Whiteface Mountain is located less than 30 miles from Moreno’s Cottages, and it’s a huge draw to the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake Region. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, here are five fun facts about this beloved High Peak in the Adirondack Mountains.
- Highest Vertical Drop in the East
At 4,387 feet, Whiteface Mountain is the fifth tallest High Peak in New York State, and the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center offers the highest vertical drop of any ski mountain east of the Rockies, at 3,430 feet. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy more than 90 trails, stretching 24 miles across three peaks, plus five terrain parks, twelve lifts, a gondola, and a lodge with dining, rentals and more.
- Accessible to All
Whiteface isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders. In fact, many hikers make the approximate 8.5-hour roundtrip trek to the summit every year. You can also take a 15-minute gondola ride to the top of Little Whiteface for some sightseeing in the off-season, or drive to the summit. Unlike other High Peaks, Whiteface Mountain is accessible by motor vehicle via the Veterans Memorial Highway, open late spring through early fall.
- 360-Degree Views
Setting it apart from many of the other High Peaks in the Adirondack Park, Whiteface Mountain offers 360-degree views of the Adirondacks, Vermont and Canada, at its summit. From the top of Little Whiteface, you can enjoy views of Lake Champlain to the east, Lake Placid, the Olympic ski jumps, the Ausable River, and more. You can even visit a two-story castle at the summit, built from granite excavated during the construction of the Veterans Memorial Highway.
- Olympic History
Lake Placid was the host of the 1980 Winter Olympics, and the famous “Miracle on Ice” men’s hockey game between the United States and Soviet Union, but all six of the alpine ski events at the 1980 Winter Olympics were held at Whiteface Mountain. The same Olympic runs can still be skied today, including the black diamond trail, Skyward, which was the course for men’s and women’s downhill.
- Santa & Mrs. Clause Ski for Free
Every December, Whiteface hosts its annual “Santa Day”, on which anyone dressed from head-to-toe in a Santa or Mrs. Claus costume receives a free lift ticket. You can also visit Santa’s Workshop, and meet the reindeer and elves, at the Christmas-themed amusement park on Veterans Memorial Highway, open June through December.
We Offer Lodging Near Whiteface Mountain
Whether you’re interested in skiing, hiking, sightseeing or taking a scenic drive, Whiteface Mountain is a popular year-round destination in New York’s Adirondack Park. Although Whiteface is located in Wilmington NY, most visitors choose to stay in nearby Lake Placid for its prevalence of restaurants, shopping and off-mountain activities. Moreno’s Cottages is conveniently located between the towns of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, within 30 miles of Whiteface Mountain. We have one-bedroom and two-bedroom cabins, as well two year-round vacation rentals in the Lake Placid area. Studio 7 is a studio apartment ideal for couples, while our Lake Colby House vacation rental can sleep up to 13. Give us a call at 518-265-5370 to check availability and reserve your stay.