By Joe Chandler
Known as "the Father of American Skiing," Whiteface is one of the top spots for winter sports; however, summer is just as beautiful. The history of Whiteface includes building a vacation spot in a two-time Olympic host city.
Geography
At a height of 4,057 feet, Mount Whiteface is the main summit in the Sandwich Range of the Adirondack Mountain Range. Whiteface is located on the southwest side of Lake Placid near the town of Lake Placid, New York, along U.S. Highway 86.
Early History
The name Whiteface is derived from the treeless south side of the mountain, which was stripped by a landslide in 1820. In 1882, Oliver Abel built the Westside Inn, for summer vacationers, with 40 rooms, which was the eventually became the Whiteface Inn and resort. Whiteface was the home of some of the first golf courses in the United States, which were built in the late 1890s.
Middle History
September 1929, Governor Roosevelt dedicated the Whiteface Highway. Due to the problems associated with the Great Depression, the area saw a decline in hotel finances and visitors. To attract customers, the golf course was redesigned by John van Kleek to be of championship level and prestige.
Recent History
Whiteface ski area officially opened in 1958, ushering in the era of skiing. Skiing quickly caught on and brought increased business and new visitors to the area, turning Whiteface into a year-round vacation spot.
Olympics
Lake Placid and Whiteface have hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1980. The 1980 Olympics was the most storied, highlighted by the U.S. win over the Soviet Union in hockey, dubbed "The Miracle on Ice."
Famous Ties
Many famous people have visited Whiteface, including: King Peter of Yugoslavia, Governor Nathan Miller, Babe Ruth, Kate Smith, Perry Como and Spencer Tracy.
Resources
About the Author:
Joe Chandler is a marketing consultant with experience in education, customer service, and business and consumer electronics. Chandler has been writing for a year. He has over 20 years in corporate America and education, with an M.B.A. in marketing. He is a Navy veteran trained in nuclear power plant operation.
