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The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority has announced a lineup of events celebrating the 45th anniversary of the iconic 1980 Winter Olympic Games through March 8!

The official theme song of the 1980 Games was "Give It All You Got," and this is the key message underscoring the celebratory events this year.

Here's what's happening:

February 13 - 24
Enjoy community skating on the Oval, with special 45th-anniversary events and free tickets for registered local students and their families. Skate while listening to the official song of the 1980s Games and other Olympic-themed music.

February 17 - 23
Lake Placid will participate in the USA Hockey's national celebration with themed events, including USA Day, Volunteer Appreciation Day, and Hockey Jersey Day with a 1980 twist (wear your vintage 1980 jersey, or any USA hockey team jersey).

February 20 - 24
The Olympic Center will be illuminated in gold to honor Eric Heiden's remarkable five gold medals and red, white, and blue in celebration of the "Miracle on Ice" hockey victory.

February 22, 4pm to 6pm
Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton will be at the Olympic Oval. Guests can participate in a commemorative skate honoring those impacted by cancer during Sk8 to Elimin8.

February 23
The Lake Placid Olympic Museum will offer $5 admission during Golden $5 Day in honor of Eric Heiden's legendary achievement.

On Tuesdays, 11am to 12pm
Go behind the scenes at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum by exploring their archives and getting to check out objects not currently on display. 

On Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm to 3:30pm
Visitors have the unique opportunity to hold the 1980 torch and learn about torch relay.

On Saturdays in February, 10am
Journey through time at the Gallery Talk to revisit the world, nation, and village of Lake Placid as they were during the 1980s Games.

March 6 - 16
Art enthusiasts can participate in the Best Ever Bobsled Art Contest at Mt. Van Hoevenberg.

March 7
Come out for the Soft Opening Art in Sport Exhibit, showcasing Olympic art by LeRoy Neiman and others, focusing on the intersection of art and sport.

March 8
Watch the special North Country Art in Sport Awards Ceremony, honoring student artists from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties, celebrating the spirit of Olympism through artistic expression.

Also: Visit the upper finish deck at Mt. Van Hoevenberg to see the 10'x15' Flag Mural.

Visit LakePlacidOlympicCenter.com for more information!

Big Upgrade Hits Ski Mountain, Ushering in a New Era

A new three-person chairlift is now operating at McCauley Mountain Ski Area in the southwestern Adirondacks, offering skiers and snowboarders something very special to celebrate this winter! The mountain’s outdated double chairlift was replaced by the Partek triple chairlift this January.

A Much-Needed Upgrade

The old double chairlift was the only one that reached the summit and was in danger of a major breakdown, which would have prevented the skiers from accessing the upper areas.

Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, town officials took action and secured the Hudson Triple from Gore Mountain’s North Creek Ski Bowl.

Fast-Track Installation

This new addition was completed in just six months, whereas lift installations typically take longer. Thanks to the strong collaboration, the old lift was removed in spring of 2024, work began end of July, and by January 2025, the new one was up and running.

In an article by the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, former town board member Kurt Gardner, who has been heavily involved in the chairlift replacement, called the project “the Miracle on McCauley,” referencing the famous Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid.

“You guys have the ‘Miracle on Ice’ up there,” he said. “And now we have the Miracle on McCauley as far as I’m concerned.”

More Improvements on the Way

The chairlift isn’t the only upgrade happening at McCauley Mountain. Several other improvements are in the works, including:

• Expanded terrain access – Enhancements aimed at opening more trails earlier in the season and maintaining better snow conditions throughout winter.
• New snowmaking equipment – Upgrading outdated compressors to allow high-efficiency snow guns to operate at full capacity.
• A magic carpet lift – Replacing one of the bunny hill’s rope tows to create a more beginner-friendly experience.

With family-friendly terrain, a passionate ski community, and new infrastructure, McCauley Mountain is entering an exciting new chapter. Ready to ride the new triple chairlift? Plan your visit today!

Source: Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Whimsical Wild Lights Return to the Wild Center

The popular Wild Lights walk-through attraction is back at The Wild Center! Wander through magical winter woods and take in not only thousands of dazzling lights, but "forest music" as well, for a truly immersive experience.

Here's what to know:

• Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for kids 5o to 17, free for 4 and younger*
• Wild Lights is open Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 8pm through February 22
• Holiday Hours: They'll be open nightly December 26 to 31, and February 14 to 22

*Tickets for Wild Lights are separate from the regular museum admission.

Visit their website to purchase tickets online!