It is easy to understand why two Winter Olympics have been held in the Adirondack Mountains area already.  First, the winter grip is solid here during the winter months, giving life to all the snow or ice-related activities known to man.

Second, the Adirondacks or The Dax, as they are lovingly called, are the perfect vacation getaway for people who live in New York inasmuch as they form part of the state.  One who is not familiar with the state of New York can only think of the city that never sleeps.

This is tragic, however, as the state of New York, aside from the famous Central Park, has a huge collection of national parks spread out across its region.  The state should be lauded for its foresight in environmental conservation, particularly with its annexation of the Niagara Falls area as a protected national reserve in 1885.

What is so special about the Adirondack Mountains?  Sports enthusiasts can certainly tell you lot, but it is much better to discover it for yourself.  And when you do, do not forget to bring your skis with you, there are lots of mountains to choose from!

These magnificent mountains form part of the greater Adirondack Park, which is about six million acres in size. The Adirondack Mountains do not conform to any predictable clusters, and their rather unusual formations certainly do not qualify them for the term mountain range or mountain ranges.  And therein lies the charm of these mountains!

That said; expect a bumpy ride as you explore the different characters of these mountains.  Along the way, you will meet Whiteface Mountain, the Adirondack’s most famous “son”, and the fifth highest peak in New York State.  Why such a quaint name?  It is easy to understand why especially in the height of the winter season, when from afar this mountain looks like it's smiling at you, snow powder seemingly gushing forth from the corner of what looks like a mouth.

And what about Lake Placid, which is just nearby?  Well, the best way to find out why this lake is called such is to scale Whiteface Mountain, its “next-door” neighbor.  You will have an answer once you get to the top, guaranteed!  To get up there, you do not necessarily need your skis or your snowmobile since millions of people have done so since 1935 (not counting the aboriginal Indians who lived here previously).

Whiteface Castle is a granite structure with elaborate stairs that will take you to the host mountain’s summit, after many deep-breathing exercises, of course, unless you are an athlete!  A far safer alternative is to take the elevator, for which you have to thank former U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt for having the foresight to recommend the building thereof.

Should you succeed in your climbing endeavor, you will be rewarded with a 360-view of the mountains.  You will likewise also understand why the Mohawk Indians held so much advantage over approaching White Man invaders in those bygone Log Cabin days.

But more importantly, you will have answered the question as to Lake Placid’s unique name.  Indeed, it is the most placid lake you can imagine, especially from these peaks.  The first Mohawk Indian ever to arrive at the top of Whiteface Mountain would have said the same thing!