LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- Renovation and construction projects at Lake Placid’s Olympic Jumping Complex are soaring. Permits are approved and contracts awarded as work has begun on the historic facility.

As part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s $70-million appropriation into the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) for capital improvements, the Olympic Jumping Complex renovations are on schedule.

“The projects modernize the facility and improve our ability to host events and training for athletes. The venue’s guests will enjoy the new gondola, glass enclosed elevator and zip lines too,” said ORDA president/CEO Mike Pratt.

The renovation and construction projects are part of the preparation for the recently awarded 2023 Winter World University Games and feature a new frost rail system for both the 90 and 120-meter ski jumps.  Frost rails are designed to maintain a consistent and reliable jumping surface. Additional underground infrastructure is also being installed, along with a new design for the outrun landing hills.  By re-grading the landing hills, the venue will not require as much snow to achieve the desired profile.

In addition, the current chairlift and transport system are being removed, making way for a new eight-person, state-of-the-art gondola.  Once completed, the ADA compliant gondola will carry athletes, coaches, officials, equipment and visitors from the complex’s base lodge to the base of the 90 and 120-meter ski jump towers. It will also deliver guests to the new zipline launch deck. 

From there, they will have access to the tower’s newly renovated glass enclosed elevator.  This elevator will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks and surrounding area. 

The zipline park is designed for all levels of adventurers with the excitement much like a Olympic Ski Jumper would experience in competition.  The most extreme of the four courses is expected to reach speeds of 60 miles-per-hour, have a 30-degree decline and navigate its way along the world-class ski jumps.

With last year’s completed renovations to the base lodge ORDA has seen an increase in both visitation and revenue.  With the addition of the zipline course, elevator improvements gondola and other upgrades, the facility is excited to welcome previous and new guests to the legendary site.

While ORDA manages the overall project, the Doppelmayr Garaventa Group has been awarded the installation of the gondola and transport system. 

Terra-Nova LLC is designing and installing the zipline course along with all its features.

Friend Commercial Contracting is overseeing the elevator upgrades, elevator tower’s curtain wall and window replacement.

Photos and renderings can be found HERE, courtesy of ORDA/Whiteface Lake Placid.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.