The Whiteface Ski Area

Whiteface Ski Area is located on Whiteface Mountain in northeast New York. The mountain is the fifth highest peak in the state and set in the midst of the Adirondacks. The resort is a U.S. Olympic training site and regularly features major alpine events including the U.S. Alpine Championships. The resort spreads out over 314 acres, with the base at an elevation of 1220 feet. The highest lift serviced elevation is 4386 feet, but it is possible to hike a little higher, up to 4650 feet. This gives the resort a total vertical of 3430 feet. Annual snowfall at Whiteface has a ten-year average of 200 inches (5.1 meters), but when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, there is 98 percent snowmaking coverage. Keep in mind that the snow on Whiteface can get a little icy, especially

The Trails and Mountain

Whiteface has 87 named trails with 20 percent of them novice, 42 percent intermediate, and 38 percent rated expert. The lift system is well developed and makes it easy to get around the mountain with one small catch. There is no direct lift to the summit. You have to ride the Face Lift chair to the Summit Quad to get to the highest elevation. Although, once you’re there, you can ski the entire vertical without stopping.

For glade skiing and groomed steeps, Whiteface is unmatched. There’s a reason the 1980 Olympics were held here. There are 35 acres of off-piste skiing that can be accessed from the summit that allows expert skiers to romp around in some great powder, so long as Mother Nature cooperates.

Some of the favorite runs at Whiteface for intermediates include the longest run at the resort, Wilmington Trail. Excelsior is also a local favorite, as are Cloudspin and Parkway. For ungroomed fun, hit MacKenzie and Lookout Below.

Bottom Line

Whiteface is one of the best resorts in New York, but everyone knows that. That means that it can get a little crowded and lift lines can get a bit crowded. It’s never as crowded as some of the more famous East Coast ski resorts, but you’re not going to be alone on the mountain. There is no lodging at the resort itself, but the drive in from Lake Placid is easy. The locals are great and the nightlife and apres-ski activities are everything you could ask for. The Cloud Spin is a fun bar, and the Fireside in Lake Placid is a great place for an evening meal.  With plenty of long groomers and a spectacular view from the peak, it’s safe to say that you won’t ever forget your time at Whiteface.