Lake Placid (Winter)

"High Peaks" refers to the heart of the Adirondacks, where the region's highest peaks can be found. At the center lies Lake Placid. Once the hunting grounds of the Iroquois and Algonquin, the area remains a wonderland for nature lovers, boasting 218 species of birds including peregrine falcons and bald eagles, 86 species of fish including salmon and trout, and 55 species of mammals including porcupine, otter, bobcat, fox, coyote, lynx, moose and black bear. Snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and ice fishing are just a few ways to spot these usually well-camouflaged creatures. For sporty types looking for more of an adrenaline rush, state-owned ...

"High Peaks" refers to the heart of the Adirondacks, where the region's highest peaks can be found. At the center lies Lake Placid. Once the hunting grounds of the Iroquois and Algonquin, the area remains a wonderland for nature lovers, boasting 218 species of birds including peregrine falcons and bald eagles, 86 species of fish including salmon and trout, and 55 species of mammals including porcupine, otter, bobcat, fox, coyote, lynx, moose and black bear. Snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and ice fishing are just a few ways to spot these usually well-camouflaged creatures. For sporty types looking for more of an adrenaline rush, state-owned Whiteface Mountain, the largest ski mountain in New York, boasts 65 trails and the highest vertical drop in the Northeast (3,216 ft). The Olympic Ski Jumps offer a gaspworthy view of the 90 and 120 meter high jumps from an elevator-accessible skydeck, while professional bobsled driver/brakeman duos offer passenger rides on the 1980 Olympic Bobsled Track.

About the Expert

Sascha Zuger is the author of the New York State Moon Handbook, the travel novel Girl Overboard (under the pseudonym Aimee Ferris), and is a freelancer for publications such as National Geographic Traveler, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.