Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy is alive and well

I experienced a bit of height-induced anxiety as I stood atop the 128-meter Olympic Ski Jump tower in Lake Placid. Peering down from this imposing launching point that ski jumpers use when they soar through the air made me dizzy. And I was only standing there! I couldn’t begin to imagine the act of doing something like this – ever! Shaking my head in disbelief, I repeatedly muttered, “They must be insane!” 

There are many events at the Winter Olympics featuring athletes performing numerous feats of athleticism and strength while high in the air. Of them, it’s said that none blur the line between jumping and flying quite as much as ski jumping. It’s physics in action. The athletes fight gravity as they stay airborne for several seconds, while traveling the length of a football field at speeds that can reach 60 mph. And the one who travels the furthest and who flies and lands with the best style is awarded the most points and deemed the winner. 

It’s hard not to be awe-struck by the courage of these fearless athletes. My admiration and respect for Olympic athletes continued to magnify throughout my tour of three of the four Lake Placid Legacy Sites: Mt. Van Hoevenberg, The Olympic Jumping Complex and The Olympic Center. The fourth is Whiteface Mountain, site of the Olympic alpine events. Visitors can purchase the Lake Placid Legacy Sites Passport to gain access to these facilities and participate in some fun activities along the way.

It’s interesting to see these sites, which were originally constructed for the 1932 Winter Olympics and further built upon for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Lake Placid is one of three locations in the world that have hosted two Winter Olympics: the others being Innsbruck, Austria and St. Moritz, Switzerland. It’s most impressive, however, to learn that today Lake Placid’s venues continue to host visitors and events, and serve as training grounds for Olympic hopefuls in a multitude of winter sports. A far cry from a number of other past Winter Olympic locales, where the facilities lie mostly dormant and unused.

At Mt. Van Hoevenberg, numerous sporting events occur, including bobsled, skeleton, luge, biathlon and cross-country skiing in the winter, along with indoor climbing, and biking in the summer. Over the years, there’s been several upgrades at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. The bobsled, luge and skeleton tracks were combined into one technically challenging track. And there’s now an upgraded covering and refrigeration system, which extends the season for the track, as well as ensures an even and fair competitive environment for sliders. Also, new platform areas allow spectators to get great views all along the track.

Another upgrade features an expanded biathlon range and the world’s largest, most powerful snowmaking system for Nordic skiing. A new lodge with shops and dining was also built recently. Inside is an indoor bobsled and luge push track and sprint track for training year-round. It’s the only one of its kind in the country. 

Popular with visitors to Mt. Van Hoevenberg is the on-track bobsled experience and the new Cliffside Coaster, the longest mountain roller coaster in North America. The latter puts you in the driver’s seat of the 1980 Olympic Sliding Track for a ride where you can control the speed through the hairpin turns, banks and winding track. 

A visit to the aforementioned Olympic Jumping Complex starts with a trip on Skyride, a state-of-the-art, eight-passenger gondola that offers the same bird’s eye view of the jump’s landing hill, as it whisks you up to the base of the ski jumping towers. From there, you’ll ascend to the top of the ski jump tower in a glass-enclosed elevator. The perspective is breathtaking, not only of the jump ramp itself, but of the surrounding Adirondack scenery. And if you want a real adrenaline boost that emulates the flight of ski jumping, opt to ride the Sky Flyer zipline. The experience follows the 100 meter ski jump and reaches upwards of 30 mph. 

The Adirondack Park, which was created in 1892, covers 9,375 square miles. It’s as big as Vermont and nearly three times the size of Yellowstone National Park, making it the largest park in the contiguous U.S. There is no entrance or entry fee into this verdant playground.

The park boasts 46 high peaks over 4,000 each, 2,800 lakes and ponds and more than 1,500 miles of rivers. It’s estimated that seven to 12.4 million people visit the Adirondacks annually. This isn’t surprising considering the park is within a day’s drive for roughly one-quarter of the country’s population. 

Located right in the heart of Lake Placid is the Olympic Center. It’s hallowed ice, home to many special moments in Lake Placid’s history. The arenas and Olympic Oval here remain a highly used sports and events hub, hosting hundreds of tournaments, hockey and skating camps and national and international competitions. Locals and visitors also benefit from these venues, as they are welcome to come and skate on the ice, too. 

