Great American holidays - Lake Placid and the Adirondack Peaks

When thinking about embarking on an autumn or winter break it is often most sensible to choose a destination hat will not be hindered by unpredictable weather. The Adirondack Mountains in New York State are one such place. Rain, shine or snow the peaks stand majestic and the views are awe-inspiring - and the area is popular with visitors all year round. So with cheap flights to New York, and the area set to become more accessible to European holidaymakers, here's a quick guide to Lake Placid and the surrounding areas.

‘Lake Placid' refers to both the freshwater lake high in the Adirondacks and also the small village that borders it to the south. The lake covers around 2,170 acres and stretches around four miles north east containing two islands known as Buck Island and Moose Island. The shoreline is rugged and given over to spruce and pine, but is also home to a number of lakeside house and shacks - around 300 in total, and many are only accessible by boat.

Lake Placid village is home to around 3,000 people and thus prides itself on its quiet and laid back way of life. The village is a great location to base yourself from and offers a diversity of accommodation - from camping to inns/guest houses - from which you can explore the surrounding areas, peaks and resort.

For the best views one must really visit Whiteface Mountain, a peak that reaches almost 5,000 ft at its summit and on a the clearest days will even be able to give you views of Vermont and Canada. There are a number of paths and trails up the mountain, and weather-permitting can even climbed by car. During the winter months the mountain is also known for its ski resort which caters for both absolute beginners at the Kids Kampus and the most hardened professionals at The Slides.

If the snow has not yet fallen then the area offers a wealth of other recreational activity including canoeing and kayaking on the lake, rock climbing and abseiling, as well cycling and hiking among the hundreds of trails in the area. Surrounding towns such as Saranac Lake can be accessed by the scenic railroad, whilst Tupper Lake is home to the 31 acre Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks.

Sarah Maple writes for Gohop.ie who offer last minute holidays and American holidays.