The rest of winter is off the mountain!
If you’re even the tiniest bit familiar with the Whiteface Region, there’s no way you haven’t heard of Whiteface Mountain, a downhill snow-junkie’s paradise. However, we’re not talking about the thrills you can find up in the clouds today, the Whiteface Region is so much more than a pretty face! Tucked beyond the mountain is a winter oasis that’s waiting to be explored, from frozen-over gorges to winding snowshoe trails, holiday workshops, and cozy dining for two. Explore all the ways you’ll experience winter here.
Frozen waterfall walks
Delightfully touted as “The Adirondacks’ most breathtaking 30 minute walk,” you won’t be disappointed when you make the trek this winter at High Falls Gorge. Witness four majestic waterfalls cascading over rocks into a deep crevice carved a billion years ago, learn about all the natural wonders of the waterfalls, and browse the gift shop. Enjoy the trails via snowshoe for optimal movement, and witness frozen-over waterfalls that cut through the snowy landscape. No snowshoes? No problem! You can find rentals at the lodge to use for your trip.
After the trails, head into the main lodge to dine at The Riverview Café. Watch the gorgeous Ausable River flow as you cozy up with hot chocolate, soups, sandwiches, and more!
For the winter season, their facilities are open five days a week, Friday through Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The nature trail closes at 2:30 p.m., and the last admission into the waterfalls is at 3:00 p.m. All visitors must return to their cars by 3:30 p.m. The River View Cafe is open Friday to Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing
The Whiteface Region is nestled among some of the best backcountry trails you’ll find in the country. Paired with plush snowfall, and you’ve got your day cut out for you. Flat trails spider across the region, offering prime cross-country skiing that's accessible even for beginners. Looking to ski up instead of down? The Whiteface Toll Road is your ticket to a “free” Whiteface experience, just not the one you’re used to. The route you’ll take is actually the Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway, locals affectionately refer to it as the Toll Road when skiing.
For snowshoers, you’ll get your fun on trails like Cobble Lookout, an easier option, while adding a walk to Copperas Pond can round out your winter day.
Santa's Workshop at the North Pole
Your visit to the Whiteface Region wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa’s Workshop, at the North Pole, of course! Based on the side of Whiteface Mountain, Santa’s Workshop is home to the elves, reindeer, and Santa Claus himself! The workshop gets jumpin’ around Christmas time with their Village of Lights, when the grounds come to life with brilliant lights and decor, transforming into a winter wonderland. Yuletide Family Weekends are here. Get the chance to spend a weekend filled with Christmas cheer when you book a stay just steps from the workshop! Your stay will include tree trimming parties, magic shows, surprise visits from Santa, and more. Availability is limited, so you’ll want to act fast!
There’s no better place on earth to go holiday shopping than at Santa’s Workshop itself; where you’ll find the perfect gift. Nearby, don’t miss Christmas in the Forks, an old fashion Yuletide celebration in downtown Au Sable Forks! Enjoy festive activities like the holiday parade, tree lighting, fireworks, meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Jingle Bell Fun Run, cookie decorating, music and story times, and more!
Delicious dining
The Whiteface Region is primed with dining options to fit your every desire this season. Our upscale selection of restaurants offer unique flair, featuring hand-crafted menus that pair nicely with the stunning surroundings of the nearby High Peaks and rich wilderness. The Ice Jam Inn, NewVida Restaurant and craft bar, and Hungry Trout Restaurant all bring Adirondack charm right to your table.
If you’ve come for a more laid back and cozy vibe, we have that too! The region is home to some next level bars and lounges, offering comfort after your day on the trails. Stop by the Twisted Raven, Rudy's Scar Bar + Grill, and Cadence Lodge for craft cocktails, delicious pub fair, and weekly events that keep the party going all season long.
Eclectic arts & culture
The town of Jay is known around here as an artist’s paradise, bursting with creative inspiration. Art enthusiasts can spend days browsing its unique galleries, such as the Tahawus Cultural Center, which showcases diverse exhibitions, or the Jay Craft Center, known for its local artisan pieces. A stop at Young's Studio & Gallery is worth the trip, with an impressive collection of handmade pottery, offering the perfect gift unique from the region.
For those seeking live art, Jay offers captivating performances through JEMS, the Jay Entertainment & Music Society, and quirky, experimental shows at the Upper Jay Art Center, often held in the eclectic Recovery Lounge. Visitors who want to dive deeper can take a class at the Tahawus Cultural Center or explore their creativity at Unicorn Square, a peaceful sanctuary where you can explore crystals and other imaginative gifts.
Note: Not all locations are open all winter.
A wellness retreat
Winter is a great time to slow down and focus on taking care of ourselves. The Whiteface Region offers a myriad of opportunities for rest and relaxation. Yoga classes, spa services, meditation & more can be found at NewVida Preserve, a 2000-acre mountainous preserve close to Whiteface with a heartfelt history, formerly known as Paleface Ski Mountain. It's the perfect place for your next retreat! Focusing on your holistic health? River Stone Wellness Center offers massage therapy, personal training, Reiki, sports yoga, mind-body fitness mental skills training and coaching—perfect for winter time athletes, or simply those who enjoy working and playing hard.
Other honorable mentions include Riverside Spin, ADK Namaste, and Warrior Remedies at Unicorn Square.
Après without the ski
With skiers & snowboarders coming off the mountain and into town, you get all the fun vibes of a ski town without ever having to ride a lift yourself. There's no rule barring you from the après life even if you didn't ski! Share in the good times at lodging properties with public offerings like NewVida Preserve, where many skiers gather at the Craft Bar, built with retired cross-country skis, and enjoy a delicious selection of craft cocktails while live music fills the night. Cadence Lodge, Hungry Trout Resort, and HT Tavern, even the base lodges themselves all offer cozy ambiances and nights of fun after mountain-filled days.
Gondola rides to snowy summits
One of the big perks of skiing is the mountain views enjoyed from the top of the runs. The Cloudsplitter Gondola is open to foot traffic so that non-skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the same views from the observation deck on Little Whiteface Mountain!
Cozy lodging for a romantic escape
From private cabins and cottages to rustic lodges with big fireplaces, there are lots of cozy lodgings in the Whiteface Region, perfect for enjoying the peace, solitude, and beauty of the winter season with that special someone. From the dreamy holiday season, to Valentine’s Day in February, who’s to say that every weekend can’t be a couple’s weekend? The Whiteface Region is filled with opportunities to make the moment special. Private cabin stays like Warner’s Camp offer a charming stay with rustic details, even your own sauna to heat up from the cold! For your own views of the Ausable River with charming furnishings and rustic charm, Whiteface Cabin is perfect when it comes to your next couple's retreat.
Get close to Lake Placid
A comforting fact about the Whiteface Region is its close proximity to everything you’re looking for in your Adirondack stay. We’re just minutes away from Lake Placid’s downtown, where you’ll find premier dining, sports and artistic events, the iconic Lake Placid Legacy Sites, and Olympic history that hums through the life blood of the region.
Your off-mountain vacation awaits!
No matter how you spend your winter days, you’ll find it hard to run out of things to do here in the colder months, the region was practically made for it! From unique arts and culinary escapes, to historic icy caverns and winding trails, you’ll be planning your itinerary ASAP. We’ll see you this winter!
