Your rest day, hosted by the Whiteface Region

After an exhilarating day carving through the pristine slopes of Whiteface Mountain, your mind and body may need a little TLC. Skiing the steepest vertical in the East is no joke! Luckily, the Whiteface Region offers the perfect blend of relaxation, wellness retreats, cozy dining, and plenty of retail therapy for your recovery. Whether you’re soaking in breathtaking mountain views from a cozy fireside lodge, indulging in hearty local cuisine, or treating yourself to a spa session, this is your ultimate guide to unwinding after a ski day.

On-mountain remedies 

When you just can’t part from the slopes, but your buds have locked your skis away from you, there’s still plenty of fun to get up to on Whiteface Mountain, that doesn’t involve any downhill action. For the best recovery while the rest of your group is up in the clouds, hang near the base lodge for the perfect remedies. Outside, cozy firepits can be found to snuggle up to with a cup of hot cocoa, or your very own sugar waffle from the Waffle Cabin. Inside the main lodge, you’ll find dining in restaurants like the Cloudspin Bar and Grill, offering “après ski fare” along with a selection of local cold brews and beverages. 

After a hearty meal to bring you to your senses, wander on over to the retail shops like Brookside Apparel or The Flying Squirrel, bringing your beloved mountain brands right to you! Whether you forgot your gear or you’re looking for luxurious gifts to bring home with you, find it all at the on-mountain shops. 

The athlete’s retreat

As much fun as it is to play in the snow, winter-time activities are a serious business. With all the trekking, prepping, gear, and energy it takes to get out there, by the time it's over, you’re all tuckered out! Whether you’re a winter athlete or simply a cold-weather enthusiast, everyone needs a wellness retreat every now and then to pamper their mind and body. Luckily, the Whiteface Region is primed with lodges and wellness centers, giving you the R&R you need to get back on the slopes!

NewVida Preserve is the perfect wellness-focused basecamp for your next skiing getaway. This 2000-acre mountainous preserve doesn’t mess around when it comes to pampering its guests. Featuring the lodge, restaurant, craft bar, billiards lounge, gym, wellness center with yoga, massage, ayurveda, reiki, breathtaking views, and 35+ miles of trails, it may be hard to leave. Start your day with morning yoga, stretching those tired muscles so they can take on all the adventures you have ahead of you. When you return, cozy up at the Craft Bar, fashioned out of retired cross-country skis, and indulge in delicious craft cocktails and good conversation — true après-living! If it’s taking a little longer to bounce back, booking a massage or reiki session could do just the trick. 

Unicorn Square in Wilmington offers all of your meditation needs. This peaceful sanctuary sparks the imagination of its visitors, encouraging everyone to practice gratitude and a love of nature. All products are hand-made and encourage meditation in nature. There’s nothing like forest bathing in the Whiteface Region, where you can escape completely to the peace and quiet of our forests (with proper gear of course).

Wellness centers can be found all around the region, including River Stone Wellness Center, offering a wide range of services. The Center provides awareness for all ages, to individuals, couples/pairs, and groups! The Center offers massage therapy, personal training, reiki, sports yoga, mind-body fitness, mental skills training, and personal coaching, connecting both mind and body strengths for optimal performance this winter. Can’t make it to the Center? They also offer home visits!

For the yoga lovers, ADK Namaste draws you into a slow-paced, meditative practice that focuses on deep stretching and nourishing the connective tissues. Explore the flow of chi as you unwind and rejuvenate in a peaceful setting. If you have the energy, Riverside Spin & Fitness is an indoor cycling studio located in the Au Sable Valley of the Adirondack Mountains, offering workouts both on and off the bike, and classes are led by kick butt coaches who will challenge you in the studio. 

Shopping 

There’s no therapy like retail therapy, and no experience compares to the unique shops and boutiques you’ll explore in the Whiteface Region. Delightfully local and authentic to local makers and artists, shopping here is never boring, and offers the perfect escape from the trails. Young’s Studio and Art Gallery in the Town of Jay hosts a wide range of gifts and housewares for you to take home. Start with their handmade pottery, from mugs and teapots to casserole dishes and works of art, each piece is unique and timeless. Take home your one-of-a-kind dishware, or stock up on Christmas gifts for the family. 

Young's Studio & Gallery now also features fine yarns with an emphasis on natural fiber. From local makers including Blue Pepper Farm in Jay and unique Samoyed (yes, the dog) yarn from an artisan in Plattsburgh, stop by and find the perfect fiber for your next knit, crochet, or weave. 

In the same town, Jay Craft Center holds an oasis of crafty gifts, with a healthy stock of their own hand-crafted pottery, inspired by the local landscapes of the Adirondacks. In addition to their own works, fellow Adirondack artists feature their work at the center as well. The shop features everything from hand-turned wooden bowls and cutting boards, to jewelry, paintings, greeting cards, children's toys, and even locally roasted coffee!

Dining 

Dining in the Whiteface Region blends rustic charm with culinary creativity, with plenty of opportunity to relax from days on the mountain. For a laid-back, cozy brunch, Adirondack Mountain Coffee is a must-visit, offering rich, locally roasted coffee and hearty breakfast options in a warm, inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to relax and unwind with your group. When it comes to dinner, the region boasts a variety of options, from farm-to-table bistros serving locally sourced ingredients to classic Adirondack-style lodges offering comfort food by a roaring fire. Whether you’re savoring fresh trout, wood-fired pizzas, or a perfectly cooked steak, dining in the Whiteface Region combines flavors that reflect the area's natural bounty with the charm of its mountain-town setting.

Ready to get back out there? 

After a day (or several) of being pampered around the region, you’ll be ready in no time to gear up and get back on the mountain. With every opportunity for classic culinary escapes, wellness professionals at the ready, and charming downtowns home to coffee shops and local makers, it’s easy to unwind and recharge when you descend from Whiteface Mountain.