A Winter Day on Mirror Lake

One thing about Lake Placid is there are some great ways to spend a winter day doing activities that you can’t find most other places. At least not quite like this. In the depth of winter — February into early March — when the ice is thick enough on Mirror Lake, you should definitely try out dog sledding and a toboggan ride.

Dog Sledding: One of my favorite things in winter is to catch sightings of the dog sled tours across the frozen lake. Rides are $20 per person (cash only). It’s super fun for adults and kids. The ride only lasts about 5-10 minutes as the dogs pull you in a big circle around the lake. But it’s worth doing at least once. We went with Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours, which meets on the lake near Players (closest to Saranac Ave.). Check their Instagram for updates on their schedule.

Toboggan: It really doesn’t matter how old you are, the Lake Placid Toboggan is fun for all ages. In operation since the 1960s, toboggans are sent down an ice covered chute onto frozen Mirror Lake. Depending on the ice conditions, toboggans can travel over 1,000 feet once they reach the frozen lake surface. Generally the chute is operating around the first full weekend in February, sometimes earlier. Admission of $15 covers the toboggan rental and unlimited rides that day. Toboggans can hold 2-4 people.