In the world of winter sports, Lake Placid is a special place, and that’s something to celebrate.  

Since the first figure skaters took to the ice on Mirror Lake in the early days of the 20th century to the first indoor skating arena ever used in the 1932 Winter Olympic Games  and all the years since, our little Village has played a big role in the history of figure skating.  

Now, returning for the sixth time to Lake Placid where it first began in 1979, the 2025 Saatva Skate America creates a poignant occasion to celebrate our rich figure skating legacy while offering fun activities and learning experiences for our community. As the world’s best figure skaters come to Lake Placid for this prestigious international competition November 14-16, we are presenting opportunities to celebrate their return while also engaging our local students, supporting our local businesses, and demonstrating our hometown hospitality.  

Here’s what’s happening for students and schools around the Olympic Region:  

    • Through the schools, the Olympic Authority provides families with free tickets to attend the Friday evening skating session, November 14 at 7:00 pm.  
    • The Lake Placid and Saranac Lake Central School Districts are invited to attend the official athlete training sessions Thursday and Friday, November 13 and 14. This is a unique opportunity here at home for our students of all ages to see top skaters from around the world in action practicing their routines.  
    • The first ever “Leave Your Mark” art project provides elementary school students a chance to get inspired, exercise their creativity, express themselves, and demonstrate their appreciation of our local winter sport heritage. Using a paper figure skate template, students write or draw what “Leave Your Mark” means to them and how they can make a positive impact or inspire others. Finished art will be displayed in Olympic Authority venue windows throughout the month of November, showcasing our area’s young talent.  
    • A “Career in Sports” panel discussion on Friday morning, November 14 is designed to inspire local Middle School students to provide insights on diverse career paths in sports, events, and leadership through real-life stories from US. Figure Skating and Olympic Authority professionals.  

Here’s what’s happening for the Business Community around the Olympic Region:  

    • U.S. Figure Skating together with the support of ROOST and the Olympic Authority have launched a Window Decorating Challenge, encouraging businesses to recognize the nations competing at Saatva Skate America, using the theme, “Welcome the World to Lake Placid.”  Showing flags, colors, and skating-inspired designs, businesses then post photos on social media with the hashtag #SkateAmericaLakePlacid.  
    • Restaurants, cafés, and bars are invited to create Skate America-inspired dishes and beverages celebrating international flavors and Olympic energy, and the Olympic Center and event partners will help promote the featured specials throughout the event week.  
    • Complimentary tickets are offered to local business owners and their teams to reward their teams and encourage a strong community presence.    
    • Area businesses are offered an opportunity to demonstrate their alliance with this legendary part of Lake Placid’s skating history by displaying event posters and signage.  

Working with ROOST and other community partners, the Olympic Authority is engaging our local community and demonstrating to a global audience the creativity, pride, and hospitality that is a natural part of this world-class Olympic Village.