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I learned many life lessons growing up skiing at Whiteface Mountain. Age four: Don't fall in love with a ski instructor—they move away mid-season to chase snow. Age six: Bare skin against metal chairlifts in sub-zero temps leads to pain and tears. Age 18: The kids that learn to race at Whiteface become Olympians and All Americans. Age 26: If you can ski Whiteface—home to the biggest vertical in the East, venue for two Winter Olympics—you can ski anywhere. But going home to rip Victoria's Headwall and carve the steeps of Mountain Run until your legs give out is still one of the best days you can have on skis.
That's the mountain—ski it to believe it. (Or watch the video above for more.) The area has plenty to offer off the lifts, too. Try these:
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery The locals call it PJ's, 2-fer Tuesdays are the best night of the week, and Ubu Ale—named after a faithful Labrador—counts Bill Clinton as a fan. ubuale.com
The Olympic Passport For $29, you get entry to all Olympic venues, plus discounts on related activities (bobsledding, biathlon, and more). Don't miss the views from the 120-meter ski jump and night skating on the Speed Skating Oval in the center of Lake Placid. whiteface.com
The Mirror Lake Inn Just past Main Street in Lake Placid is luxury waterfront accommodation, owned by 2010 Olympic bronze medalist Andrew Weibrecht's family. Even if you're not staying here, the spa or drinks at the Cottage offers the perfect après treat. mirrorlakeinn.com
The Jack Rabbit Trail Go Nordic with this 24-mile trail through the Adirondack wilderness. If it's a full moon, end at the Cascade Cross Country Ski Center, where there's bonfires, food, and beer along the trails, and live music inside by the fire. jackrabbittrail.org; cascadeski.com
The Noon Mark Diner This Keene Valley diner is a can't-miss crowd pleaser. Go for breakfast (we recommend the Edna breakfast sandwich on a bagel with homefries) or pie so delicious it's acceptable at any time of day. noonmarkdiner.com
Sarance Lake Winter Carnival The Ice Castle, built each year with blocks cut from the nearby lake, is the centerpiece of a 10-day fest including parades, theater, broomball, races (of the snowshoe, Nordic, and inner tube variety), and fireworks. The theme for 2012 is "Space Alien Invasion" and dates are February 3–12. saranaclakewintercarnival.com —Olivia Dwyer
