lake Placid if that's your thing! It was excellent and a great atmosphere.
written Jan 18 2012 - 03:08 PM
definately get the beginner package if you dont know what your doing. i didnt, and i wound up paying 99 for a 2 day tix, then 43 for a lesson, and i had my own board... where i could have payed 90 and gotten 2 lessons and rentals included. the rentals they had here weren't even real crappy like some places offer./ this mountain was beautiful and surprisingly there weren't that many people when we were there tues and wed (jan 10-11th) wednesday they do coke can deal for lift tickets which was pretty cheap. the people who operated the lifts were friendly and chatty with us and the instructer for my group lesson was awesome, because it wasnt real crowded the lesson i was in only had one other person in it, but if you do take lesson get there early, because lessons are at 10am or 1pm and the 10am ones are less full i think. come early so you actually get an instructor tho because after my lesson started a group of 10 people came and wanted one but the instructors had already left because they were not needed and thoes people had to wait for them to come back and it waisted time for their lesson
written Jan 16 2012 - 11:34 AM
If you plan to ski more than one day, you can store your skiis at the mountain for only 5 bucks.
written Jan 14 2012 - 08:21 PM
really liked getting my tickets thru liftopia, no hassle just walked up to the ticket window with my confirmation and done deal conditions went from worst to better thanks mother nature, even today colder than a well you know we great time riding, yesterday with the storm and no vis with the dumping they closed the top of the mtn but heel who can complain about dumping snow??
written Jan 14 2012 - 02:29 PM
Great deal in ski pass
No need to wait in line
Extremely convenient
We love to ski in lake Placid.
Snow is super, ski slopes are awesome
A lot to choose from even if you are a beginner.
View of the mountains are beautiful
written Jan 12 2012 - 12:35 PM
TO MAKE IT TO THE TOP AND HAVE A GREAT TMME skiing alll the way down. and do it so many more times.I LOVE TO SKI AT WHIE FACE. MOUNTAIN HAVE A NICE HOILDAY,
written Dec 19 2011 - 05:57 PM
Went up there recently 3/30 and 4/7 (midweek). Slides were open. No lift lines, trails are deserted. Even this late in the season close-to-perfect conditions. Best mountain on the East Coast. The $24 deal from Liftopia on my last trip was unbeatable. Too bad the season is coming to an end.
written Apr 10 2011 - 07:47 AM
Our most recent trip was March 31-April 1. Snow conditions were great. Based on parking lot and the lifts, there were at most 75 people on the hill. The whole mountain is open, Liftopia mid week tix are almost free and you have the best mountain in the east to yourself. Just go!
written Apr 03 2011 - 08:01 PM
Our trip to Whiteface over Ontario's March break was great. Skied for 3 days. First day was a sunday and Whiteface ran a discount day. It was busy howeever the lines moved quickly and tere was lots of room on the hill. Found Whiteace to be much more challenging the Mont Tremlant however less runs.Vacation was closer cheaper and more challenging.
written Mar 25 2011 - 08:09 AM
If it's been below 20 degrees F the previous night, bring freshly sharpened ski's if you expect to enjoy skiing this hill competently. Great views of the High Peaks on sunny days.
written Mar 23 2011 - 04:06 PM
We, (two adults and three children), just got back from Whiteface. Conditions were great making for a fantastic trip. We used the two of three day pack and saved about $135. We'll use
liftopia again next season. My only regret is that I didn't find liftopia sooner.
written Mar 20 2011 - 05:21 PM
I had a fun time skiing with my two boys during their March break holidays. Whiteface had great spring skiing conditions and short lineups. Lunch at Boule's Bistro was especially good for a ski hill. The boys especially liked the Slides area which I hear doesn't open too often. Liftopia saved us some money on lift tickets, as did the Wednesday Coca Cola deal. We'll be back for sure.
written Mar 19 2011 - 08:11 PM
Great mountain (esp. compared to Ontario!). Fantastic snow, beautiful views, good variety of runs for all levels of skier (my advanced-beginner/intermediate kids had no problem on any of the blue runs, although they were more like the black diamonds at our regular hill). Almost no lift lines. And perfect weather. Liftopia was a good deal (also better than Ontario!). Can't wait to come back.
