The winter sports center of Lake Placid, twice the proud host of the Winter Olympics, lies thirty miles west of I-87 on Hwy-73. In winter there's thrilling alpine skiing at imposing Whiteface Mountain and all manner of Nordic disciplines at Mount Van Hoevenberg, and in summer you can watch luge athletes practice on refrigerated runs, freestyle skiers somersaulting off dry slopes into swimming pools, and top amateur ice hockey games; ask at the information center in the Olympic Center at 216 Main St (tel 518/523-2445 or 1-800/44-PLACID, ). The mountain slopes also provide challenging terrain for hikers and cyclists; good mountain bikes , maps of local trails and guided tours are available from High Peaks Cyclery, 331 Main St (tel 518/523-3764). Hotels in Lake Placid |