From Rockefeller Center to the Bank of America Winter Village, New York City has no shortage of winter charm. But tucked away in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks lies a winter wonderland that makes Manhattan’s holiday displays feel like a storefront window.
In the heart of Lake Placid, you’ll find Mirror Lake: a 128-acre frozen oasis where you can swap the roar of the subway for the rhythmic patter of paws on ice. It isn’t just a spot for skating; it’s one of the last places in the Northeast where you can experience a traditional dog sled tour right on the (frozen) water.
Located just about a five-hour journey from NYC (and the perfect destination for a long winter weekend), Lake Placid transforms into a real-life snow globe where you can trade skyscraper views for towering Adirondack peaks.
🧊 The Mirror Lake Experience
Each winter when the ice reaches the perfect thickness, Mirror Lake becomes a frozen “town square.” But the dog sledding is what truly captures the heart of visitors.
As you settle into a traditional wooden sled, you’ll experience:
- Energetic Huskies & Samoyeds: meet a team of dogs bred specifically for the Adirondacks, capable of thriving in temperatures as low as -80°F
- Handcrafted Tradition: glide in sleds often built from local ash, guided by professional mushers who share the history of the sport
- The “Happy Paws” Factor: the pups are known for being exceptionally welcoming and happy to run across the ice
Visitors simply head to Main Street, meet the teams, and for about $20 per person, embark on a gliding adventure that feels more like a movie set than a typical Saturday.
⛸️ Beyond the Sled: An Olympic Playground
Can’t get enough of the ice? Lake Placid was home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, meaning the resort is a full-scale winter playground. You can enjoy:
- The Jackrabbit Trail: miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paths through the silent forest
- The Olympic Speed Skating Oval: skate on the same ice where gold medals were won
- Mirror Lake Ice Track: a massive natural ice loop cleared for distance skating and pond hockey
- The Bobsled Experience: take a high-speed ride down the actual Olympic track with a professional driver
🥐 The Après-Sled Food Scene
You won’t go hungry in the High Peaks. The village of Lake Placid is packed with cozy spots serving up mountain comfort:
- Smoke Signals – BBQ with incredible views of the lake
- The Cottage – famous for its cozy atmosphere and “Ski-In” vibes right on the water
- Generations Tap & Grill – perfect for local brews and hearty Adirondack fare
- Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery – for those who believe it’s never too cold for “Mountain Mud Slide” ice cream
🧣 What New Yorkers Need to Know Before They Go
If you’re planning an escape from NYC to Mirror Lake, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Rides are First-Come, First-Served
Unlike a Broadway show, you can’t book these dog sled tours in advance. Mushers operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Dogs Set the Schedule
Rides typically run from 10 am to 4 or 5 pm, but they are entirely dependent on ice conditions and the dogs’ well-being. If the lake ice is too thin, the teams move to the Horse Show Grounds to run on snow instead.
Bring Cash
Most mushers are old-school. While some may accept debit or credit cards, it’s best to have cash on hand for your ride.
Wear Your Winter Gear
The wind across Mirror Lake is significantly sharper than a breeze in Midtown. Thermal layers, waterproof boots, and face coverings are essential.
🏙️ What Else to Do on a Winter Weekend
If you’re making the trip from the city, make it a full Adirondack immersion:
- Explore High Falls Gorge: walk along ice-covered waterfalls and ancient rock formations
- The Wild Center: visit the “Wild Lights” illuminated forest walk just a short drive away
- Olympic Museum: get inspired by the “Miracle on Ice” history
❤️ Why It’s Worth the Trip for New Yorkers
If you’ve done every holiday market and rink the tri-state area has to offer, Lake Placid offers something the city cannot: the silence of the mountains broken only by the sound of a sled on ice.
New York City might be the center of the winter universe, but for one unforgettable escape, a true Olympic winter is waiting just up North. It’s a rare chance to swap the skyscraper views for a dog sled and a memory that feels like a fairytale
Learn more about the dog sled rides on Lake Placid’s website.
🗺️ How to Get There From NYC
Reaching the High Peaks is a straightforward journey through some of the Hudson Valley’s most beautiful scenery.
- ✈️ By Plane: fly into Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) or Albany (ALB). From Albany, it’s about a 2-hour drive north
- 🚆 By Train: take the Amtrak Adirondack from Moynihan Train Hall to Westport. From there, a shuttle can take you the final 40 minutes into the village
- 🚙 By Car: the drive is roughly 5 hours via I-87 North. It’s an easy trip with plenty of great stops in Saratoga Springs or the Catskills to break up the drive