Whiteface Lodge – this Adirondack-chic resort has four season appeal

Whiteface Lodge

Lake Placid is a one of the permanent training sites for the US Winter Olympic Team, largely because of the outstanding skiing at the world famous Whiteface Mountain, the ski-jump towers, bob sled training runs and the hockey training rinks. It’s a go-to destination for winter sports, and equally popular for summer sporting activities; including golf, hiking, rock climbing, swimming and canoeing. Named after the iconic mountain, Whiteface Lodge is a unique log structure and full service resort with all-suite accommodations. In 2016, the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide rated it as “one of the finest four star properties in the world.”

Guests are introduced to an Adirondack experience
on entering the lobby

Pulling onto the resort property, the huge log and wood shake Whiteface Lodge seems like an Adirondack fantasy of giant proportions. We realized that we were in for a true Adirondack experience from the moment we entered the lobby. Massive logs double as decor and structural support in the lobby and throughout the building.

Built from 2003 to 2005, the resort was initially conceived as a private residence resort. As such, it has all the advantages of a new building intended for an up-scale clientele. Behind the cozy decor, the builder included state of the art technology and building materials. All of the 94 suites include convenient and safe gas fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, large bathrooms with radiant heat floor. The suites come in spacious studio, one, two and three bedroom configurations; all with balconies. During a tour of the resort, Assistant GM Garrett Vermette said; “Our suites are perfectly suited for families with children, although our one bedroom and studio suites are also ideal for couples. Our larger three bedroom suites, some of which are two-storey, can comfortably accommodate multigenerational families.”

Cozy gas fireplaces are standard in one, two and three bedroom suites

The resort also has five spectacular two-storey Grand Lodge Suites, including The Marcy Suite (named after Mount Marcy) that have three bedrooms (two on the upper floor), each with a full bathroom.  Some configurations like the Marcy Suite have a large bedroom with bunk beds, a full-sized queen bed and a sitting area; a setup that’s ideal for Mom and Dad with young children. The Grand Lodge Suites range from 1,900 to 2,250 square feet. In addition to a four-season porch (extra sleeping space during the summer) each suite has two fireplaces, a fully equipped kitchen with serving island and a dining room with an adjacent open-concept living room. A great option for a large family or a multigenerational reunion. The resort website has floor plans and a virtual tour for all of the suite options.

View from the living room of the dining, kitchen and
stairwell of a two-storey Grand Lodge Suite

While your accommodations are important, it’s also good to know that Whiteface Lodge is a full service resort with a variety of on-site indoor and outdoor activities. The indoor/outdoor pool is always popular, and guests of all ages get a kick out of swimming in the nice warm outdoor pool lined with snow-banks and gently falling snowflakes. There are three hot tubs, with one reserved for adults.

The Lodge has a movie theatre that screens different movies three times a day at 3:30, 6:30 and 9pm, with fresh popcorn provided. Guests have access to a well-equipped fitness centre with up-to-date machines and free weights. There’s games room that includes a pool table, ping pong, numerous board games and even a two lane ten-pin bowling alley.

The living and dining areas of the immense
Presidential Suite

There is a full service spa, with comfortable men’s and ladies’ sanctuaries. Couples can enjoy a double treatment room and adjacent hot tub. The spa also offers a hair salon and separate nail and pedicure salon.

In addition to downhill skiing at the fabled Whiteface Mountain, outdoor activities include a four season outdoor pool, an artificial skating rink open from November to March, fishing in a stocked trout pond, tennis, and snowshoeing around the resort property. In Lake Placid, you can try out the bobsled run with experienced drivers, take the elevator up to the launch point for the ski jumpers, and skate on the outdoor Olympic Oval. The town’s Mirror Lake has a lake-sized skating oval that is well-maintained, and dog-sledding is also available on the frozen lake.

