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Mountain · Lake Placid, New York
Whiteface Mountain
1,483‑meter mountain, the fifth‑highest in the Adirondacks, with an 8‑km scenic road that ends at a stone castle and an elevator carved into the rock up to the summit. On the other slope is the 1980 Olympic ski area.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Whiteface Mountain
Whiteface is 1,483 meters high and is the fifth‑highest peak in the Adirondacks. It stands apart from other mountains, which makes it an excellent viewpoint for the region: from the summit you can see Lake Placid, the Ausable River valley, the High Peaks, Lake Champlain and, on clear days, Quebec and Vermont.
Veterans’ Memorial Highway, opened in 1935, climbs about 8 km up the slope with curves and overlooks to a stone, castle‑like building near the summit. From there a roughly 130‑meter tunnel cut into the rock leads to an elevator that rises to the summit; there is also a short trail with steps and handrails. A weather station sits at the top.
On the east slope is the ski area that hosted the alpine events in the 1980 Games. It has the greatest vertical drop for skiing in the eastern United States, with runs for all levels. In summer and fall the Cloudsplitter gondola rises to Little Whiteface, a nearby peak, with mountain views.
The mountain is in the town of Wilmington, about 15 km from Lake Placid, near the Ausable River gorge.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours for the highway, castle and summit; a full day for skiing.
Best time
From May to October, when the road is usually open, on clear days; it’s cold and windy at the summit even in summer. Late September to early October is often peak fall color. From December to March the ski area operates.
How to get there
The road begins on Route 431 in Wilmington, about 20 km from Lake Placid; the ski area is on Route 86, about 13 km away. A car is required. The road, gondola and ski area charge fees; check the current fee table.
Tip
Bring a coat and check the forecast before you go: with low clouds the summit may have no view. If the elevator has a line, the short trail to the summit takes only a few minutes.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Whiteface Mountain
Can you drive up Whiteface?
Yes, via the Veterans' Memorial Highway, generally open from May to October. It ends at a stone castle, from which an elevator or a short trail leads to the summit.
How high is Whiteface?
About 1,483 meters. It is the fifth-highest peak in the Adirondacks.
Is Whiteface good for skiing?
Yes. The resort has the greatest vertical drop for skiing in the eastern United States and hosted the alpine events in the 1980 Olympics, with runs for all levels.