written Mar 18 2011 - 08:17 AM
(Skied March 10) Love the mountain for its varied terrain, high vertical drop, and short lift lines. Some very affordable lodging can be found in Lake Placid for a guy trip and the drive up from PA is easy and usually no traffic. The only drawback to the resort is their tenancy not to open lifts (i.e. the summit chair) if it is not busy enough.
written Mar 12 2011 - 07:43 PM
Dress up for the weather. Be prepared coz it is really cold! Make sure you have a hand warmer and toe warm handy. I will definitely come back.
written Mar 08 2011 - 06:58 PM
Just go there and be prepared for any sorto fo weather or snow condition and you will not be disappointed. I was just there for 5 days and started out with rain one whole day and later that week had two days that began below zero. The ski programs for kids are excellent. My boy began there at age 4 and has had a week of lessons there once each year for the past three years. At the end of this week he was skiing every trail, and I mean EVERY trail, as balck as you can get, with confidence and having fun. I loved it and I am willing to put up with the fact that you can never predict the conditions.
written Mar 06 2011 - 07:25 PM
Skied Whiteface Sunday the 27th and Tuesday the first. Crowds not bad either day and lines were minimal. Icy, packed conditions made it challenging and fast. Views from Lookout and Summit are awesome. It was convenient to use the drop-off area instead of opting to park/walk from the lots.
written Mar 05 2011 - 07:24 AM
Don Cherry should stick to hockey. I skied the same Sun - Tues (2/27 - 3/1). Sunday was great - fresh snow, mogul / tree skiing. Monday rain was a bummer but gondola made in bearable. Tuesday solidified my reasons why I haven't skied in VT or NY for 20 years and only ski out West (Utah), my son asked which run should we go on "the crowded one or the icy one"
written Mar 03 2011 - 03:14 PM
Skied Sun thru Tues, even some skied Monday in the rain. They said the snow held up great during the all day rain. Tuesday was a great day. Sunday seemed liked every run was a mogul run - all bumped up, either from the crowed for the Empire State games, or they hadn't groomed for Sunday, but not sure about that. Too many lifts were not operating - why is this? I love Whiteface and go there 2-3 times per season for 3 days at a time.
written Mar 03 2011 - 07:29 AM
Prez week was awesome, skied every day, best day was during the snow storm. Very short lines.
Kids (and wife) absolutely LOVED the kidz program.
Tip #1, park up at the kidz lodge, much easier parking. Yes you do have to waste time on the kidz lift but the lodge is so much less buzzy.
Tip #2. The blues are much more interesting (harder) than most other places. It looks steep but there are some seriously wide and nice runs.
Tip #3. As anywhere, get there early. I got the family to the mountain at 8am every day. Then we got great runs for an hour, had the mountain mostly to ourselves, my intermediate loved this time of the day and got much more confidence before the hordes arrived. We got back to the pool early and beat the crows there also.
Tip #F The Boule cafe at mid mountain was never crowded and had better food at the same prices. The base cafe had amazing food cheap and waitress service. Totally better than the cafeteria. The Cabernet was lovely.
Stayed at the Mariott, out of town so we had to drive in every evening but lovely, and good breakfasts. Very nice room. We all would stay there again for sure.
written Feb 28 2011 - 05:21 AM
We skied/rode Whiteface during Prez week - not terrible. Lines moved quickly despite the holiday. Most trails were hardpack with ice (until the snow storm the day we left!), very scratchy but locals love it and heard these were very good conditions by their standards. It is a fun and challanging mountain, but Killington has much more skiing terrain, and much more choice.
written Feb 26 2011 - 03:45 PM
I thought Whiteface was not only beautiful but a fresh new experience. Although it was a holiday (President's Day) and there were crowds, it was never unbearable, the way a place like Mt. Snow in Vt. would get. All lifts were operating, the gondola was great! The conditions were wonderful, albiet a few icy spots, but so much terrain, the Wilmington trail was sweet.
