Whiteface is easily my favorite ski area in New York and one of my five favorites in the northeast. It has the highest vertical drop in the northeast, at 3216, and this vertical drops steadily and truely from the top of the Summit Quad to the base of the ski station. Its second vertical from Little Whiteface Peak is also huge, at 2432 feet. Whiteface has a variety of challenging and interesting trails from its two peaks that can hold one's interest for days. The wonderful views from Little Whiteface peak encompass the high Adirondack peak range. The snow conditions at Whiteface may not be as good as those at the major New england resorts because it can miss some of the coastal storms and does not have as abundant snow-making. However, when I skied there, the conditions were pefect. One can stay a short distance away at Lake Placid which has a large number of good hotels and restaurants.