Whiteface Mountain

Mountain Adirondack mountain with Olympic ski facilities

Near Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain combines an alpine ski area, Olympic legacy facilities and summit roads/trails; skiers, cyclists and summit visitors come for groomed runs and panoramic views of the Adirondacks.

Main image

Whiteface Mountain is a prominent peak in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, United States, with a summit elevation of approximately 4,867 feet (1,483 metres). It is known for steep ski terrain and developed visitor facilities.

The mountain features a developed ski area with lifts and runs on its slopes and a paved memorial highway that provides motor access close to the summit, where an observation plaza is reached via an elevator through the rock. Recreational visitors use the site for downhill skiing, hiking, and scenic driving.

Modern facilities and lifts were developed in the 20th century; Whiteface served as the venue for alpine skiing events in the 1980 Winter Olympics held at Lake Placid and has been an important recreational mountain since that development. Infrastructure has been upgraded periodically to support both winter sports and summer visitors.

Whiteface sits within the Adirondack Park near the village and town of Lake Placid in Essex County, northern New York, and is accessed from roads serving the Lake Placid area.

  • Elevation: Summit elevation approximately 4,867 feet (1,483 metres).
  • Olympic history: Host venue for alpine skiing during the 1980 Winter Olympics held in nearby Lake Placid.

What to See #

  • Ski area and lifts: A developed ski area with multiple downhill runs and lifts on the mountain's western slopes, used for year-round recreation.
  • Summit access: A paved summit road with an elevator and observation facilities that provide panoramic views from the mountain top.
Whiteface Mountain
Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA
44.3659, -73.9027
Gondola/summit access varies seasonally; Whiteface Mountain Ski Area open seasonally (winter/summer operations)
$25 adult (seasonal gondola/summit access; ski lift and park fees vary)

How to Get to Whiteface Mountain #

Whiteface Mountain is near Wilmington and Lake Placid, NY. From I-87 take Route 86 west toward Lake Placid; follow signs to Whiteface Mountain. The region is served by regional airports and is a 2-3 hour drive from Albany or Burlington, VT.

Tips for Visiting Whiteface Mountain #

  • Take the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (ADK) Summit or gondola early to avoid queues and capture morning light.
  • If skiing, check conditions at Whiteface Ski Resort; Lake Placid provides accommodations and dining.
  • On clear days the summit views include the High Peaks and the Champlain Valley-bring a telephoto lens.

Best Time to Visit Whiteface Mountain #

Summer for hiking and views; winter for skiing. Autumn foliage is a major draw in October.

Summer
June-September · 5-20°C
Trails and summit gondola open for hiking and panoramic views.
Fall
September-October · 0-10°C
Spectacular autumn foliage in the High Peaks region-busy with leaf-peepers.
Winter
December-March · -20-0°C
Prime ski season-expect cold, snowy conditions and excellent downhill runs.

Weather & Climate near Whiteface Mountain #

Climate

Whiteface Mountain's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1468 mm/year), wettest in August.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -18°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-18° -7°

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-17° -6°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-12° -1°

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

138 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (152 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

152 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

138 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -4°

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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