I would definatly come back, hoping to be there for some spring skiing.
written Feb 23 2011 - 02:21 PM
It had nothing to do with the tickets but it was my first time ever skiing at Whitefcae and I will not be hurrying to ski there again. I hva enever skied a Mountain that was so icey ven in my home state of Pennsylvania. The locals evidently have a nickname of this Mountain and call it IceFace which is more accurate.
I have never been at a Mountain where it was so difficult to get people up from the bottom ov the mountain to the top and there were the normal Weekend crowds but everyday even Thurdsay they had more than one or two lifts closed most of the day and on Saturday the Gondola and The Summitt Quad was closed almost all day which made it brutal.
I will stick to many of the alternate and in most cases closer alternatives in Vermont
written Feb 22 2011 - 11:46 AM
We had a Blast and the snow was terrific. Liftopia saved us dollars and my wife spent it at the stores.
written Feb 22 2011 - 07:48 AM
Liftopia saved me over $100.00 on our lift tickets and the Mountain was awesome. My Family loved the Wilmington Trail. We expected a long cruiser ,but it had a lot of drops and curves. Snow was so good we went down most of the Blacks and my younger kids loved the ski school. We will come back.
written Feb 21 2011 - 04:49 PM
Fantastic - liftopia had a great price for lifts. Stayed at the high peaks resort in placid.
Going mid week meant we could ski top to bottom with no lift lines. Take the gondola at 8:30, run back to the bottom, repeat and cross over to the summit quad at 9:30 to ski upper skyward when it opens. Dress well even if the forecast is good as it can get cold in a moment. So far I've always experienced great conditions.
written Feb 19 2011 - 04:45 PM
It was a perfect Valentine's weekend. I spent the day at Whiteface, and my valentine spent the day at the spa. There was plenty of snow, the lines were short, and the trails were fun to ride. There is a good variety of terrain too. This was my first, but not my last trip to Placid and Whiteface.
written Feb 17 2011 - 10:47 AM
Whiteface is a great mountain but only if you are a very advanced intermediate. Otherwise can't imagine you enjoying. I loved it....and would never go to Killington again when Whiteface is a similiar drive and far superior.
written Feb 15 2011 - 02:19 PM
just rode whiteface this past weekend and it was a dream come true. I guess I just timed it right because it was snowing and there was a ton of fresh powder around the trails. Just watch out for the middle of the trails as the snow plows (noob snowboarders) pushed away the snow and left ice in some spots.
the summit was closed saturday for wind, but opened on sunday. GORGEOUS.
written Feb 14 2011 - 02:10 PM
great trails, lines were pretty short, would highly recommend
written Feb 14 2011 - 02:08 PM
This is the best mountain on the east coast, hands down! If you're a high intermediate to expert, you'll love it here! Great Gondola and lift lines are never crazy even on holidays.
Add the awesomeness of Lake Placid, and every skier should go here at least once.
written Feb 10 2011 - 10:09 PM
58 cm of new snow in the Feb. 2 storm, arrived Feb. 3 in blue skies and calm wind, but the main (Summit) lift was closed, 4th day in a row. But as compensation they ran a catski to the summit, no extra charge. Easily a 30 minute wait though, and they told everybody to ski down the same trail (cloudspin) so my dreams of skiing in knee deep powder did not happen there - but several glades did provide that! However all that snow offered no protection against rock damage, because there was no base layer even now in February, and one extra mean rock damaged my ski, despite being the most cautious "don't hit rocks" type of skier.
written Feb 05 2011 - 02:36 PM
great skiing but beware the black diamonds are not just single black some are pretty scary :)and some don't tell you there are moguls but go slow and you can do anything
written Feb 04 2011 - 06:42 PM
no worries about buying these tickets its as easy as showing your printout and you are on your way
no need to give any further info great site
written Feb 04 2011 - 06:39 PM
First time skiing at a "real" East Coast mountain. I would steer clear of Wilmington trail if you are an intermediate skier especially towards the end of the day when the trail gets bumpier. There are some really steep sections to this trail.
written Feb 02 2011 - 12:01 PM
This was my first time to Whiteface and it's as close as I've been to West Coast skiing as I've seen this side of the Rockies. I went there on a Sunday in January and the lines were short and moved quickly. The snow wasn't too icy but could hardly be called powder either. I was disappointed that the Summit was closed. The more intermediate timed course was fun.
