Adirondacks Winter Ski Vacation: Olympics Spirit
Host and travel expert Darley Newman has traveled to the Adirondacks twice over the winter season to film and also enjoy skiing and snow adventures. Both times, she’s stayed at the luxurious Mirror Lake Inn. Set on beautiful Mirror Lake, this inn, owned by Olympians, has Adirondacks inspired furniture and ambience that have been hand selected, making for a gorgeous stay inside and out.
Different room configurations allow us to customize this vacation and make it worthwhile for groups and families with kids. Couples, too, can enjoy a luxurious and well-priced escape. We love Mirror Lake Inn for it’s attention to detail, but also its location. Right on Mirror Lake and a short walk to the restaurants and shops of Lake Placid, you don’t need a car once you park for your nights stay and there’s plenty to do right at the Inn with two restaurants, sitting areas indoors and out, a spa, pool and other amenities.
Talk with our Preferred Travel Advisor to book this trip or customize it to fit your needs or that of your family or group!
7 days/ 6 nights starting at $2603 USD* per person based on double occupancy, including two nights in NYC pre or post trip. Let us customize this trip for you!
* Daily inclusions listed below. Itinerary pricing based on double occupancy.
Adirondacks Winter Ski Vacation: Olympics Spirit Itinerary
Start in New York City (optional)
Start this vacation New York City if you wish. Fly into one of the many NYC area airports (JFK, LaGuardia or even Newark). If you choose to stop in NYC, if she’s available, PBS TV host Darley Newman will meet you for coffee or a cocktail. If you fly to NYC, we’ll arrange airport pick up by private driver.
Check in at your hotel for 2 nights
We have you booked at a new luxury hotel located in the heart of Manhattan, one of the top boutique hotels in New York City and in a prime location with stunning city views and exceptional service for both the business and leisure traveller. Plus, the breakfast is fantastic, though we can always recommend a great place for NYC bagels.
This NYC hotel is located within walking distance to world class shopping, famous attractions such as The Empire State Building, Times Square, Madison Square Gardens, historic Central Park and Bryant Park with the subway right around the corner… NYC is your oyster. We know NYC well. Darley Newman lives there! Let us arrange a special itinerary for you. Our recommendation would be to stay for two nights and one full day in NYC, to avoid schedule stress to continue your trip. We will provide you with seasonal activities, cultural venues and reservations, entertainment reservations, restaurants reservations, and assistance to make the most of your days in the Big Apple.
Day 1: NYC to Lake Placid
Check out at your hotel and transfer on your own to Penn Station. There are taxis galore, Uber or the subway. Take the train to Albany, New York’s State Capital and pick up your rental car (not included) and drive to Lake Placid (2 hrs 30 min-140 miles). Alternatively, we can help you pick up a rental car in NYC to drive about 4.5 hours to Lake Placid. There are fun stops if you so choose along the way, including Lake George, Saratoga Springs and gorgeous scenery. Once you get into the Adirondack Park, it’s a stunning driving route.
Check in at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
With an 85-year tradition of hospitality, Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa still retains its elegant, old-world country charm and has an amazing location, right on Mirror Lake and a short walk to all of the restaurants and shops on Lake Placid. There are mountain views at Mirror Lake Inn, plus there are two onsite restaurants (one casual and one more formal), sitting areas with lake views, a spa and indoor and outdoor pools.
Eight acres of landscaped gardens surround five lodges offering a variety of accommodation from rooms with views to suites with whirlpools and balconies. Whatever you choose, the comfort level is outstanding and the ambience is relaxed and warm.
Dinner at Mirror Lake Inn (Included)
After your drive, relax and enjoy a fabulous dinner at Mirror Lake Inn (Included – Alcoholic beverages not included)
Day 2: Ski with an Olympian
Morning ski with Olympic double-medalled champion, Andrew Weibrecht
The owners of Mirror Lake Inn are an Olympic ski family that Darley has filmed with and skied with herself! They’re offering a special chance to ski with Olympian Andrew Weibrecht, who was known in his Olympic days as “War Horse.” He raced in all five disciplines and specializes in the super-G, for which he won the silver medal in the super-G in the Soch Games in 2014, besting teammate Bode Miller. This is a great way to learn more about Lake Placid, and also about Andrew’s experience as a champion, while getting expert tips on your skiing at Whiteface ski resort. Andrew was born and raised at Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid.
*The opportunity to accompany Andrew is geared for those who have some ability to ski; it is not instructional in nature and not available to those who have never skied.
Other options:
Don’t want to ski… chute! Ride down the toboggan chute! Climb your way to the top and chute down across frozen Mirror Lake. Or climb onboard the cable car to reach the summit of Whiteface, and admire the views up over to Canada. Or skate the olympic ring. Or ride a dog-sled on the lake. Or cross-country ski across Mirror Lake ! Then, stop by The Breakfast Club, which has decadent and awesome diner style breakfasts with views of Mirror Lake. Lake Placid has so much to offer!
