I'm planning to go in the 2nd week of January. Looking for places to stay near the ski area. (walking distance will be great if available) First time going

Lodging links at the ski area's web site - www.whiteface.com

As I recall, there is no on-mountain lodging at Whiteface. I think Wilmington, NY, will be the closest area for lodging, but even that will be at least a half mile from the slopes.

Could also stay a bit further in Lake Placid - once in town, you can walk to restaurants, shops, ice rink - but you'll still have to drive to the slopes.

Thanks for the info. Any hotels in particular ?

I've only stayed at the Best Western Golden Arrow. It was quite nice and conveniently located, and the rate are reasonable (although not cheap). I have friends who stay at The Adirondack Inn every summer and like it very much. Also, Mirror Lake Inn is quite nice from what I understand, but quite pricey.

We stayed at the Adirondak Inn in October, it was very basic, not much more than a motel. We didnt really like it but the lovely Mirror Lake Inn was sold out that weekend.

Are you skiing at Whiteface or Gore?

is my first time going which one is better to go sking ?

As a child, we spent a lot of time in Lake Placid (Ice Skating lessons).

Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Lodge
I second the Best Western Golden Arrow
There's a Ramada Inn
and there was a Holiday Inn on the hill behind the ice rink. I don't know if it's still there.

If this is your first time going (I assume you mean your first time skiing?) I would recommend Gore over Whiteface. Gore has many more intermediate and beginner trails. It is a very family-oriented place, it's really nice.Plenty big too!Accomodations in the Adirondacks can be a little tough. The closest place to Gore that is quite nice is the Copperfield Inn in North Creek. The various other motels and inns are all family-owned type places, and some are not in great repair. Others are fine - just very modest. Gore also has some nice condos nearby - go to the Gore web site for more lodging info. We almost booked accomdations at the Merrill Magee house in Warrensburg (about 40 minutes from Gore). It is very nice and has good food. There is a nice Bed and Breakfast in North Creek too - something with the word Goose in it. We are going to Tremblant instead though.

As a former ski instructor at the Whiteface I could asure you there are enough trails for the beginner skier at Whiteface. I suggest you stay in Lake Placid. If you really want to stay closer to the Whiteface I recommend the Hungry Trout Motel about a mile from the ski area. Nothing special about this motel but they have a good restaurant and their bar is famous as the after skiing gathering place for majority of instructors and skiers. Besides that there is nothing to do in the area close to the Whiteface and you are still have to drive to the Whiteface. If you decide to stay in Lake Placid there is a free shuttle connecting Lake Placid with the Whiteface. You won't have to drive your car if you don't want to but call the Whiteface directly and find out schedule and where does it depart from.

The Holiday Inn Lake Placid doesn't have rooms available on its website right now. But if you can get in there, it certainly was in a good location right in the midst of the village of Lake Placid.