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Lake Placid, New York

Heart Lake Ski Trails – Adirondack Mountain Club

ADK’s Heart Lake campus combines a smaller prepared ski network with more demanding backcountry routes. Start at the High Peaks Information Center and use the current interactive trail map.

Check the trail report ↗Open the trail map ↗
Arrival
1002 Adirondak Loj Road
Planning desk
High Peaks Information Center
Terrain
Nordic and backcountry routes
Instruction
Private lessons by prior arrangement

The ski trails surround the Adirondak Loj campus, not the separate Mt Van Hoevenberg recreation center. Route type, direction and equipment matter more than a single network mileage total.

Trails & terrain

The operator’s embedded TrailHub map distinguishes Nordic routes such as Campground Loop, Northwoods Loop, Mr. Van, Easyside Drive and Crossover from backcountry routes including Southeast Corner, Fangorn Forest and the Corkscrew. One-way arrows appear on several routes, including Westside Speedway and Northwoods. The map also identifies hiking paths and alpine-touring slopes; they are not interchangeable ski loops. Preparation covers only part of the wider winter network, so check the selected route’s current activity and status.

Current ADK ski overview, embedded map, adult rentals and separate youth lease ↗ · Exact current operator-embedded Heart Lake interactive map and route directions ↗

Lessons & getting started

Ask HPIC staff to match a route to your skills and the day’s surface. The interactive map supplies route-specific difficulty and activity labels; a short distance does not make a backcountry descent suitable for a first skier. ADK offers private ski lessons on a case-by-case basis through its skiing program page. Arrange instruction in advance rather than assuming a walk-up lesson or that equipment hire includes coaching.

HPIC arrival, current trip-planning services and rental information ↗ · Current ADK private ski-lesson requests and non-metal-edged season leases ↗ · Exact current operator-embedded Heart Lake interactive map and route directions ↗

Rentals & equipment

The ski page advertises adult metal-edged backcountry ski, boot and pole rentals at HPIC, with no child-sized daily ski rentals. Its newer 2026 rental sheet lists other winter equipment but omits ski packages, so confirm seasonal ski availability and fit before relying on pickup. ADK’s separate youth season lease uses classic skis without metal edges, intended for gentler prepared terrain. That program is not the same equipment or arrangement as daily backcountry hire.

Current ADK ski overview, embedded map, adult rentals and separate youth lease ↗ · HPIC arrival, current trip-planning services and rental information ↗ · Current HPIC 2026 rental sheet; ski packages omitted, confirm seasonal availability ↗ · Current ADK private ski-lesson requests and non-metal-edged season leases ↗

Arrival & parking

Use the Heart Lake Program Center at 1002 Adirondak Loj Road, reached at the end of Loj Road from the Lake Placid area. HPIC is beside the Van Hoevenberg Trail trailhead and parking lots on the campus; that trail name does not direct you to the separate Mt Van Hoevenberg sports center. Follow current parking and fee instructions and check in for route advice. Overnight lodging, meals and campsite arrangements are separate from an independent ski visit.

Heart Lake campus identity, 1002 Loj Road map reference and separate lodging ↗ · HPIC arrival, current trip-planning services and rental information ↗

Passes & trail etiquette

This is ADK-managed property with both day visitors and overnight guests. Follow mapped route directions, posted restrictions and current staff guidance before leaving the prepared core. The ski page contains an old dated grooming paragraph; use the embedded map and confirm its update rather than treating that paragraph as today’s snow report. A winter route around Heart Lake does not establish safe ice or permission for every mountain hiking route. Check parking and trail access arrangements before travelling.

Current ADK ski overview, embedded map, adult rentals and separate youth lease ↗ · Exact current operator-embedded Heart Lake interactive map and route directions ↗ · Heart Lake campus identity, 1002 Loj Road map reference and separate lodging ↗ · HPIC arrival, current trip-planning services and rental information ↗

Official planning resources

Reviewed . Confirm current passes, services and access rules with the operator before travel.

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