Overview

The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) aims to ensure its facilities and programs are accessible to and inclusive for all. As a global leader in developing and maintaining the highest quality venues for winter sport and recreation, ORDA strives to meet or exceed all ADA requirements for accessibility.

During recent modernizations throughout our venues, the ORDA team incorporated accessibility into the design and planning of its improved facilities.

ORDA is committed to ensuring venues are accessible for all people, regardless of disabilities. In addition to entrances and access, visitors may notice thoughtful design in restrooms, signage, spectator seating areas, dining facilities, service counters, website features, and other elements critical for accessibility.

Navigate through the tabbed content to find key details for disabled visitors to know when accessing activities and events at Lake Placid’s Olympic Legacy venues:

Olympic Center

Within the Olympic Center in downtown Lake Placid, there are several distinct sport, recreation, and spectator entrances and destinations. They are:

Lake Placid Conference Center – enter the far-right Visitors Bureau entrance through the double automatic sliding doors at the corner of Main Street and Olympic Drive. An elevator to the second and third floor is available opposite this main entrance.

1932 Jack Shea Arena – the main entrance to this arena is about 50 meters left of the Lake Placid Visitors Bureau and is accessible from the corner of Main Street and Olympic Drive. Enter through the two automatic sliding doors and proceed forward through a second set of double sliding doors. The elevator inside on the right provides access to the second-floor ice arena. Note that because the third floor is conference space, elevator buttons may not provide that floor as an available option when those spaces are closed to the public. In such a case, please ask for assistance.

Miracle Plaza and 1980 Herb Brooks Arena – the main entrance to these areas is located at the covered plaza adjacent the vehicle drop-off area at the corner of Main Street and Cummings Road. Enter through the main double set of sliding doors. An elevator lies straight ahead through the spacious lobby and provides access to the second-floor restrooms, administration offices, Roamer’s Café, and the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena. Inside the Arena, extensive accessible seating is available on the corners of the main level.

Oval Athlete Locker Room – enter through double set of sliding doors located on the ground floor of the main Miracle Plaza Entrance at the covered plaza near the corner of Main Street and Cummings Road. Inside to the left is the scoreboard from the 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey game. To the right of that scoreboard is an elevator providing access to the lower-level locker room and to the mezzanine level. Note, the lower level locker room is not an available option when that area is closed. In such a case, please ask for assistance.

Athlete Entrance, USA Rink and 1980 Herb Brooks Arena – on Cummings Road, left of the two glass stairwells is the athlete entrance. Enter through the two automatic sliding glass doors. The USA Rink can be accessed through the interior grey doors on the immediate left. To enter the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, proceed into the hallway straight ahead of the entrance. Access will be on the right side. To access 1980 Arena locker rooms, enter the hallway on the right inside the Athlete Entrance. To access the Miracle Plaza from inside this entrance, proceed to the right through the hallway to the end, and turn left. Then proceed to the end through double doors into the Empire Room. The Miracle Plaza will then be through the doors on the right. Note, access to the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena may be restricted during events and at other times. Ask for assistance whenever needed.

James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval – enter the Oval’s spectator areas through the main iron gates on Main Street just left of the facility’s two-story athlete, media, and officials building.

Mt Van Hovenberg

Mountain Pass Lodge – Turning off Highway 86, proceed down Van Hoevenberg Way under the bridge and to the left turn into Mt Van Hoevenberg’s Parking Lot C. Proceed to the opposite end of this parking lot, where accessible parking is located on the arrival loop just outside the Mountain Pass Lodge. A wheelchair ramp is located between the accessible parking and the lodge. Enter through the accessible main entrance double doors. Guest services is on the ground floor to the left. Further on, past Guest Services on the right, is an elevator for access to the second floor (81-18 Café and Swix Store) and third floor (Henry’s Tavern, VIP Room, and Indoor Bobsled and Skeleton Push Track).

Olympic Jumping Complex

Accessible parking is available at the Intervales Base Lodge. From Cascade Road, proceed through the main gate and ticketing area, down the hill to the parking area in front of the lodge. Turn right at the bottom of the hill to proceed up the drive toward the right side of the lodge where you’ll find accessible parking. Proceed through the main entrance. An elevator is inside on the right, providing access to the second floor.

