High Peaks Resort – a four season resort for a couple’s getaway and family vacations

We recently enjoyed a visit at High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid, and this friendly and comfortable resort hotel centrally located in the town that is one of three permanent training facilities for the US Winter Olympic team. Lake Placid also hosts an annual Iron Man Competition in the summer, and is famous for its downhill skiing at the majestic Whiteface Mountain, the highest elevation ski centre in the East. There are plenty of cross-country ski opportunities and dog sledding on the lake during the winter months. Starting in early December, visitors can enjoy skating on the same outdoor oval at the Olympic Center where Eric Heiden won an astounding five Olympic Gold medals in 1980. That same Olympic Center is where the Miracle On Ice took place – the legendary Olympic hockey game between the amateur US team and the Russian ‘amateurs’ who were all members of the Soviet Armed Forces.

High Peaks Resort is a multi-building four season getaway and holiday destination in the heart of Lake Placid

You can watch the training runs of ski-jumpers, bobsled teams, lugers and the daring skeleton racers as they prepare for the next Olympic and World Cup competitions. When visiting the ski jump facilities, visitors can take the elevator up to the enclosed observation deck, and also venture out to get a first-hand view of what the ski jumpers face as they hurtle down the launch ramp, attaining speeds over 60 mph before they lift off. The Lake Placid Bobsled Experience provides a professional driver and brakeman for ‘passengers’ who roar down the same track the US Olympic team uses for training – and where international teams come to compete.

Comfortable and well appointed guest rooms have either double queen or one king bed

In the summer months Lake Placid boasts several high calibre golf courses, including a Scottish links styled course. Mirror Lake is a focal point for swimming and water sports – where motor boats are not allowed.  Two of North America’s most prestigious horse shows, The Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows take place in late June and early July bring equestrian enthusiasts from North America and Europe. Contestants compete for $535,000 in prizes and hard-to-measure prestige for their horses.

The cozy fireplace at PRs lobby bar is a popular meeting place for morning coffee and after-ski cocktails

High Peaks Resort has a rich history in the Lake Placid hospitality industry, beginning in the latter part of the 19^th century.  At that time Brewster and Nash purchased the hilltop land overlooking Mirror Lake to use as farmland. However, visitors continued to stay at The Homestead -the property’s inn, and the entrepreneurs decided to pursue the hospitality business, and gradually built a collection of 13 inns on the property to meet the demand for accommodations. The property and the inns were purchased by Thomas Roland, whose wife and daughter maintained the business until Peter Roland Sr. took the reins of the company.

When the Olympic Federation awarded the 1980 Winter Olympics to the city of Lake Placid, Peter Roland Sr. and his son recognized the business opportunity of owning such a large parcel of land in the middle of town. Twelve of the thirteen inns were razed to make way for the construction of a hotel with 104 rooms on five floors and operating as the Lake Placid Hilton. The architects included over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, which enabled the resort to be headquarters for the complete NBC Olympic Broadcast team. High Peaks Resort continues to be a popular location for business meetings, weddings and family reunions due to the original investment in ample and flexible meeting space.

The Olympic skating oval is open from early December

The centrally located resort was subsequently sold and renamed High Peaks Resort, relating to the forty-five high peaks in the Adirondack Mountain Range. Through investments in renovation and ongoing maintenance, the management continues to maintain High Peaks as leader in the Lake Placid hospitality community.  A complete renovation was initiated in 2008, and the rooms and common areas were redecorated in a contemporary style that maintains the Adirondack heritage through the use of wood accent panels, mouldings and dynamic wall coverings.

The resort has 104 elegant and comfortable rooms on five floors. The standard king bed rooms also have a large couch for ample seating by day that converts to a pull-out couch at night. All rooms have balconies overlooking beautiful Mirror Lake and the central courtyard and pool. Part of the 2008 renovations saw the installation of large glass-walled showers with natural stone interior walls in the bathrooms. Lightly stained wood is used extensively in the rooms and bathrooms; and a dramatic wall covering adds natural colour – country chic!

