Whiteface Region FAQs

The Whiteface Region is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation, best known for skiing and snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain and for hosting the downhill events for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Outside of winter, the Region also offers hiking, fishing, paddling and mountain biking, and features a number of charming small towns and unique attractions, like High Falls Gorge and Santa’s Workshop.

Where is the Whiteface Region?

The Whiteface Region is located in Northern New York State within the Adirondacks. It includes the town of Wilmington, NY and the hamlets of Jay, Upper Jay, and Ausable Forks. Although not technically part of the Whiteface Region, the neighboring towns of Lake PlacidSaranac Lake and Tupper Lake are just a short drive away.

Where did the Whiteface Region get its name?

The Whiteface Region gets its name from Whiteface Mountain, which was named by Native Americans for its perpetually white summit. Noting the mountain’s geology, which is primarily white anorthosite rock, and the fact that its summit is covered in snow and ice for much of the year, both the Algonquin and Mohawk tribes gave the mountain names which reflected its white appearance.

How big is Whiteface Mountain?

Whiteface Mountain has 299 skiable acres and 94 trails, covering more than 24 miles. It boasts the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies at 3,430 feet, and the mountain’s summit is 4,867 feet. The longest run is the Wilmington Trail at 2.1 miles, and the highest skiable terrain is “The Slides” at 4,650 feet.

What lakes are located in the Whiteface Region? 

The Whiteface region includes several lakes, ponds and rivers, including the Ausable River, a hub for outdoor activity, offering whitewater rafting, world-class fly fishing, and scenic beauty. Other popular fishing spots in the Whiteface Region include Copperas Pond, Winch Pond, and Owen Pond, which is stocked with trout annually, and known for its smallmouth bass, bullhead and pumpkinseed populations. For kayaking and canoeing, Lake Everest is a great spot accessible from Wilmington Town Beach.

What mountains are located in the Whiteface Region?

Besides its namesake Whiteface Mountain, the Region is home to Jay Mountain, a popular hiking destination with views of Vermont’s Green Mountains, the Ausable River Valley and the Adirondack High Peaks, as well as Notch Mountain, known for its rock climbing and scenic ridge. Another challenging hike, Esther Mountain, involves a significant climb and no official marked trail, but can accessed from Whiteface Mountain’s Wilmington trail via an unmarked herd path.

What recreational activities is the Whiteface Region known for?

The Whiteface Region is best known for downhill skiing and snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain, but winter activities also include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and ice climbing.

In the warmer months, the Region’s hiking trails range from strenuous climbs to easy walks, and you’ll find numerous mountain biking trails, as well as a dedicated bike park. For water lovers, the Whiteface Region offers paddling, boating and swimming, and, of course, world-class fishing.

What makes the Whiteface Region a unique place to live?

The Whiteface Region is miles away from ordinary, but close to all. Residents are surrounded by natural wonder and outdoor recreation, but still within reach of bustling towns and larger cities. The village of Lake Placid is only 10-15 minutes away and the larger city of Plattsburgh, NY is just a 45-minute drive. For those who dream of a life surrounded by mountains, lakes and scenic beauty, but still want to be close to restaurants, shopping and services, like medical care, the Whiteface Region is a great place to live.

Is there land for sale in the Whiteface Region?

Yes. Adirondack Mountain Land is proud to offer exclusive parcels of buildable land for sale in the Whiteface Region. We are brokers of some of the most desirable and scenic properties in the Adirondacks, and long-time residents – so we are very familiar with the area. Listings include smaller lots suitable for building, larger acreage, and waterfront properties. View our land for sale in the Whiteface Region, or contact us for assistance with your search.