If you approached Lake Placid [1] from the east on Route 73, the first thing you undoubtedly noticed were the stark towers of the Olympic ski jumps (off Rte. 73, 518/523-2202, www.orda.org [2], 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily May–Oct. and Dec.–Mar., adults $8, children 6–12 $5), looming out of the landscape like giant misshapen thumbs. The site still serves as a training center and is open year-round, thanks to plastic mats, water ramps, and snow-making machines.
Upon entering the complex, stop first at the freestyle aerial facility, where—with any luck—you’ll see athletes practicing their maneuvers by sailing over pools, off water-filled ramps. Next, visit the main lodge to view a photo exhibit on the history of ski-jumping, and catch the chairlift to the 90-meter jump. If training is taking place here, you can watch from an observation deck. If not, take the glass-enclosed elevator to the top of the 120-meter jump for great views of the High Peaks [3].
At the entrance to the village stands the elongated Olympic Center (2634 Main St., 518/523-1655, www.orda.org [2]), built for the 1932 Winter Olympics and renovated for the 1980 games. The center still houses four Olympic ice-skating arenas, one of which is sometimes open for public skating, along with the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau (518/523-2445 or 800/447-5224, www.lakeplacid.com [4], 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, closed some Sun.) and the 1932 and 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum (10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, adults $4, seniors $3, children 7–12 $2).
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-state/the-adirondacks/high-peaks/lake-placid
[2] http://www.orda.org
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-state/the-adirondacks/high-peaks
[4] http://www.lakeplacid.com