Note, during large events, security may necessitate alternative parking plans. Contact the venue at 518-302-5919 during such events.

Gore Mountain

Designated Parking

Designated accessible parking spaces are located at the entrance of the Base Lodge and at the North Creek Ski Bowl.

Buildings

All buildings and services at the Gore Mountain Base Area are accessible with ground level entrances and ramps. An elevator provides access to the second floor of the Northwoods Lodge.

Winter Season

In common use at Gore are adaptive devices or other “manually powered mobility aids” for use on the slopes. Adaptive devices are any specialized equipment designed and manufactured primarily for use by individuals with disabilities, including without limitation, mono skis, bi skis, outriggers, etc. The Gore Snow Sports Center stocks such devices and more, including instruction with adaptive instructors.

Adaptive Lessons: 

Gore Mountain offers ski and snowboard lessons to individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. Trained staff work with those who are hearing or visually impaired, those with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and/or physical disabilities. All lessons are private, one-on-one with an instructor/coach, to better meet the participant’s specific needs. Mountain staff can coordinate the best lesson opportunity to fit one’s needs, and adaptive equipment is included.

Non-Winter Operations

Gore Mountain is open to the general public during the summer and fall (July through October).

Although our accessible and fully enclosed eight-passenger Northwoods Gondola is scheduled to provide scenic Skyrides each day we’re open during the summer and fall, this lift is subject to substitution without notice due to heat index and other safety variables. The open-air 4-passenger chairlift, Adirondack Express II, is an alternative.

Scenic Skyride Policy

  • Adult passengers carrying children in their arms, backpacks, or other carrying devices, may ride in gondola cabins but not on chairlifts.
  • Service dogs are allowed in gondola cabins but not on any open air lift. No other animals are allowed on the gondola.
  • On chairlifts, all riders must be able to approach the loading area unassisted and be able to sit upright in their own seat. All riders must stay in their own seat for the duration of the ride (no lap sitting).
  • It is recommended that chairlift riders be at least 52 inches tall to ride on a chairlift alone and be able to raise and lower the restraint bar under their own power.
  • For the benefit of both guests and employees, we reserve the right to make the final decision regarding the eligibility and safety of a rider.
  • No smoking is allowed while on the Skyride.

Whiteface Mountain

Main Base Lodge

The Base Lodge at Whiteface offers parking for disabled visitors just outside the main entrance. There is a ramp to the right of the main entrance, offering wheelchair access to the building.

Just inside the main entrance, there is a ramp providing access to the equipment rental shop as well as the main floor and elevator. The elevator on the main floor provides access to the second, third, and fourth floors.

Bear Den Learning Center

In front of the Bear Den Learning Center is a drop off zone and parking for disabled persons and an entrance without stairs. Inside the entrance is an elevator that provides access to the Bear Den Market and Growler’s Grill level. Staff assistance is required for the elevator.

Visitors may call 518-946-2223 for any questions or additional assistance.

Winter Season

In common use at Whiteface are adaptive devices or other “manually powered mobility aids” for use on the slopes. Adaptive devices are any specialized equipment designed and manufactured primarily for use by individuals with disabilities, including without limitation, mono skis, bi skis, outriggers, etc. The Whiteface Snow Sports Center stocks such devices and more, including instruction with adaptive instructors.

Adaptive Lessons

Whiteface offers ski and snowboard lessons to individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. Trained staff work with those who are hearing or visually impaired, those with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and/or physical disabilities. All lessons are private, one-on-one with an instructor/coach, to better meet the participant’s specific needs. Staff can coordinate the best lesson opportunity to fit one’s needs, and adaptive equipment is included.

Non-Winter Operations

Whiteface is open to the general public during the summer and fall (June through October).

Although our accessible and fully enclosed eight-passenger Cloudsplitter Gondola is scheduled to provide scenic rides each day the mountain is open during the summer and fall, this lift is subject to substitution without notice due to heat index and other safety variables.

