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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Whiteface Mountain #
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -18°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (152 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).