The Mountain That Calls Us Home

Snow Season is Back at Whiteface

By Mark Anderson

Just seven miles to the northeast of Lake Placid lies a mountain with a reputation that needs little introduction here. Looming high above Wilmington with a profile that can be seen clear across Lake Champlain from parts of Vermont, the fifth highest peak in New York has become a beloved site for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and tourists alike. With the greatest amount of skiable vert this side of the Rockies, this mountain serves up a healthy dose of challenging slopes, unparalleled views of the High Peaks Region, as well as other plentiful activities and events happening throughout the winter season.

The mountain is a winter sports utopia with something for everyone. With over 22 miles of skiable terrain within the 94 different trails, this mountain will be sure to keep you on your feet for a nice long day trip or a multiday weekend getaway. When first pulling into the resort, the concave shape of the mountain pulls you right into its looming domain. After ascending via the lifts to gain the summit, the vast Adirondack landscape is one of the first things to catch the eye. Looking to the east on a clear day, you will see Lake Champlain and the mountains of Vermont tracing the horizon, an incredible backdrop. The mountain also continues to hold its Olympic heritage as well as odes to the famed 10th Mountain Division with Riva Ridge and the 10th Mountain Division Glades holding space on the upper section of the mountain.

I was able to interview a couple of local residents that frequent the mountain and got to hear their firsthand accounts of how the beginning of the 2024-25 season was unfolding. For Lizzy Williams of Wilmington, this mountain has been a place of great enjoyment during the winter months.

How were your first few runs on the mountain to kick off the season? “This ski season has definitely been off to a good start for me at Whiteface! I was lucky enough to ski on eight inches of fresh snow off the Summit Chair. Although my quad muscles were put to work quickly, it was a great way to kick off the new season.”

Being a local resident for a number of years, what kind of benefits have you seen Whiteface provide the local communities over the years? “Whiteface has continually provided an exceptional user experience the past three winters that I’ve had a season pass. This was especially true last year when our natural winter conditions were quite unstable. It is great to have the mountain as a reliable source of outdoor recreation during a time of year that can be tough on our mental health, as the days are shorter and colder. I am excited for my fourth year in a row with a season pass and for all of the bluebird and powder days to come!”

I was also able to catch up with Jeremy Utz, one of the founders of North Country Knee Droppers and an employee of The Mountaineer in Keene Valley, who has logged quite a few days under his belt for the season so far.

Jeremy, it’s been awesome seeing footage of you getting out for some ski days on the toll road. How has it been up there so far this season? “The road has been special this year. In October, we had this amazing snow storm roll through, dropping enough snow for skiing. It made for these beautiful “snow-liage” views – vibrant leaves and powder turns!”

What has been your ski of choice or daily driver for those days? “The road provides an excellent training center to get in shape for ski season so I usually bring touring skis. This season I have been using Black Diamond Helio Recon 88 and Voile SuperCharger Ace, both mounted with the Voile Transit TTS and skied with the Scarpa TX Pro.”

If you had to narrow it down to one thing, what is it that draws you back to Whiteface time and again over the years? “Ease of access! But also, the beautiful views. Time spent skinning uphill with my friends is always the best and the road provides miles for us to goof off and catch up.”

After talking to Lizzy, Jeremy, and some other folks who had already made it out to the mountain, I decided to grab my board and head up Route 86 to Wilmington to see first-hand how the season was revving up and put in some much needed time on the slopes. Before putting in my own personal runs, I brought my camera and equipment up with me and stationed myself along the shoulders of Upper and Lower Northway to capture the skiers and snowboarders coming down just after opening. There was palpable excitement in the air as some skiers let out loud shouts of exhilaration after airing out on a shoulder hit, and boarders laying in for surf-style carves on the banks of the runs – spraying massive waves of white into the crisp morning air still falling with snow. This is the early season stoke that is almost impossible not to be inspired and energized by; it’s contagious. Sharing moments like this is what continues to bond friends, families, and strangers alike on this mountain.

There is no denying that there is an intense allure to this peak. Just like the Adirondack Park at large, there always seems to be that one thing that we just can’t seem to place our finger on as to why there is such a strong draw to it; but that might just be it. It’s that little bit of mystery that keeps us coming back, time and again. Even before moving to the Adirondacks with my family, coming into the “blue line” always felt like coming home. Now, living here as a full-time resident, I am thrilled to call Whiteface my home mountain. With the beginning of the season in full swing, we all look forward with great expectation to what the rest of the season holds.

Mark is a professional photographer, videographer, and writer based in Lake Placid. He began his journey behind the lens in interior Alaska during his service in the US Army, with the aim to capture the motion and beauty of the journey of life as well as the vast landscapes and places he has traveled. You can connect with him on Instagram (@markandersoncaptures) and see more of his work online: markandersoncaptures.com.