By Dick Butler

February 28, 2005
(Photos by the author)

I've visited Whiteface since I was a kid, and I have witnessed its development as a major ski resort in the East. This place needs to be on your agenda. It never ceases to amaze its visitors with its breadth of winter activities.
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It is imposing, steep, and full of tradition. It has a base, a middle, and a top much like a fine building. Or could it be the foreground, middle ground, and back ground, of a fine painting? Streaked with white trails, natural slides, and white water at its base [i.e. the West branch of the Ausable River flows by], this mountain in winter mimics an inverted dripping marshmallow covered cone. The weather station on top
could be the cherry if it were a sundae. It awaits your arrival to taste its spirit.

The area attracts all forms of winter activists whether they be racer, spectator, acrobat, cruiser, shopper, Olympian, or just lovers and seekers of great scenery and authentic Adirondack garb and lore. This place, in the heart of the Adirondack high country, miles from civilization, yet amazingly quite accessible, is a haven of activity, especially in winter. Let's say those who come here, come to celebrate
winter, not complain about it.

Its base is gentle enough for beginners, its middle has just enough incline for intermediates, and the top, well the top, is just plain not for sissies. The top can make the thighs of all but the best-trained Olympian ache after just one pass. With 3,430 vertical feet of skiable terrain, it's the king of eastern resorts when judged just by its vertical drop. The Slides, part of the marshmallow cone as seen from a distance, is really the remains of an old avalanche path only accessible during and after abundant snowfalls, and ideally with a guide. This double black diamond section suits only the bold and well suited.

Whiteface may be most well known for its challenges and Olympian proportions, but those seeking great learning terrain will find Easy Acres to their liking. This small truly family oriented mini mountain section of Whiteface is complete with its own lifts, ski school and rental shop. Let's put it more emphatically: Whiteface and the surrounding area of Lake Placid are world re-known meccas for wintersports of the most competitive sort!

Much like Europe and closer by Quebec, Whiteface, Wilmington and Lake Placid all revel in the positive attributes of snow in our winter months. There is always something happening here be it a concert, a skating performance, ski jumping, snowmobiling, bobsledding and luge (you don't need to just watch), or hockey, to name but a few.More passive activities could include a tour through the Olympic Museum or the Olympic Training Facility, or a stroll through the fine shops in
downtown Lake Placid.

As you might guess, all things here are unique. While skiing or riding on Whiteface, swing by the Pump House to catch a glimpse of the Pump House Gang having fun. They are a small group of locals who have claimed their home next to the Pump House halfway up the mountain. On most days they can be seen sunning themselves, barbecuing, and maybe having their favorite brewski. All with a backdrop of winter in the High Peaks.

The true challenge of this area may be in deciding what to do once you arrive. At the other extreme, it is very easy to come up with an excuse not to leave.