It has been over 40 years since Lake Placid last hosted the Winter Olympic Games, but Olympic enthusiasm is still palpable in this town in the Adirondacks. Locals and visitors alike are hoping for Lake Placid to host its third Winter Olympics, and that might be coming sooner than expected. 

The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to kick off in the Italian cities of Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 6, 2026. However, budget issues are preventing Milano and Cortina from hosting the sliding events, which include luge, bobsled, and skeleton. Lake Placid is home to two well-maintained, world-class sliding facilities and has submitted a bid to host the sliding events for the 2026 Winter Olympics. 

Why Won’t Italy Host the 2026 Sliding Events?

In October 2023, the Italian organizers of the 2026 Winter Olympics said they would not be able to host Winter Olympic sliding events. The original plan was for Milano-Cortina to host the sliding events in the historic Eugenio Monti track in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which was used in the 1956 Olympics. However, the Eugenio Monti track was closed 15 years ago. Organizers say that efforts to rebuild the track are too costly. As a result, International Olympic Committee officials are looking for alternatives outside of Italy to host the sliding events. 

Is Lake Placid a Possible Alternative for the 2026 Olympics?

In December 2023, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee submitted a bid to host the sliding events for the 2026 Olympics in Lake Placid. Other alternatives are expected to be considered as well, so there is no guarantee that Lake Placid will host the sliding events for the 2026 Olympics. Regardless, it seems likely that some events will likely be held outside of the host nation for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games. 

Immerse Yourself in Olympic History in Lake Placid

While it remains to be seen whether the 2026 Winter Olympics will be coming to Lake Placid, there’s an abundance of Olympic history to explore in this charming town. The team at Whiteface Lodge, a luxury lodge in Lake Placid, highly encourages our guests to visit the Olympic Center, where you can walk in the footsteps of legends.

The Lake Placid Olympic Museum features interactive exhibits, riveting displays, and North America’s second-largest collection of Winter Olympics artifacts. The Olympic Center is also home to several venues used in the games. These venues include the 1932 Jack Shea Arena and the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, both of which are open for skating. There’s also the Olympic Jumping Complex, which hosts the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.

Accommodations in Lake Placid Near the Olympic Sites

You can stay near all of Lake Placid’s Olympic venues and exhibits when you book your lodging with Whiteface Lodge. Our luxury resort in Lake Placid features fabulous amenities such as on-site dining options, a top-rated spa, an indoor-outdoor pool, and so much more. You can book your stay online or by calling 518-523-0505.