Est. 1892 · Forever WildMy LogbookSubmit a ListingSign In
AdirondackRegion.comExplore the Atlas
Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid
Whiteface Mountain — photo · Rebecca Jan · Google
§ Pursuits & Outdoors · Lake Placid

Whiteface Mountain.

Alpine Skiing·Wilmington, NY·44.37°N 73.90°W
Editor’s Pick

The East's greatest vertical, Olympic pedigree, and Slide-trail steeps

Rates$$$
Elevation4,865 ft
Rated4.7 / 51,332 reviews · Google
Telephone(518) 946-2223
Found inWilmington, NY
Call Directions Visit the site
Alpine Skiing · Lake PlacidEntry revised Sep 7, 2026
family friendlyparkingoutdooron mountainyear round
§ No. I · Field Notes

About Whiteface Mountain.

The 3,430 feet of vertical make this the tallest ski mountain east of the Rockies, a distinction climbers and racers feel in their legs by mid-afternoon. Whiteface served as the alpine venue for the 1980 Winter Olympics, and the legacy runs remain part of the trail map—long, steep corridors that test technique and nerve. The terrain spans 90 trails ranging from wide groomers on Little Whiteface to the exposed chutes of the Slides, natural ravines that require avalanche control and consistently rank among the East's most committing descents. On powder days and select weekends, the Slides open to skiers willing to hike or traverse from the summit; they've been accessible roughly a dozen times in recent seasons. The lift network includes the Cloudsplitter Gondola, a fifteen-minute ride from base to Little Whiteface, plus high-speed quads and fixed-grip chairs that distribute traffic across Bear Den, the main face, and summit approaches. A new fixed-grip double on Little Whiteface debuted for the 2025–26 season, offering mid-station access at the top of Mountain Run or a ride all the way up. The Notch chair, added a few years prior, improved connectivity between Bear Den's learning terrain and the upper mountain. Whiteface's grooming fleet includes nine PistenBully machines—seven 600-series cats, two 400 Park Pros, and a hybrid 600 E+—with winch capability that allows crews to groom even the steepest named runs. Recent seasons have seen opening day with summit terrain in play, a feat enabled by snowmaking that covers 100% of the trail network and draws on upgraded, more efficient equipment. The mountain recorded more than 220 inches of natural snow during the 2025–26 winter and operated for 144 days. Terrain parks have expanded in recent seasons, with dedicated features and progressive lines managed by the Whiteface Parks team. Base facilities include rental shops, ski and snowboard instruction through the Whiteface Snowsports school, day lodges with food service, and the Cloudspin Deck, which hosts live music on spring weekends. Parking is on-site at the base; no shuttle is required. Whiteface ranked third overall in the East in *Ski Magazine*'s 2026 reader survey, with specific recognition for lift network, grooming, terrain variety, and challenge. The mountain lies roughly 300 miles north of New York City, 280 miles from Boston, 160 miles from Albany, and 100 miles south of Montréal. Summer operations include gondola rides, uphill foot and bike races, disc golf, and access to the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway, which climbs by car to within an elevator ride of the 4,867-foot summit.
§ Editor’s Note

The defining alpine venue in the East. Worth a clear day on the gondola whether you ski or not.

— the publisher

§ No. II · The Particulars

Hours, facts & the front desk.

§ No. II

The particulars.

Alpine Skiing
Price$$$
§ No. III · Getting Here

Where it sits.

Lake Placid Region
The Address

5021 NY Route 86
Wilmington, NY 12997

44.3658°N · 73.9036°W

Directions
Drive In From
New York City316 mi · 5h 45m
Albany148 mi · 2h 45m
Boston249 mi · 4h 30m
Montreal100 mi · 1h 45m
Syracuse180 mi · 3h 15m
Buffalo336 mi · 6h 0m

Approximate by-car estimates from the metros most visitors come from.

§ No. IV · The Plates

Whiteface Mountain, observed.

7 plates on file
Whiteface Mountain — plate IPlate I — the leaderWhiteface Mountain, Lake Placid
Whiteface Mountain — plate IIPlate IIPhotograph · N Karna · Google
Whiteface Mountain — plate IIIPlate IIIPhotograph · Jillian Kara · Google
Whiteface Mountain — plate IVPlate IVPhotograph · Mark Zhong · Google
Whiteface Mountain — plate VPlate VPhotograph · Vanessa Assante · Google
Whiteface Mountain — plate VIPlate VIPhotograph · Al · Google
§ The Pairings

Pair with.

Off the slopes — where to land for warm food, a beer, and a bed.

§ The Surrounding Country · Within 10 Mi

What rings this address.

§ Similar nearby properties
§ Editor’s Picks
within 10 mi

Make a weekend of it.

Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.

§ Your Adirondack trip

Save Whiteface Mountain to your trip.

Mark the places, trails, and lakes you're eyeing on one plan — your trip, taking shape as you browse. Free, thirty seconds, yours forever.

Unclaimed
§ For the Proprietor

Run this place? The page is yours.

Claim Whiteface Mountain to keep the hours, photos, menus, and particulars in your own hand — and answer inquiries as the house.

Editorial review · Free · The Register

Claim This Listing