The Bobsled and Luge Complex is located in Lake Placid, New York. Part of the Bobsled and Luge Complex is located in the Olympic Center. The Olympic Center housed some of the actual events of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. For example, in 1932, this is where figure skater Sonja Henie and Olympian Jack Shea won gold medals. This is also where the 1980 US hockey team won the gold medal.
There is much to do at the Bobsled and Luge Complex is home to the following activities: cross country skiing, the bobsled experience, the skeleton experience, snowshoeing, gondola rides, ice skating, the ski jump elevator tour, and the winter challenge. The Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum is also housed in the same facility.
The Bobsled and Luge Complex offers bobsled rides. These rides feature a professional brakeman and driver. Bobsled rides begin at the half-mile point of the track. The ride then winds through Shady, Labyrinth, and The Heart. Shady, Labyrinth, and The Heart are all turns that are known to bobsled racers around the world. The bobsled ride takes riders through one turn then banks high on the next turn. After that, the bobsled will pick up speed because it is on a straightaway.
Those taking advantage of the bobsled ride offered at the complex will receive a bobsled pin. In addition, they will receive a commemorative photo. They will also get a Lake Placid Bobsled Experience sticker. Riders receive membership in the US Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation as well. If riders decide to take a second bobsled ride, they will receive a 20% discount on the second ride.
In order to ride the bobsled, riders must be at least 48 inches tall. The fee for the bobsled experience is $65 for juniors. Juniors are considered to be anyone who is 12 years of age or younger. The bobsled experience is $70 for teens. Teens are considered to be anyone ages 13 to 19. The fee for adults wanting to experience a bobsled ride is $75.
The complex is home to Lake Placid's bobsled, luge, and skeleton track. The track hosted the first FIBT World Championships to take place outside of Europe. It was also the first place to hold the FIL World Luge Championships outside of Europe. The Bobsled and Luge Complex hosted these events in 1949 and 1983.
The bobsled and men's track includes 20 turns and is 1,455 meters long. The grade of the track is 9.8%. The skeleton track also has a 9.8% grade and includes 19 turns. The luge track is 1,130 meters and includes 19 turns.
Hours of operation and activity availability can vary. Anyone planning to visit the Bobsled and Luge Complex should contact the facility directly. Additional information about the Bobsled and Luge Complex, its hours of operation, and its activities can be obtained by calling 518-523-4436. Some of the activities offered are physically located at the Bobsled and Luge Complex. Other activities are located outside of the facility or nearby.
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