written Feb 01 2011 - 02:17 PM
We skied Whiteface on a weekend, but hardly ever stood in line for more than a few minutes... might have had something to do with the high temp being 2 degrees that day. The gondola was a life-saver. Watch out for changing conditions on this mountain. They were making snow on some of the hills while they were open, and it was easy to ski from zero visibility and ice at the summit down into a white-out on a hill full of moguls you can't avoid. The snow-making really added to the chill, we wished they'd have stuck to only making snow at night. We really enjoyed the beautiful long blue run, Wilmington. We would have tried more runs from the summit had it been less windy, cold, and easier to see.
written Jan 30 2011 - 03:34 PM
nice place to ski, been skiing for a while, like to go midweek, with very little, to no wait in any lift up to the slopes, heard not to leave things lying around as as a few people said, had things stolen.....so watch your belongings....nice long runs and with snow this place rocks, for sure....
written Jan 25 2011 - 06:59 AM
Fantastic skiing and staff is great. Prices on everything high but the mountain is worth it. Good mix of powder and groomed, summit area is truly for skiers, I'd avoid if I were a snowboarder.
written Jan 24 2011 - 02:46 PM
Two days at Whiteface and somehow we had perfect conditions both days! The trails go on forever..if you like blue cruisers, try Excelsior to Lower Northway to Upper and Lower Valley.
One warning: don't try to ski above your level here..and just because it says its a blue trail doesnt always mean it. Some blues were harder than others..
Overall, an amazing place..
written Jan 20 2011 - 08:52 PM
Don't go.
Staff is amazingly friendly and helpful, but this about the only good thing I can say.
Price of ticket is like in Colorado, yet in 4 days they did not make snow.
If I want to water ski I will buy a boat. My brand new Head are so scratched my heart bleeds.
Never again.
written Jan 18 2011 - 05:42 PM
Great conditions! Had an amazing ski day this past weekend. Make sure you grab a bread bowl soup on the mountain and always stop by the Great Steak & Seafood restaurant in town.
written Jan 17 2011 - 07:36 PM
Was at whiteface for the first time last week and i really enjoyed it, i would recommend it to anyone. Great riding, friendly staff and pretty much no lineups on friday.
written Jan 17 2011 - 04:57 PM
Wind is common so make sure you look at the weather/snow report before you buy. Upper quad was closed the day I went but still a great price for the terrain that was open. Also a good price reduction off walk-up ticket window price considering the risk of buying in advance without a possible refund. Thanks Liftopia.
written Jan 16 2011 - 04:31 PM
check for winds bought ticket and gondla was closed , then at 11am quad closed and NO refunds , and lots a ice . So bring your ice skates, and money for the bar.
written Jan 11 2011 - 02:44 PM
Day one was awesome but a bit icey. Day 2 Crap conditions and the gondola was closed due to the high winds (which is when you really want it because you freeze).
Overall amazing mountain when the conditions are right.
written Jan 11 2011 - 02:12 PM
Tried skiing for the first time at this mountain. Took advantage of the Beginners Package (rentals, 2 hour lesson, lift ticket). My group lesson's instructor was extremely knowledgeable but I had to probe for additional guidance. Two-hour lesson was in a small group.
written Jan 10 2011 - 04:01 PM
Great Mountian with the right conditions, good job grooming,great terrain.. to many races though that close way to many trails that people are paying to ski
written Jan 07 2011 - 07:09 AM
Although I know it has been a tough season for ski resorts this season, Whiteface had the worst conditions I have ever snowboarded on. Fell multiple times due to entire ice coverage in some cases, and if there wasn't ice, I was dodging dirt and rock patches left and right. I will wait till I hear about a snowstorm before I come back here.
written Jan 04 2011 - 03:24 PM
Whiteface has good slopes and friendly staff. There was a good amount of snow. We had a great time!
written Dec 29 2010 - 09:02 AM
Lake Placid is my Home away from Home.
written Dec 29 2010 - 03:08 AM
whiteface is my local hill. i love it!
written Feb 28 2010 - 09:57 PM
