Summer at Whiteface Mt: Adventure Beyond the Slopes
Path to the top of Whiteface. Photo courtesy ORDA.
Whiteface Mountain, famous for its Olympic heritage and epic skiing, doesn't take a break when the snow thaws. In fact, the summer months reveal a side of this Adirondack gem that's often overlooked. From breathtaking gondola rides to rewarding hikes, yoga classes, and disc golf, Whiteface becomes a summer playground that's a well-kept secret for every traveler’s Adirondack itinerary.
Ride high: Scenic gondola adventures.
The easiest way to take in Whiteface’s jaw-dropping views—without breaking a sweat—is aboard the Cloudsplitter Gondola.
Cloudsplitter Gondola. Photos courtesy ORDA.
In about 15 minutes, you’ll glide from the base lodge to Little Whiteface, soaring over lush forests and mountain streams. On a clear day, the panorama stretches across the High Peaks, Lake Placid, and even into Vermont and Canada.
For families, the gondola offers a fun, relaxing ride; for couples, it’s a romantic escape; and for solo travelers, it’s a chance to breathe in crisp mountain air and feel gloriously small against the Adirondack backdrop.
Travel Tip: Go in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
Hike into history.
Hiking trails weave around the base and mid-mountain areas, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging climbs. The Flume Trails, located in nearby Wilmington, connect to the resort and are ideal for hikers seeking a moderate adventure with stunning waterfall views.
For a bigger challenge, hikers can tackle the summit trail starting from Connery Pond or the Atmospheric Science Research Center. The payoff? Rare alpine plants and sweeping 360-degree views.
Whiteface’s hiking trails.
Drive to the top: The Veterans’ Memorial Highway.
Not in the mood to hike? The Veterans’ Memorial Highway offers a 5-mile scenic drive almost to the summit. Stop at stone-walled pull-offs, read interpretive displays, and end your trip at a castle-like stone structure built in the 1930s. From there, hike the final stretch or take the historic elevator—built inside the mountain—to reach the top.
Standing at 4,867 feet with a view stretching into three states and Canada is pure Adirondack magic.
Fun Fact: 4610’ Cafe, the snack bar at the top of the highway, is the highest dining establishment in New York State.
Family fun: Disc golf, yoga and more.
Families will find plenty of summer fun, too. Whiteface’s 9-hole disc golf course winds through fields and forested trails, making it a hit with kids and beginners.
Starting in 2025, visitors can discover their inner peace with a one-hour relaxing yoga class at the summit of Little Whiteface. These classes are open to participants aged 10 and older and include a scenic ride on the Cloudsplitter Gondola.
Yoga at Whiteface. Photos courtesy ORDA.
The combination of fresh air, beautiful scenery, and physical movement fosters a deep connection with nature and promotes a profound sense of inner calm. Yoga mats will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own if they prefer.
Expand your adventure: Lake Placid Legacy Sites.
Whiteface Mountain is part of Lake Placid’s Legacy Sites. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-rushing activities, leisurely scenic attractions, or anything in between, the Lake Placid Legacy Sites offer unique and unparalleled experiences for all ages and abilities.
Skyride overlooking Olympic Ski Jump.
Lake Placid has hosted two Winter Olympic Games – in 1932 & 1980. Since then, the Lake Placid Legacy Sites have evolved into four distinct venues that are world-renowned for sports, events, and recreation: the Olympic Center, the Olympic Jumping Complex, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and Whiteface Mountain.
To make the most of your experience, consider getting the Legacy Sites Passport, which includes tickets for:
Veteran’s Memorial Highway
Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride
Skyride at the Olympic Jumping Complex
The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is in the heart of Lake Placid
Indoor ice skating at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid
Mt. Van Hoevenberg (bobsled and luge facility) tour
US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center tour – New this year!
For additional fees, you can also ride the Mountain Coaster at Mt. Van Hoevenberg and do the Sky Flyer Zipline at the Olympic Jumping Complex.
Whiteface Mountain offers a comprehensive package of adventure, including gondolas, hiking, scenic drives, family-friendly activities, and rich history. And the thrill of standing on a snow-free mountaintop feels like stumbling upon a secret that the winter crowds will never experience.
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