Snowboarding Whiteface Mountain, Home of the 1980 Olympics

I’ve lived in NYC for 25 years and have been snowboarding on and off for about 10 years. Even though I can say I’ve been on a snowboard for 10 years, I’m still a newbie. I would go once a year during that time frame. This year, I bought a snowboard instead of renting and went as often as my schedule allowed. This also meant seeking opportunities to snowboard at other locations than my one usual spot.

My recent snowboard journey took me to Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, New York. Whiteface was the location for the 1980 Winter Olympics that included Men’s and Women’s Downhill, Giant Slalom, and Slalom. It continues to be a ski resort where Olympians train and polish their skills.

Besides being one of the best locations for Olympians and pro-sports athletes, Whiteface is one of the top places in the east to go snowboarding and skiing. At 3,340 feet, it scales as the highest vertical in the east and has the highest lift at 3,166 feet. With 94 trails covering 299 acres, skiers and snowboarders on all levels find a trail that fits their skill level. And when the snow isn’t falling, Whiteface has 99% snowmaking coverage, ensuring visitors have great snow no matter which path they take.

Visitors can purchase day lift tickets, season passes, or purchase a Ski3 season pass.

When I first arrived at Whiteface, I was provided a tour of the mountain and the facilities. Every employee I met and each area I visited impressed me. From the store to the lift operators, each staff member treated me with kindness and respect. Every purchase I made, whether it was being in the store, at the bar, or getting my board waxed and edged, was a tremendous experience. As great as the mountain is, the professionalism and kindness of the employees will bring me back to the mountain again and again.

But the pride and joy of Whiteface are the thrilling trails.

Like a lot of inexperienced snowboarders, my nerves creeped up while on my first chair lift and thankfully, I slid off the lift with no problems. All new snowboarders know that anxious feeling. Anyway, After I glided to a stop and strapped on my back foot, I slid down the mountain. I stick to blue trails when snowboarding and I went down every blue trail on the mountain during my 3-day visit. On the last day, it was time for a black. The black trails gave my legs and lower back a workout, but there was a great feeling of achievement once I hit the bottom. Also, a feeling of relief.

I regret it has taken me 25 years to visit Whiteface and from now on will be a regular winter stop. When the snow season rolls around again, I’ll bring my kids for skiing and snowboarding fun.