Lake Placid Winter Travel Guide: What to Do & See

If you’re dreaming of a classic East Coast winter getaway, snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, cozy cafés, and that magical small-town charm, Lake Placid should be at the top of your list. My husband and I visited this little Olympic village in the heart of the Adirondacks during winter, and it truly felt like stepping inside a snow globe.

Known for its world-class winter activities, breathtaking scenery, and peaceful atmosphere, Lake Placid combines adventure with relaxation in the best way possible. Whether you’re visiting to ski Whiteface Mountain, stroll along Mirror Lake, or simply experience winter in Lake Placid at a slower pace, this destination has something for every type of traveler.

Because we only had a few days, we wanted a trip that felt easy, beautiful, and filled with seasonal things to do in Lake Placid without over-planning or rushing. And honestly? Lake Placid delivered. From ice skating on a frozen lake to enjoying hot chocolate at sunset, our winter trip ended up being one of our coziest getaways ever.

Here’s everything you need to plan your own magical winter escape to Lake Placid, New York!

How to Get to Lake Placid

Getting to Lake Placid in winter is easy, but it definitely helps to plan ahead—especially when snow is involved. Most travelers, including my husband and I, choose to drive because it’s the most convenient and flexible way to reach this cozy mountain town.

If you’re coming from New York City, the drive takes around five hours, and the route becomes more scenic the closer you get to the Adirondacks. Just make sure your car is winter-ready with good tires and an ice scraper, and always check weather conditions before hitting the road.

For visitors flying in, the closest major airports are Albany, Burlington, and Montreal, each about a two-hour drive away. Renting a car from the airport is usually the easiest way to continue your journey.

Where to Stay in Lake Placid

When deciding where to stay in Lake Placid, location definitely matters, especially in winter when the temperature drops and you don’t want to walk too far in the cold. Lake Placid is centered around Mirror Lake and Main Street, and staying close to this area makes your trip so much easier (and warmer… trust me!).

We personally stayed at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, and it was such a cozy base! It sits right on Mirror Lake and right on Main Street, so we had the best of both worlds. Our room had a partial view of the frozen lake and the twinkling lights along the street, and we could walk to everything. It honestly made our winter trip feel extra magical.

If you prefer something a bit more luxurious, the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa is stunning. Think elegant rooms, warm fireplaces, and unbeatable lake views perfect for a romantic winter getaway. Another dreamy option is Whiteface Lodge, which gives you that grand Adirondack-lodge vibe with rustic interiors and all the cozy winter feels.

For a more budget-friendly stay, Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid is a great pick. It’s right by the lake and close enough to walk to town without freezing in the process. Clean rooms, comfy beds, and free breakfast always a win. Another simple and affordable option is Rodeway Inn Lake Placid, which keeps you close to the action without the higher price tag.

Things to Do in Lake Placid in Winters

Before visiting Lake Placid, my husband and I always assumed winter adventures were all about skiing. But breaking news… they’re not! Winter in Lake Placid surprised us in the best way possible, and we ended up enjoying so many activities that had nothing to do with skiing. If you’re planning a cozy winter trip and wondering what else you can do here, these were some of our favorite experiences.

One of the most thrilling things to do in Lake Placid in winter was the Toboggan Chute. Oh. My. God. This was such an adrenaline rush, especially in freezing temperatures. You sit on a wooden toboggan that shoots straight down a chute and sends you gliding all the way across the frozen lake. It’s fast, fun, and honestly, a must-try if you’re visiting in winter. Don’t skip it!

Another memorable experience was dog sledding on Mirror Lake. Taking a short ride with huskies across the frozen lake feels like stepping into a winter movie scene. It’s quick—about 5 to 10 minutes—but totally worth it for the experience and the photos alone.

And of course, winter adventures always call for hot chocolate breaks. We became obsessed with Emma’s Creamery. I’m not kidding—every time we walked past the shop, we ended up buying another cup. It became our little tradition throughout the trip.

We also loved staying in a cozy winter resort. We picked Golden Arrow Resort, which sits right in front of Mirror Lake and on Main Street. Waking up to a partial view of the frozen lake and charming streets felt so dreamy.

No winter trip to Lake Placid is complete without walking around Mirror Lake. The lake completely freezes over, turning into this wide, white, peaceful wonderland. If you’ve never experienced a frozen lake next to a charming snow-covered town, this is the place to do it.

And finally, wander through Main Street. The shops, cafés, and restaurants give the town such a warm and festive winter vibe. We spent hours roaming around, grabbing treats, and enjoying the cozy Adirondack charm.

We still have a few things left on our list for next time, like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and taking the gondola ride at Whiteface Mountain (it was closed for non-skiers during our visit). That just means we’ll definitely be returning.