Scenic Gondola Policy

  • Adult passengers carrying children in their arms, backpacks, or other carrying devices, may ride in gondola cabins but not on chairlifts.
  • Service dogs are allowed in gondola cabins but not on any open air lift. No other animals are allowed on the gondola.
  • On chairlifts, all riders must be able to approach the loading area unassisted and be able to sit upright in their own seat. All riders must stay in their own seat for the duration of the ride (no lap sitting).
  • It is recommended that chairlift riders be at least 52 inches tall to ride on a chairlift alone and be able to raise and lower the restraint bar under their own power.
  • For the benefit of both guests and employees, we reserve the right to make the final decision regarding the eligibility and safety of a rider.
  • No smoking is allowed while on the Gondola.

Belleayre Mountain

Discovery Lodge

Accessible parking is available in front of the Discovery lodge. This is the mountain’s base lodge and offers equipment rental, retail, food service, and other amenities. There are no steps to access the Discovery Lodge. With the elevator, the entire lodge, including all three floors, is accessible.

Accessible entrances for disabled persons are available on both the main floor at the main entrance (the second floor of the building) and at the lower level (first floor). The main entrance is located on the uphill side of the lodge at the deck level.

Overlook Lodge

Accessible parking for the Overlook Lodge is in Parking Lot H, and the main entrance into the lodge is an accessible entrance found on the uphill side. The lower level (first floor) entrance can be found on the downhill side of the lodge. There is no elevator in this building.

Longhouse Lodge

Accessible parking for the Longhouse Lodge is in Parking Lot H. The main floor offers an accessible entrance to the IT Office, Patron Space, and Season Long Program Guest Break. The lower level is accessible on the downhill side of the building and offers access to the NYSEF Office, Season Long Program Employee Locker Area. There is no elevator in this building.

Sunset Lodge

This building is located at the summit of the Belleayre Mountain and is reachable from the Catskill Thunder Gondola (accessible from the Discovery Base Lodge). A ramp providing wheelchair access is located next to entrance Sunset Lodge entrance. This lodge is not accessible by motor vehicle.

Winter Season

In common use at Belleayre are adaptive devices or other “manually powered mobility aids” for use on the slopes. Adaptive devices are any specialized equipment designed and manufactured primarily for use by individuals with disabilities, including without limitation, mono skis, bi skis, outriggers, etc. The Belleayre Snow Sports Center stocks such devices and more, including instruction with adaptive instructors.

Adaptive Lessons

Belleayre offers ski and snowboard lessons to individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. Trained staff work with those who are hearing or visually impaired, those with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and/or physical disabilities. All lessons are private, one-on-one with an instructor/coach, to better meet the participant’s specific needs. Staff can coordinate the best lesson opportunity to fit one’s needs, and adaptive equipment is included.

Non-Winter Operations

Belleayre is open to the general public during the summer and fall (June through October).

Although our accessible and fully enclosed eight-passenger Catskill Thunder Gondola is scheduled to provide scenic rides each day the mountain is open during the summer and fall, this lift is subject to substitution without notice due to heat index and other safety variables.

Scenic Gondola Policy

  • Adult passengers carrying children in their arms, backpacks, or other carrying devices, may ride in gondola cabins but not on chairlifts.
  • Service dogs are allowed in gondola cabins but not on any open air lift. No other animals are allowed on the gondola.
  • On chairlifts, all riders must be able to approach the loading area unassisted and be able to sit upright in their own seat. All riders must stay in their own seat for the duration of the ride (no lap sitting).
  • It is recommended that chairlift riders be at least 52 inches tall to ride on a chairlift alone and be able to raise and lower the restraint bar under their own power.
  • For the benefit of both guests and employees, we reserve the right to make the final decision regarding the eligibility and safety of a rider.
  • No smoking is allowed while on the Gondola.

 

Website Accessibility

Website Accessibility

ADA Website Policy

The Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. Our team is continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.

Conformance status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. ORDA’s GoreMountain.com is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard.

Service Animals

Service Animals

In accordance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and NYS Human Rights Law, ORDA welcomes service animals trained to assist a person with a disability, as well as service animals in training. A service animal is a dog or miniature horse. No other animals are permitted entry to ORDA facilities. For more information, please see ORDA’s Service Animal Policy.