Among those who have trained and competed at the Center are some well-known names, such as two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Dick Button, Olympic Gold Medalist and four-time World Champion Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen and three-time Norwegian Olympic Gold Medalist Sonja Henie.

Strolling through the hallways, you’ll see plaques and banners spotlighting achievements of the past. So many remarkable performances took place here. Outside on the Oval, for example, is where Eric Heiden dominated men’s speedskating, winning five Gold Medals in the 1980 Winter Olympics, a feat that’s never been accomplished again in any sport in Winter Olympic history. Story has it that he nearly missed one of his races, having overslept after staying up late to catch the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team in the Olympic Center ice arena – the same team that went on to win the Gold Medal that year in a David vs. Goliath, Miracle on Ice story for all time. 

Standing in the Herb Brooks Arena, so named for the coach of said hockey team, elicits incredible memories and emotions, even decades later. It was an electrifying game, not only for the victory, but for the manner in which it was achieved. Young American, amateur athletes pitted against the dominating Soviet hockey professionals had unlikely odds of winning. But it was the belief in themselves that made the 4 to 3 final score a reality for this underdog American team. On a wall outside the arena hangs a part of the original scoreboard for that “Miracle on Ice” game. Below it sits two original stadium seats – a scene that is definitely a pic magnet for visitors.

Within the Center is the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, the “official chronicler of the region’s glory and keeper of its history’s tangible vestiges.” Step inside for an immersive experience that not only informs, but inspires visitors with state-of-the-art, interactive displays, historic film footage and countless artifacts. 

Among the many displays are Olympic torches, pins, uniforms, equipment, mascots, the first gold medal ever awarded and other memorabilia that bring to life the Olympic memories and achievements from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. 

You’ll get caught up in the human spirit and the perseverance of Olympic champions, as you hear their stories. And you’ll learn that making it to the Olympics, whether one medals or not, is an arduous journey requiring immense personal sacrifice and dedication. 

The interactive exhibits are a definite highlight, as they put you in the middle of the action as you hurtle down a bobsled run, speed skate around the oval or experience the rush of a ski jump.

Don’t miss the captivating “Miracle on Ice” documentary, screened in the theater room. It’s a must-watch, cinematic gem that’s guaranteed to stir emotions and leave you bursting with pride.

I’ve been told from a credible source that Lake Placid would love to host another Winter Olympics in the future. The venues are all there and the weather gods are consistently favorable in regards to snow in the region. So, the wheels are turning…

When you’re done touring the Lake Placid Legacy Sites, spend some time strolling through town. Main Street in this charming alpine village is full of eclectic shops, restaurants, cafes, tasting rooms and brew pubs. Most are positioned parallel to Mirror Lake, the centerpiece of Lake Placid. Enjoy this lovely, reflective body of water from one of two parks or the public beach. Get your steps in by walking its 2.7-mile, flat circumference while taking in the dreamy views along the way. 

As for Lake Placid, the town’s namesake, you’ll need a boat for access. If you don’t have your own watercraft, don’t despair. In summer, a one-hour tour boat leaves port several times a day, taking passengers to the foot of Whiteface Landing, before returning. You’ll get a good look at several of the small, picturesque islands in the lake, while learning about the area via an informative narration.

You might be familiar with the lake if you’ve read A Lady in the Lake by Lake Placid native George Christian Ortloff, as it features prominently in the book. It’s a true story of the mystery of the perfectly preserved body of Mabel Douglass (a Dean of New Jersey College), who was discovered in the cold waters of Lake Placid, thirty years after she disappeared while rowing on the lake. Douglass was found with a rope around her neck, attached to a 50-pound weight.

Homebase for me during my stay in Lake Placid was at the Grand Adirondack Hotel. Conveniently located on Main Street, this historic property offers a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere with a modern touch. Rooms are comfy and amenity rich. I particularly appreciated the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Marcy and its sister, Marcy Bar. 

You’ll have no problem fueling up for the day’s activities after breakfast at Marcy, where the offerings include such yummy dishes as the Breakfast Skillet, Roasted Mushroom & Gruyere Omelet or Malted Belgian Waffle. At night, head next door to Marcy Bar for craft cocktails and an assortment of small plates and entrees – everything from fish & chips, burgers and seared scallops to escargot and even poutine, a French Canadian concoction consisting of French fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy. It’s a nod to our neighbors in the north, who, from Lake Placid, are a mere hop and a skip away. 

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