Lake Placid is large enough to generate its own heat as a nightlife center, drawing not only out-of-town vacationers but also locals. Because Whiteface is separated from the town, however, most of the apres-ski action is in the base lodge. Steinhoff’s and R.F. McDougall’s, at the Hungry Trout just down the road from Whiteface, are also good for an apres-ski drink.

Wise Guys, on the side street next to the speed skating oval, is a sports bar upstairs, a dance club downstairs, and serves pub grub into the wee hours. Most of the other nightlife action centers around the main hotels. Roomers, next to the Golden Arrow, the Dancing Bears Lounge at the Hilton and Zig Zag’s are popular spots along Main Street. The Lake Placid Pub and Brewery, with its downstairs companion P.J. O’Neils, is on Mirror Lake Drive, up from the speed-skating oval, and offers outstanding pub fare to go with its award-winning Ubu Ale.

Those looking for a quieter, more mature nightspot should stop by The Cottage, across the street from the Mirror Lake Inn. The fire is always on, and the sunset view of the lake and mountains is postcard perfect. It also serves good burgers.