Recreational and competitive winter sports have long been associated with Lake Placid. This quaint Adirondack village hosted two Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and 1980, but the area’s history as a winter destination actually spans over 100 years!
Lake Placid’s winter sports history began with Melvil Dewey, who kept his grand resort, the Lake Placid Club open through the winter season of 1904-05. Thus began Lake Placid’s heritage as America’s First Winter Resort.

Lake Placid continues to host contemporary world class competitions year round, including popular races such as the Lake Placid marathon and Ironman USA in summer. The calendar is brimming with events, from the traditional 4th of July celebrations to lacrosse tournaments to weekly concerts in the park.

Overall, the Olympic Winter Games have represented a vehicle for community redevelopment in Lake Placid, the 1932 Games in particular, even in a time of national financial depression. Twice in the last 81 years the Games have allowed Lake Placid to achieve the community’s goals to promote a healthy lifestyle, and to establish Lake Placid as a world class sports center and resort.

The 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games continue to further strengthen Lake Placid’s presence in the international sports marketplace, and its leaders encourage other host cities to utilize the games in the same way as they have influenced the ongoing vitality of Lake Placid, Adirondacks USA.