One of only three destinations in the world to host the Olympic Games twice, the alpine village of Lake Placid sits right in the heart of Adirondack Park, surrounded by 6 million acres of pristine and protected land, all state-owned.
Even though its conference center has only existed since 2011, Lake Placid boasts a long history of large-scale international events, from the Olympics to Ironman, from Lacrosse to marathons and horse shows. The “Miracle on Ice,” in which the USA Olympic hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in 1980, is only one of many historical moments to leverage.
While the village may not be a fly-in destination, it attracts groups that want that quintessential Lake Placid experience: drop-dead gorgeous scenery, history and authenticity. For example, the Conference Center at Lake Placid sits right in the middle of the village and right across the street from Mirror Lake. The design of the conference center—all windows—makes it irresistible to groups.
“You look out onto the Adirondack peak and the Olympic venues,” says Mary Jane Lawrence, director of sales and marketing with the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. “So people love meeting in this conference center. It’s not in a box. We don’t have attached hotel rooms, so people walk out into the village and onto the main street.”
And that main street is actually called Main Street, exemplifying what a village artery should look like: cobblestones, dozens of shops, a standalone theater, statuesque peaks and countless excursions into the wild scenery beyond. Olympic venues remain modern, viable sites for activities, rich with narrative; so much so that Lake Placid even stages motivational events based on its Olympic history.
Since Lake Placid is not situated immediately close to an airport, many groups assume attendance will be down, but attendees often arrive early and stay late, families in tow, all because of Lake Placid and its historical narrative, its scenery and its worldly appeal.
4 Fantastic Activities
During winter, Lake Placid’s Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (www.roostadk.com) orchestrates a wide variety of ideas to foster teambuilding and overall camaraderie.
Curling
A great activity for teambuilding, curling sessions will furnish groups with a chance to learn the game, throw stones and sweep to their hearts’ content.
Gold Medal Games
This a la carte program, from an afternoon to a series of days, fuses business meetings with Games activities, venue access, coaching, sports equipment, videotaping, printed results and awards ceremonies with medals.
Olympic Ski Jumping
Groups can get a behind-the-scenes tour of the entire ski jumping facility and even have a barbecue afterward; plus, they can watch skiers jump right before their eyes.
Winter Olympic Challenge
Multiple-day stays or even just an afternoon can be arranged utilizing Olympic venues for a wide variety of corporate teambuilding events. Infuse your event with “opening ceremonies” or shoot pucks in the same arena as the Miracle on Ice.
CONNECT
Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism/Lake Placid CVB
866.275.2243
