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New York is home to 52 ski areas. The ski resorts stretch throughout the state and are primarily located in the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains. The State of New York also operates three ski resorts: Belleayre Mountain, Gore Mountain, and Whiteface Mountain. Belleayre is located in the Catskills while Gore and Whiteface are in the Adirondack Mountains. All three mountains are operated by the Olympic Regional Development Association (ORDA).
Whiteface Mountain is nestled in the northern Adirondack Mountains and is in the town of Wilmington. It hosted the 1980 Winter Olympic Games for alpine skiing and has the largest vertical drop in the eastern United States. Whiteface Mountain is surrounded by history with Lake Placid only minutes away along with all the Olympic venues as well.
The Adirondack Mountains are one of the coldest places in the Lower 48. Whiteface Mountain has the nickname “Iceface” for its brutally cold winters and sometimes icy conditions. Skiing on ice is something all East Coast skiers have to deal with and are accustomed to. The mountain is also known for its high wind speeds, its high elevation, and its northern exposure which makes it so cold there.
Quick Facts and History:
- Founded in 1958
- Peak Elevation: 4,867 feet
- Base Elevation: 1,220 feet
- Vertical Drop: 3,430 feet
- Fifth Highest Mountain in New York
- Highest Skiable Terrain: The Slides at 4,650 feet
- Total Trails: 94
- Skiable Terrain: 299 Acres (Does not include the Slides)
- Lifts: 12
- Average Snowfall: 183.4 inches
Lake Placid is just a short drive away from Whiteface Mountain and has deep roots in skiing and winter sports. Lake Placid has hosted over 51 national and international competitions, 115 World Cup Competitions, 19 World Championships, and 2 Olympic Games. Whiteface Mountain has that authentic northeast skiing vibe to it and where locals can shred icy conditions with ease.
- Related Article: The 9 Coldest Ski Lifts in North America
Whiteface has that big mountain feel to it and provides some of the steepest terrain in the East. However, first-time and beginner skiers do not have to worry because the mountain has its own designated beginner area. Whiteface Mountain has 24% of its terrain designated as beginner as well.
There is always something going on at Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain for skiers, riders, and winter sports enthusiasts. The U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) holds the National Championships in March each year. The USCSA holds competitions across 11 conferences in the U.S. that end with six regional competitions and the USCSA National Championships in March. The weekend I was there the competitions were being held and the athletes were competing in rainy conditions but all had positive attitudes. I had the opportunity to ski with athletes on the Freestyle Team from James Madison University. Their competitions were being held the following day and were just out on the mountain hitting the slopes and having fun. It was great skiing with them and watching them shred down the mountain.
I had the opportunity to visit Whiteface Mountain in early March and Mother Nature was cooperating with warm temperatures and rainy conditions. Despite those challenges, the mountain itself held up well and there were over 60 trails open on the days I was there. Jeff Hopkins has been a ski instructor since 1986 and he was kind enough to give me a tour of the slopes. Hopkins had a great knowledge of the mountain, the slopes, and its history, and was great having him as a personal guide.
It was spring skiing on the mountain with slush, bare spots, and ponding at the base of the mountain. However, the overall ski conditions were amazing considering how much rain had fallen over the last few days. The trails were still fast and my skis did not feel sluggish on the slopes at all. The Mountain Operations teams were out doing a great job keeping the slopes open and safe.
The Slides have been on my bucket list for a long time and on this visit to Whiteface Mountain they were unfortunately closed. It has been one of those seasons in the northeast where a lot of ski resorts have struggled to get 100% open due to warm temperatures and lack of snow. The Slides are considered some of the most difficult terrain to hit in the East and are accessible by the Summit Lift and Lookout Mountain. There is a little bit of a hike to reach the top of the Slides, but it is not a lot.
Although I did not get the chance to hit The Slides, I still had a great time skiing at Whiteface Mountain. It does ski a lot bigger than other mountains in the East with the vertical it has which also makes the 15-minute trip up the mountain worth it. Hopefully, on my next visit, the weather will cooperate and the Slides will be open!
For more information check out Whiteface Mountain’s website.
