Try the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Mountain Coaster

Located a short drive from Lake Placid, the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Mountain Coaster is a top attraction at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Sports Complex. The Cliffside Coaster follows the bobsled track originally used for the 1932 Lake Placid Olympics and again for the 1980 Olympics. Riders can follow in the literal tracks of Olympians as they coast down the mountain and enjoy unmatched views while controlling their own speed around the track’s twists and turns. The Cliffside Coaster is the longest mountain coaster in the U.S. 

Lake Placid Day Trip

The Mt. Van Hoevenberg Sports Complex is an easy and pleasant Lake Placid day trip. In addition to the coaster, the complex offers a range of activities for every season. In the winter, the mountain provides more than 30 miles of cross-country skiing trails, many of which originated with the Olympic Games. Both private and group lessons are available for newcomers.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg also offers:

• Skeleton and bobsled experiences for adults
• Indoor rock-climbing center for all skill levels
• Hiking trails in Adirondack Park
• Youth bobsled and skeleton programs

Driving to Lake Placid from the Hudson Valley typically takes less than three hours and features scenic views of the region, including Glen Falls and Lake George.

For even more local skiing experiences, consider a visit to Belleayre Mountain, which is less than a two-hour drive from Albany.

More Lake Placid Activities

A trip to Lake Placid can be an exhilarating getaway at any time of year. Visitors can celebrate the area’s Olympic history at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which is the site of Miracle on Ice, and visit a number of remaining Olympic complexes, including the Olympic Ski Jump Complex. Any season is perfect to take in the region’s natural beauty, with stunning fall colors, peaceful winter snows, or the green warmth of summer and spring.