Tea-time by the firepit on the iced lake (included)
Spend the tea-time of your first day in the Adirondack by the firepit on the lake. The hotel staff will be happy to arrange this unique experience for your delight. Relax with tea or wine, and indulge in the atmosphere of the Adirondacks and beautiful Mirror Lake.
Day 3: Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake
Today after breakfast, drive to Saranac Lake (10 miles). Saranac Lake is a small mountain town with activities all year round. There are cute local shops for gift items and locally owned Origin Coffee (also downtown Lake Placid), which we recommend for coffee.
Tubing at Mt Pisgah (weekends only)
That’s the place to meet childhood sensations! Head over to Mt Pisgah for some downhill tubing! This comes with all the thrills including taking you back up to the top with a rope tow. Two runs for inner tube “races” await. Ready? Set? Go!
More activities in Saranac Lake
Why not try a very unique activity such as ice fishing!
Let us arrange this totally off-the-beaten track experience. Get started with someone knowledgeable. Follow a local guide who will be happy to pass on the tips and tricks for a great day on the ice.
Finding out where the fishing hole is an adventure! Trout or salmon ? Lots of memorable family fun!
If you don’t want to walk on a iced-over lake, let horses take you in the wilderness, and enjoy a sleigh ride through the winter snow. There will be sleigh bells, lap robes, lantern lit routes, and hot chocolate. It’s simply the coolest possible way to end a winter wonderland kind of day.
Continue to downtown Saranac Lake for a snack (not included)
Continue to charming downtown Saranac Lake, and stop Campire Adirondack Grill & Bar located within 1925 historical iconic Saranac Hotel. Craft beer, cocktails and delicious dining await. Would you try grilled over the flame marshmallow dipped in hot chocolate?
If you are a coffee afficionado, stop at Origin Coffee and Co.
Drive back to the hotel for the rest of the afternoon/ evening
We recommend walking around Mirror Lake. Bring snow boots or warm hiking boots and take a walk on the lake ice. The hotel can also offer snowshoes on availability. It’s over 2.5 miles around the entire lake and just a short walk (a few blocks) into the town of Lake Placid for shopping and eating. Let us recommend a great restaurant for you!
Mirror Lake Inn is a stunning property with tons of attention to detail in the antiques, furniture and charm. You may wish to soak this in by grabbing a drink or appetizer at the bar and sitting in one of the many common areas or dinging at The Cottage or The View onsite. You may also wish to enjoy your room and lake views. The rooms here are quite romantic (and also family friendly), so you may just want room service and to stay indoors. For those who love Italian food, there are a few choices for restaurants that are good in Lake Placid, as well as several places to order or take out pizza.
Day 4: Lake Placid Charms & Optional Cooking Class
Spend the day in Lake Placid
After breakfast, get ready for another day full of surprises.
Active in Lake Placid
There is a lot to do in Lake Placid, beginning with some relaxing time at Mirror Lake Inn: hot tub, indoor pool and sauna, spa, fitness.
If you feel ready for an outdoor exploratory tour, follow Andrew Weibreacht who, not only is he an olympic ski champion, but since he retired from the international race, has become a guide. Follow Andrew on a tour and immerse in the Adirondack culture and wilderness. This will be a true insider experience.
Alternatively, choose to ride a bobsled with a professional rider and get your adrenaline up! We can also schedule you to head to the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex and see how high Olympic hopefuls will go to win a medal.
If you favor other outdoor adventures, let us arrange your activity: go snowshoeing or ice-skating at the olympic ring.
Shopping? Simply explore Lake Placid Olympic Village located a few steps away from the hotel. Considered the shopping destination of the Adirondacks, you will find it very entertaining and diverse. Make it a foodie time and try some chocolates, taste wine, amazing syrups crafted from several trees such as maple, birch, walnut, beech and other rare tree species to provide the greatest diversity of plant-based syrups in the world. Jewelers, fashion, decorative arts, gifts, hats and books, Lake Placid has it all!
Cooking Class with Chef Curtiss and dinner
Meet Chef Curtiss at Mirror Lake Inn, and embark on a gourmet voyage during a unique cooking class with your Chef.
Participate or simply watch Chef Curtiss instruct each course, step by step, as he prepares, cooks and plates his way through the menu. Hands-on or not, experience this intimate and educational dining experience.
All cooking classes include digital and printed materials, detailed instruction from Chef Curtiss, and planned in-the-moment teaching experiences that will elevate your cooking skills
Day 5: Good-Bye to Lake Placid
Make your way back home with additional options for add-ons.
Drive back to Albany to fly back home or take the train back to NYC. Drive your rental car to a new location. Let us plan a post trip in NYC or beyond!
Trip Prices & Inclusions
7 days/ 6 nights starting at $2603 USD* per person based on double occupancy, including two nights in NYC pre or post trip. Let us customize this trip for you!
* Daily inclusions listed below. Itinerary pricing based on double occupancy.