What to Pack for Lake Placid in Winters

Packing for winter in Lake Placid is all about staying warm, comfortable, and prepared for unpredictable mountain weather. Since temperatures can dip well below freezing, especially in January and February. I made sure both my husband and I packed layers we could rely on. Trust me, having the right winter gear makes exploring this snowy town so much more enjoyable.

I always recommend starting with thermal base layers, which keep you warm without adding bulky weight. On top of that, a good quality sweater and a waterproof winter jacket are must-haves. Lake Placid is known for snowfall, so having a jacket that blocks wind and repels snow makes a big difference, especially if you’re planning to spend time on Whiteface Mountain or walk around Mirror Lake.

For bottoms, I packed fleece-lined leggings and waterproof snow pants for outdoor activities. If you’re planning to ski, snowshoe, or try winter hikes, these are essential. And don’t forget waterproof boots with good traction. Lake Placid’s sidewalks and lake paths can get slippery, so sturdy footwear kept us warm and safe. I also brought thick wool socks, which were honestly a lifesaver.

Accessories matter just as much a warm hat, insulated gloves, and a scarf or neck warmer helped us stay cozy when the wind picked up. Since we spent a lot of time outdoors, I also carried hand warmers in my pockets. If you’re someone who gets cold easily, these are magical.

Lastly, for the moments you’re indoors, restaurants, cafés, or lounging in your hotel, bring comfortable clothes like jeans, sweaters, and warm loungewear.

FAQs About Visiting Lake Placid in Winter

1. Is Lake Placid worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely! Winter in Lake Placid is magical. Even if you’re not into skiing, there are so many unique winter activities like tobogganing, dog sledding, walking on a frozen lake, exploring Main Street, and enjoying cozy cafés. The entire town looks like a snowy postcard.

2. How cold does Lake Placid get in winter?

Lake Placid can get very cold, especially in January and February. Temperatures often sit between 0°F and 25°F (-17°C to -3°C), and nights can get even colder. As long as you pack warm layers and winter boots, you’ll be perfectly fine exploring outdoors.

3. Do I need a car in Lake Placid during winter?

I recommend having a car, especially in winter. It makes it so much easier to get to scenic spots, drives, and nearby attractions. Just make sure your car has winter tires or good all-season tires.

4. Can you walk on Mirror Lake in winter?

Yes! When the lake fully freezes, locals and visitors walk across it, skate on it, and even dog sled on it. Always check local signs or ask your hotel before stepping onto the ice.

5. What are some non-skiing things to do in Lake Placid?

So many! Toboggan chute, dog sledding, ice skating, winter hikes, exploring Main Street, scenic drives, cozy cafés, and visiting the Olympic sites. You definitely don’t need to ski to enjoy this place.

6. Is Lake Placid family-friendly?

Very much so. Families love the winter vibe, easy trails, snow play, ice skating, and fun activities like the toboggan chute and the Olympic Museum.

7. How many days do you need in Lake Placid?

I recommend 2–3 days for a relaxed winter trip. You can enjoy the town, try a few winter activities, and fit in some scenic drives without rushing.

8. Are restaurants and shops open in winter?

Yes! Lake Placid is a year-round destination, so most restaurants, cafés, and shops remain open during winter months. The town stays lively even in the snow.

9. What should I pack for Lake Placid in winter?

Warm layers, waterproof boots, thermals, gloves, hats, scarves, and a heavy winter jacket. Winter here is cold but incredibly beautiful when you’re dressed for it.

10. Is Lake Placid expensive in the winter?

Winter can be slightly pricier because it’s a popular season, especially on weekends. But you’ll still find plenty of budget-friendly accommodations, cafés, and free things to do like walking around the lake or exploring Main Street.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Lake Placid turned out to be everything we hoped for and so much more. Before our trip, my husband and I assumed a winter getaway meant skiing all day, but Lake Placid showed us that winter can be magical in so many different ways. From gliding down the toboggan chute to sipping hot chocolate on Main Street and walking across a frozen lake, every moment felt cozy, refreshing, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a fun winter weekend with friends, Lake Placid is one of those places that leaves you feeling inspired and recharged. And if you’re someone who usually avoids the cold trust me, this winter wonderland might just change your mind.

I hope this guide helps you plan your own cozy escape to the Adirondacks. If you’ve never experienced a snowy mountain town with a frozen lake and endless winter activities, Lake Placid is the place to start. And who knows you might end up loving winter as much as we did!

If you’re curious what Lake Placid looks like in summer, we also loved our warm-weather trip. You can check out our summer blog for ideas!