Lake Placid, New York - March 4, 2010
Every winter, just like clockwork, Lake Placid becomes a winter paradise. But if traditional winter sports aren't your thing, this might be. It's an activity perhaps best described as sledding on steroids.
"You're just kind of flying down and then you get on the ice and it's so exhilarating," said Cameron Boure of Massachusetts.
Built in 1964, Lake Placid's toboggan chute is actually a 30-foot tall converted ski jump.
Locals call it a hidden gem of sorts, which may come as a surprise once you've heard just how loud people scream on the way down.
Unlimited trips down the icy chute cost just $5 per person.
The fun begins with a climb to the top, but what goes up, must come down. In this case at speeds close to 40 mph.
"It's something out of this world," said Amanda Tucciarone, of New Hartford, N.Y. "It doesn't look too fast when you start."
The ride ends on frozen Mirror Lake where on a good day sledders can slide as far as 1,000 feet across the ice.
"There aren't many sports where you can go this fast and there's no skill required," said Rick Cassidy of Lake Placid.
It's the perfect activity for young and old; dog or feline.
"Duke did OK," Boure said of his dog. "He doesn't really like sleds. He's been barking at them all day, but he did all right."
There are only a handful of toboggan chutes throughout the northeast and most of them in Canada. The good news about the one in Lake Placid is anyone can try; there is no skill required. The bad news is the chute is currently closed due to warm weather. The park's department hopes to open it back up just as soon as the temps turn colder for a few days.
Click here for more information.
Keagan Harsha - WCAX News
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