Lake Placid stands as a major cross-country destination with 455 km. of trails. Foremost is the Mt VanHoevenberg Sports Complex (523-2811), site of the Nordic and biathlon races during the 1980 Olympics. It has cross-country skiing you are unlikely to find elsewhere: 50 km. of marked trails that average 15 ft. wide, regularly groomed and patrolled; bridges built especially for cross-country skiers, so you don’t have to worry about traffic; snowmaking (5 km.); and emergency phones. The complex has 10 marked loops: one expert, six intermediate and three novice tours, with additional expert skiing on the Porter Mountain racing loops. The stadium finish area has a fully equipped rental and retail shop along with food service and child care. Snowshoeing is allowed.

The Lake Placid Resort (523-2556) has 25 km. of trails and connects with the more secluded Jackrabbit Trail (ski conditions: 523-1365): 50 km. that run from Keene through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.

Snowshoeing trails crisscross the entire High Peaks Wilderness area; get maps and advice at the Eastern Mountain Sports store on Lake Placid’s Main Street. Dewey Mt. Ski Center has snowshoe trails in addition to cross-country skiing. For a more controlled snowshoe experience, complete with bonfires for roasting marshmallows and educational stops on the trail, stop at the High Falls Gorge center (946-2278). Here you can follow a marked trek around the Ausable River gorge and be welcomed back with free hot chocolate or coffee. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

For a full moon cross country experience, check with Cascade Cross Country Ski Center (523-9605) on Route 73 near Mt VanHoevenberg.