When a ski area ranks high in reader polls, it means it is recognized by skiers and snowboarders for providing the excellent experiences they want. Being aware of these rankings helps everyone choose a ski area that aligns with their priorities.
In the Olympic Region, we have a lot to celebrate when it comes to winter, and Whiteface Mountain’s many rankings among the East’s premier ski destinations are an important part of that. The mountain shines brightly in reader surveys, demonstrating it has much for skiers and riders at every level to admire.
Whiteface Ranks #3 in the East
Ski Magazine’s 2026 Reader Resort Survey ranked Whiteface #3 Overall in the East. The magazine’s other reader rankings in various categories provide the reasons why it’s ranked so highly:
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- When it comes to getting up the mountain with efficiency and speed, Whiteface comes in at #4 in the East for best lift networks.
- Recognizing Whiteface offers something for everyone between its expansive beginner slopes at the Bear Den Learning Center and all the other terrain from gentle greens to steep and technical black diamonds, readers praised Whiteface by ranking it #5 in the East for biggest variety of terrain.
- Expert skiers value the Olympic mountain for its difficulty as they positioned it as #7 in the East for challenging terrain.
- While it’s the West coast that’s known for its deep powder, readers ranked Whiteface #8 in the East for snowiest ski resorts.
- Lovers of well-groomed corduroy had their say, too, as they ranked Whiteface #10 in the East for best grooming.
- When skiers and riders are not on the slopes, they can also count on cozy, comfy amenities in the Whiteface area as readers ranked the mountain #10 in best lodging in the East and #8 in best dining.
- For the area’s warmth, history, and heart, the magazine’s readership put it as #9 in the East for the most unique sense of place.
- Because the Lake Placid area knows how to keep the good times rolling, it comes in as #4 in the East for lively party scenes.
- Want to spend more time skiing or riding and less time looking for parking? Ski Magazine readers rank Whiteface #9 for hassle-free parking.
- Helping stretch our guests dollar further than most, readers ranked Whiteface at #5 among the most affordable ski resorts.
Ranking Among Nation’s Best
In another rankings coup, Whiteface came in at #16 nationally and in the Top 5 in the East in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Adding in a big way to the skier and rider experience beyond the mountain, the nearby village of Lake Placid — host of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games — is currently a finalist for USA Today’s Best Ski Town.
Steeped in history, with its massive vertical, its variety of terrain, and its modern, high quality snowmaking, grooming, lodges, and lifts, Whiteface is a world-class ski and snowboard destination unlike any other. For decades, it has launched the dreams of numerous athletes, including Olympians, by serving so masterfully as a center for training and racing. It also boasts an enduring reputation as a beautiful and inspiring setting for recreational skiers and riders as well as a place where many discover alpine winter sports for the first time.
In a great many ways, Whiteface Mountain is a treasured paradise for multitudes of recreational skiers and riders at all levels. Kudos to generations of hard-working people on the Whiteface Team who have provided the careful stewardship necessary to preserve this legacy of excellence for all to enjoy.