High Peaks Cyclery Mountain Adventures

If you’re serious about cross-country skiing and you’re anywhere near Lake Placid, this is your shop. If you want clarity instead of guesswork, go here first. Period. As a gym owner for over 20 years, I can confidently say Brian Delaney and his son Matt deliver a level of service that’s rare. Brian brings unmatched energy and genuine enthusiasm to help you get set up right. Matt pairs that with deep technical knowledge and the ability to explain the complex Nordic ski nuances (flex, camber, skin vs. waxable, kick zones, temp ranges) in simple, usable terms. I spent a couple of hours there and never felt rushed. They helped multiple customers seamlessly while still making me feel fully taken care of. Zero pressure to buy. In fact, I was steered toward a less expensive option because it was a better fit. That tells you everything. As a first-time waxable ski owner, they took the time to teach me kick wax application... not just “here’s the wax,” but how to think through wax selection based on snow temperature, air temperature, and conditions. I walked out not just with gear, but with real understanding and confidence, not confusion.

This is a great store and when I'm in Lake Placid, this is one of my destinations. I spent ski season this year at HPC seeing which XC classic and skate skis would be right for me. They have a great selection and was able to really learn about the different skis on the market. I was never rushed by the sales people in the store. HPC let me know they offered a Fischer Demo Day at Scott's Cobble. I ended up getting a great deal when I purchased my skis. Also was able to find a book that has been out of stock on their shelves; Ski & Snowshoe trails in the Adirondacks.

If I could give more than five stars, I would. I was in town for the Ironman and had a major wheel failure—these guys absolutely saved my race. They quickly swapped out the tire and got me a loaner and back on track. I used it during the race, and it performed perfectly. They truly went above and beyond, and I’m incredibly grateful. I'm not a super religious person but it was a bit of a "do you believe in miracles?" moment. Fitting for Lake Placid.

Matt was insightful and effective in helping me buy x-country, skating style ski equipment. He listened well and determined my boots were suited to classic style only, and not appropriate for what I was trying to learn. He showed me several choices from their broad inventory. The boots he sold me proved excellent for skate-style on the trails. Two days later, the ski technician on duty (Timothy?), who had skied since he was a kid and had competed in Nordic Combined events, showed me how to best use the bindings. A positive guy, Timothy also motivated me to get on the trails...he had skied 50 kilometers the day before! Great shop.

Looked like a great place at first, but one rude employee ruined the whole experience for me and my son. We were initially told that they have a skate-sharpening station but to come back later as they were under-staffed at that specific time. They actually pointed at the direction of the skate sharpener, showing that the station area was unmanned indeed. They were super nice and friendly, plus they clearly shared a common enthusiasm for our favorite sports, so we came back later. Yet, this time around, a different employee was at the back desk and was on a never-ending phone conversation. He rudely told us that he is on the phone and not to engage him when I thought that he was asking me what I want in between. We waited for 10 minutes for what sounded like a pointless phone conversation and then asked for skate sharpening. The guy was very short with us, said they don't do skates and to go somewhere else. That's it...no good bye, no good luck, no explanation about the skate sharpener that was right behind him or help suggesting other options in town. As we sheepishly walked out all perplexed, my 7th grader asked me how they stay in business with that attitude and not even knowing what services they provide. Go there if you feel like your blood pressure is too low.