Conditions Report
Report from Thursday, January 9, 2025
We arrived at Whiteface Mountain, New York, in the early afternoon, approaching the largest vertical drop in the Northeast. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, with snow-covered peaks and towering evergreens setting the tone for our visit.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the local legend, Jeff Hopkins. A late-start skier with large aspirations as a child, Jeff has called Whiteface his winter home for over 30 seasons, many of which he spent as a ski instructor—a role he continues to this day.
Our tour of the resort began at the Bears Den Lodge, where we hopped on The Notch lift. Unfortunately, this was the third and final day of a brutal windstorm that had swept through the Northeast, leaving the entire upper mountain on hold. Despite the adverse weather, Jeff’s passion for skiing was infectious. Every turn he made radiated his enthusiasm, and nothing brought him more joy than sharing his knowledge and showing off his winter playground.
Jeff guided us to the base lodge, which was quieter than usual due to the conditions. His presence there was unmistakable—every employee we passed greeted him warmly and called him by name.
Inside, we visited the rental/demo and ski shop, where we met the manager, Nate (or “N8,” as he’s known). Nate spoke with pride about the local area, including Lake Placid and its endless fishing spots during the summer. He showed us his impressive demo collection and expressed excitement about hosting the U.S. Paralympic snowboard team for training that day. Nate’s shop also features a collection of vintage snowboards displayed on the walls, giving it the feel of a small museum.
Afterward, we took a bus back to Bears Den Lodge. Along the way, Jeff described the unique characteristics of Whiteface. He highlighted its remarkably consistent pitch, with some runs maintaining their angle across the entire 3,430-foot vertical descent.
Jeff also shared his optimism about the resort’s new style of management, which took over two seasons ago. He praised the team for actively listening to employees and implementing positive changes across operations. Really embracing feedback of employees such as Jeff over the past two years. One significant improvement was installing 35,000 feet of snowmaking pipe over the past year.
He explained that the resort now prioritizes opening the upper mountain and the Bears Den area early in the season. This enables ski school to begin sooner while providing experts with access to challenging terrain. In the past, Bears Den was one of the last areas to open, which limited beginner-friendly options early in the season.
One of Jeff’s favorite aspects of Whiteface is The Slides, an expert-only area off Whiteface Summit that new management has made accessible to the public. Once considered a dangerous, off-limits zone, The Slides now attract some of the best skiers in the world.
Jeff proudly claimed, “The secret best skiers in the East are Whiteface pass holders. Even the best skiers in Vermont have a pass here.” He often meets Vermont locals who tell him, “I have a pass at Whiteface, but I also ski Vermont.”
Next, we rode The Notch Lift again to visit the Legacy Lodge, a popular mid-mountain stop for skiers to refuel. Jeff explained how this central location makes it a favorite gathering spot throughout the day.
As the day wound down, it was time to wrap up our visit to Whiteface. While the upper mountain remained closed due to the rare three-day windstorm, we left with a clear sense of the mountain’s potential. On a clear day, the combination of steep terrain, incredible views, and varied runs must make it a dream for advanced skiers and riders.
We want to thank Jeff and the team at Whiteface for their warm hospitality and expert insights. We can’t wait to return after a big storm to experience the mountain at its best!
As we drove away from the resort, snow began to fall—and it didn’t stop. Lake Placid was blanketed in over six inches of light, dry powder by morning. Whiteface is now skiing packed powder, and with the upper mountain reopened, there’s no better time to visit. The forecast looks strong, so don’t miss your chance to get here soon!
The Resort
Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, located near Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Just a two-hour drive from Albany and four hours from New York City, Whiteface is home to the tallest vertical drop in the Eastern United States at 3,430 feet. Spanning over 288 skiable acres, the resort features 90 trails ranging from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging expert runs, including the iconic Cloudspin Trail, which was part of the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Renowned for its world-class facilities, Whiteface offers a mix of wide groomers, steep chutes, and glade skiing, making it a favorite for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort’s advanced snowmaking system covers over 99% of the terrain, ensuring top-notch conditions throughout the season. Its 11 lifts, including the Cloudsplitter Gondola, provide efficient access to the summit and breathtaking views of the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks.
In addition to its winter offerings, Whiteface is a year-round destination, with hiking, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides available during the warmer months. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby Olympic venues and the charming town of Lake Placid, known for its vibrant dining and shopping scene.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping runs, family-friendly terrain, or stunning mountain vistas, Whiteface Mountain offers an unforgettable alpine experience in the heart of the Adirondacks.
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