Dining at Whiteface Lodge

The magnificent KANU Dining room at Whiteface Lodge

We thoroughly enjoyed the KANU Adirondack Great Room, where hearty breakfasts and fine dinners are served. The log beams and twin fireplace chimneys soar three storeys. The architects added smaller cozy dining areas around the perimeter of the fireplaces, creating private dining areas for small groups and families. Breakfasts are offered a-la-carte or from the well-stocked buffet that includes; fresh fruit, hot and cold cereals, freshly baked muffins, three kinds of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes or French toast.

Diner in KANU was terrific. I enjoyed a superb tender filet mignon served on a bed of scallion white cheddar whipped potatoes and vegetables; while Beverley stated that the Arctic Char she ordered was perhaps the best she’s ever had. The sommelier was very knowledgable about the restaurant’s extensive wine list that offers 400 wines. The Lodge consistently wins the Food And Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Desserts at KANU Great Room were unique and delicious. Other menu items included; 14oz bone-in New York Strip, Free Bird Organic Statler Chicken, Beeler Farms Pork Chop, Day Boat Scallops, and Vegetarian Risotto of the day. The complete menu is listed on the resort’s web site.

The KANU Lounge and Bar are opposite the main restaurant, and its furnished with a mixture of comfortable couches and chairs grouped around the two fireplaces, with a dining area adjacent to the windows. The low log-beamed ceiling, leather furniture and fireplaces combine to create a cozy atmosphere. The staff was welcoming and there is a good variety of dishes on the menu. My Steak Frites was perfectly done, and Beverley enjoyed a delicious pan-fried fresh Mountain Trout.  We shared a Caesar salad prior to our main course and alas, we didn’t have room for dessert. Other menu items include pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, soups and salads, burgers, fish & chips, Korean BBQ duck wings.

The Clubhouse

The indoor/outdoor pool and hot tubs are located in The Clubhouse – but that is just the beginning for this multi-functional building. It is separate from the main lodge and is accessible by a tunnel from the main lodge; or by heated walkways that keep the paths and outdoor pool deck free of snow. The Clubhouse is also popular for weddings and business groups; offering the wedding party a truly unique Adirondack experience. Not only are the lounge and banquet rooms set up to offer bar, kitchen and food services; there are ample accommodations on the two upper floors for the wedding party, including a spectacular 3,700 square foot Presidential Suite. It’s quite literally jaw-dropping impressive. The Ponderosa-sized third-floor suite has access to two additional bedrooms down a self-contained private stairway. In total, The Clubhouse has eight fully equipped suites in addition to the Presidential Suite.

The indoor/outdoor pool and hot tubs are located in
The Clubhouse, accessible via a tunnel

The Clubhouse banquet room has seating for up to 150 people, with break-out access to a huge covered wrap-around terrace. The adjacent lounge has a grand piano. The large outdoor fireplace on the terrace is often the location for the Whiteface Lodge nightly Smores party.

During the summer, the resort has a private waterfront beach area called The Canoe Club on shore of Lake Placid. It’s about a five-minute drive from the resort, and a shuttle service is offered. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking are all available. After you’ve worked up an appetite, the Canoe Club has a grill area for lunch.

Whiteface Lodge has been a happy “find” for us, and I’m confident that many of our readers will find it an enjoyable destination, travelling as a couple for a romantic getaway of for a family get together. We soon realized that we didn’t have any reason to leave the resort – we were quite content to make use of the many activities available.

Travel Planner:

Take US 87 south to exit for Lake Placid. Continue south on 9 North through several small towns, past Whiteface Mountain and into Lake Placid.

Some weekday packages include a 25% discount for Canadian residents’ that offsets the exchange rate. Rates vary by season and packages are available.  The Superior one-bedroom suite that we enjoyed ranges from $335 per night to $581 in high season (before discounts). The Grand Lodge three bedroom suites start at $859, a good value when you consider they can accommodate up to 10 guests.

There are no resort fees. In addition to the pool, guests have access to the fitness centre, games room, bowling alley, skating rink and other waterfront activities at the Canoe Club in the summer. Spa services are offered at competitive rates.

The Whiteface Lodge: www.thewhitefacelodge.com or call 1-888-582-0505