Where in the ADK? Mt Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid
Bobsled run at the Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid
Photo courtesy Paul Smith’s
This week’s “Where in the ADK?” is Mt. Van Hoevenberg nestled in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, just outside Lake Placid.
The mountain and its surrounding area have a rich history, including being home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Today, the mountain offers amazing opportunities for any traveler looking for a unique year-round experience.
Bobsled and Skeleton Track
Mt. Van Hoevenberg was first established as an Olympic site in 1929 when the International Olympic Committee chose it as the location for the 1932 Winter Games in Lake Placid, NY. Since then, the mountain has hosted many international sporting events, including bobsled, luge, and skeleton racing, during the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics.
Today, athletes come from around the world to compete throughout the year. In fact, The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation will bring its BMW IBSF World Cup to Mt Van Hoevenberg in December of 2022, marking the first time since 2019 that this event has been hosted in North America.
It is also home to the U.S. National Sports Complex, where athletes can train in these sports disciplines year-round, as well as ski jumping and biathlon events.
If you love winter sports, there’s no better place than Mt. Van Hoevenberg. In addition to skiing and snowshoeing on its trails, travelers can also experience bobsledding first-hand by taking a ride down the same track that Olympians (and Eleanor Roosevelt, but that’s a different story) have raced down since 1932. This is an exciting activity that’s sure to get your heart racing. If that doesn’t satisfy your inner-adrenaline junkie, try your hand at skeleton racing or take a spin around an 800m long luge track – both are open during select times of the year when conditions are right.
No matter what type of traveler you are—thrill seeker or nature lover—there's something for everyone at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. For more information and to plan your visit, check out their website.
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