Ice Skating Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake Ice Track Loop

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My family tries to attend Ottawa’s Winterlude, which starts this weekend January 29-February 15, 2016, each year to skate on the canal. 

From end to end the whole maintained portion is about 5.0-miles. We’ve rented sleighs, stopped for picnics, and enjoyed hot chocolate at one of the stands. Now Lake Placid has a smaller version of the Rideau Canal, with less fuss. 

I’ve skated various segments of the 2-mile weaving path over a frozen Mirror Lake a few times now and with each opportunity I see people utilizing the ice track differently. Two young hockey players passing the puck to each other the length of the track, certainly put me to shame. A dog the size of a small stuffed animal pulled another woman around. Other people have walked around the lake without skates, sticking to the unplowed edge. I love how it isn’t for just one purpose. Everyone has managed to make the place another way to interact with winter sports.
CanAm Pond Hockey Tournament January 28-31, 2016
 Though there are plenty of skating opportunities around the Adirondacks, being able to take to the ice, under safe conditions, and view Lake Placid from the middle of Mirror Lake is a gift I can’t refuse. I love ice-skating, though like most winter sports, it’s not my strong suit. I love the idea of being on top of the frozen water, gliding around and seeing the shoreline from a different perspective.  

It is a relief that the North Elba Parks Division is maintaining the track with the same diligence as they do the toboggan chute. Though its always my personal responsibility to make sure I am safe, it is a nice to know that if the track is cleared with a snowplow than it will certainly hold my weight. Please go to North Elba to check on conditions or closures on Mirror Lake and check for closure signs.  

Don’t forget in addition to the 2-mile ice track there is also the public beach ice rink, toboggan chute and dog sled rides.

© Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook series. Adirondack Family Time™guidebooks have easy, short Adirondack family hikes for ADK kids, parents, retired, seniors, dog-owners, Adirondack swimming holes, Lake Placid Olympic activities, Adirondack trivia, Adirondack horseback rides, Adirondack snowshoe family trails and more. Look for the Adirondack family guidebooks online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the next Adirondack Family Activities™ guide.

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