A romantic getaway in a waterfront room or suite

There is ample drawer and closet space, a large high definition TV, coffee maker, and Wi-Fi internet service. Wall to wall windows allow for excellent views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack Mountains.

Adjacent to the main lobby and reception area, a wide walkway called The Promenade traverses the lobby floor common areas where you’ll find a comfortable sitting area and large fireplace adjacent to PR’s Bar (named after Peter Roland Sr. who built the original Hilton resort), the Great Range – the main multi-purpose ballroom, and several meeting rooms that make up the 10,000 square feet of meeting space at High Peaks.

The Aveda Spa and Salon offers rejuvenating and restorative treatments

The Marcy Boardroom is a corner glass-walled meeting room with a fireplace. Marketing Director Lori Fitzgerald told us that ‘The Marcy’ is also popular for family reunions and private dinner parties when the boardroom table is re-set as a dining room table beside the crackling fireplace.

On your way to the Dancing Bears Restaurant  or the popular outdoor bar and patio, guests pass by the Legends Room that has dozens of photos of people involved in the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. From athletes like Eric Heiden and Scott Hamilton to business executives and broadcasters – the Legends Room is a salute to the people who brought the Olympics and the attendant notoriety to Lake Placid. The story of how a town of a few thousand people hosted 5,000 guests, athletes and the world-wide media in 1980 is a remarkable tale of community spirit.

Whiteface Mountain has great skiing for the whole family

The Dancing Bears Restaurant is located on the main street level, anchored by a large horseshoe bar. There are several seating areas, with tables near the large fireplace in the pub area; and cozy booths in an adjacent section away from the lively and friendly conversation at the bar. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and we noticed that the Dancing Bears is also popular with local residents – a positive indication of good food and warm ambiance. Hearty and tasty breakfasts set you up for a day of sightseeing or outdoor activities. We also enjoyed two pleasant dinners during our recent stay.  Portions are so generous that we have yet to try the desserts! However we did enjoy sharing a delicious birthday cake made by the Dancing Bears pastry chef.

Dancing Bears is a family-oriented restaurant with adjoining and pub at High Peaks Resort

The High Peaks Waterfront Collection consists of 24 rooms located across the street from the main building, with windows and sliding doors opening just a few feet away from the Mirror Lake shoreline. The Waterfront Collection has the same decor as the main resort rooms, with easy access to the waterfront pool in the summer. Complimentary use of kayaks and paddleboats is available to resort guests. There’s a cozy feeling to these rooms, and the proximity of the lake provides a unique viewpoint, regardless of the season.

The indoor pool and hot tubs are especially popular during the winter months

For a special romantic getaway, consider booking room 721 in the Waterfront Collection, which is built quite literally over the water. This stunning room with a king bed has a fireplace, a balcony, a jet tub and direct access to the waterfront pool and surrounding lawn. If you’re travelling with children, this room adjoins to a one-bedroom suite; creating a spacious family apartment.

High Peaks has a well-equipped fitness centre with plenty of natural light

High Peaks has two outdoor pools and a good-sized indoor pool and hot tub in the main building. The main floor fitness centre has a plenty of natural light from glass wall, up-to-date equipment and a wide selection of free weights. There is a large Aveda Concept Day Spa and Salon with rejuvenating packages for women, men and couples. Several unique retailers are located in the High Peaks building with entry from the main street. We’ve visited and purchased interesting house gifts and moderately priced jewellery.

In the summer, High Peaks has two popular outdoor pools

High Peaks Resort is conveniently located within walking distance of the local shops, galleries, book stores and owner-operated restaurants and pubs. Pet lovers will be glad to know that High Peaks is dog friendly. Information about the pet policy is available on the website under ‘Rooms and Suites’. Resort guests have ample free parking, with one level protected from the elements. This resort is ideal for a couple’s getaway, a family vacation or a group of gal pals. For more information please visit: www.highpeaksresort.com or call 1-800-755-5598. Bon Voyage!

You can try bobsledding with an experienced driver and brakeman