On the last day of my ski trip I stopped in Lake Placid to do the Bobsled run at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. I booked my run online a month ago to insure that I would have a slot early in the day. Located about 10 minutes outside of the town is the Olympic complex with the bobsled run and the cross-country ski area. When I got there they were doing a large youth cross-country ski competition which was cool to watch. Parking was easy and I actually got a spot fairly close to the complex. The building is outstanding with facilities for the cross-country ski area, ski shops, a cafeteria and even a climbing wall. The building if very modern and well set up. The check-in for the bobsled is upstairs at the Swik store. You are given a buzzer and they buzz you when they are ready for you to go up to the track. While waiting I checked out the skiing for a bit and then hung out at the cafe area where one large TV had the skiing on and the other showed people coming down the bobsled run, what a great way to get ready and excited. Once the buzzer when off I was escorted behind the building where we were loaded into a SUV to take us up the track. There is a small building where you are fitted with a motorcycle helmet and googles. I was able to get a helmet with an action camera mount on the top so I could video the run. The staff was great, getting us fitted and taking pictures. You then go to the bobsled run and get loaded on the sled. The driver explains the process and gets you all set. The run itself is totally awesome, like the best roller coaster ride you can imagine. You get thrown about a bit and there is plenty of chatter, but I felt completely safe the whole time. If you are looking for a unique thrill ride and are anywhere near to Lake Placid you should consider doing the bobsled run at Mount Van Hoevenberg. read more

See all

This place is very big and looks to have a lot to offer! My family and I came here specifically for the cliff side mountain coaster and it was a good time! You can book your tickets in advance, but they do leave room for walk-in guests. We went on a Sunday, and while they were sold out online, we got there right at 10am and had no problem getting tickets and were riders 13+ of the day. One rider is loaded every 2 minutes, so if 20+ people were in line you'll be waiting a while. We were told they ride about 30 passengers an hour. The ride has a narrative the whole way through, on the way up and down. This is the third mountain coaster I've done and I really liked the narrative throughout! It was a fun right, but goes by quick. I thought the price of $55 per adult was steep (other mountain coasters I've done were no more than $30 each), but this one includes a picture. After your ride be sure to go back into the main building and past the ticketing center to get your free pics. read more

See all

Mount Van Hoevenberg is a premiere location for all your cross-country skiing and sliding needs! What an adventure! Managed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority, this location is perfect for beginners and athletes alike! As a new cross-country ski owner, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to test out my new gear on the very well-maintained trails of this complex. My day started at the new Mountain Pass Lodge where I was able to peruse the retail space, obtain my RFID pass, and check out their food court/event space. I was on my skis in no time checking out the extensive trail map. From the lodge, it was seconds to the first biathlon range and another stone's throw to check out the 1980 Stadium space. The recreational trails are clearly marked on both map and trail with adequate descriptions of difficulty. Lots of fun ups and downs, bridges, tunnels, scenery. My husband and I caught Olympic fever on our most recent visit (how could we not with the 2022 Winter Olympics coinciding with our time in the area!). We decided to splurge and participate in the Bobsled Experience. Their half-mile track zooming by at 55 mph is thrilling for sure. On the day of our reservation, we were shuttled to the top of the track, fitted for safety helmets, and paired with a bobsled driver. Unique to be able to experience something like this. When they say it is not recommended for individuals with neck/back and heart problems, take their advice... it is a bumpy and jarring (but incredibly fun) ride! Parking is plentiful. Everyone we encountered was very nice and helpful. I can't wait to go back! read more

See all

I'm surprised to be the first to recommend the Cliffside Coaster -- it is FANTASTIC! And what a unique experience to get to go alongside the bobsled course used in both Winter Olympics that were hosted in Lake PLacid -- 1932 & 1980. As the marketing materials say -- "a chance to experience the old bobsled course with a modern twist." You really don't have to do anything except sit and enjoy the ride -- but if you want to "depress" the handles, you will go faster. I can't say it any better than "Thrilllist" does -- "The longest mountain roller coaster in the United States just opened for visitors, and it's no ordinary ride. The 1.4-mile-long Cliffside Coaster emulates an Olympic bobsled experience, both in design and terrain. Located on Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, New York, the coaster runs alongside actual bobsled tracks used in the 1932 & 1980 Winter Games. The ride is equipped with an audio system that helps visitors understand what it was like to be an Olympic bobsledder as they maneuver up the hill. Once the bobsleigh completes its climb, riders gain control, navigating the track's twists and turns at their own pace." Have fun! Which is guaranteed!!! read more

See all

$55 and we waited 40 minutes. The ride lasted 7 minutes. We had so much more fun doing curling at the skating rink for $15.00. Do yourself a favor and save your $ on this one. This really should be a $15.00 ride at most. Way way way too much $ for this one. read more

We visited Mt. Van Hoevenberg for the bobsled experience. It was certainly unique and a lot of fun, but there were some drawbacks. I'll start with the good. The facility is quite impressive and fun to visit. The bobsled track you go down is touted as one of the most technical in the world, and the equipment they use and the driver of the bobsled seemed to be top notch. And the ride was quite exhilarating! (Tip: the ride was quite bumpy as we were the last ride of the day and the ice was worn down, so go early for a smoother ride). Outside of the ride, however, the experience left a lot to be desired. You arrive and are immediately driven up to the top of the bobsled track. You're quickly given a helmet and taken over to the track. You wait for a couple of minutes and then go down the run. There's no tutorial of how a bobsled works, discussion of the track, or anything else--they just plop you in the sled and take you down, and afterwards drive you back to the lodge. It all felt very rushed and uninformative, and the staff were clearly quite tired and seemed overworked and excited to get us out of there quickly. Overall, I'd consider doing a bobsled experience again, but at $250 for two of us, I'd expect a lot more than this. read more

Mt. Van Hoevenberg - Bobsledding Near Me - Lake Placid, New York

See all

Made reservations & paid online. Booked a 4 day weekend trip around this experience & got a phone call the day before (already in route to Lake Placid) they canceled for Covid! So disappointed! read more