 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
at the Olympic Sports Complex - 2634 Main St.,
Lake Placid, NY 12946
The
Olympic Sports Complex (518-523-2811, www.orda.org),
is at Mt. Van Hoevenberg Recreation Area in Lake Placid, NY is the site
of the Nordic and biathlon races during the 1980 Olympics. It has the
most extensive cross-country skiing you'll find in the region with 50
km of marked trails that average 15 ft. wide, regularly groomed and
patrolled. You'll find recreational skiers along side of fitness fanatic
racers on this trail system living in harmony. In fact, 10 km are rated
for beginners and 20 km for intermediate skiers. The trail network's
bridges are built especially for cross-country skiers so you don’t
have to worry about traffic and there are 5 km of machine-made snow
with trailside emergency phones.
The complex, which averages more than 120 inches of snowfall each year has 10 marked loops offering one expert, six intermediate and three novice tours with additional expert skiing on the Porter Mountain racing loops. Snowshoers have two dedicated trails and are also permitted to use the xc ski trails. The Fresh Tracks program offers specialized ski experiences such as biathlon, Tai Chi, women only, skiing with kids, etc. The Trailmarkers program offers free skiing and lessons to area third graders. The Loppet Ladies program is for women, who want to train of fitness or competition.
There
is a lodge at the complex with day care services, a gift shop and rental
equipment for xc skiers and snowshoers. Trail fees are $16 for one day
adults and $14 for juniors/students (7-17) or people aged 65+. Over
70 and under 6 years old skiers are not charged for trail fees. Rentals
are $16 for xc ski equipment or snowshoe equipment and $12 for students.
There are discounts applied for late afternoon trail fees and rentals.
Class lessons are at 11:00 and 1:00 for $15 in a one hour lesson. Private lessons are $30 and there is a 2 hour lesson with video analysis for $50. Kids programs include the Racoon Romp, which includes a trail pass, rental, one hour lesson and one hour playroom for $28 and there are other day care options, too.
The North Brook trail meanders along with beaver dams, snow covered evergreen glade and rumors of a bobcat that frequents the trail. The trail known as "Russian Complaint" is a challenging one and it refers to a small section of trail removed just prior to the 1980 Olympic games after the Russian team complained that the total climb was outside accepted parameters.
The
Olympic Sports Complex staff is proud of its rich racing heritage and
it is equally focused on its natural surroundings and those guests,
who visit looking for a meticulously groomed jaunt through the idyllic
Adirondacks. ORDA stands for the New York Olympic Regional Development
Authority.
The complex also has ice skating, biathlon (marksmanship and xc skiing) luge, bobsledding, alpine skiing at Whiteface Mountain and Gore Mountain and much more to do around Lake Placid. CCSAA member