This photo from the Mirror Lake Inn’s archives shows visitors enjoying the lake. (Provided photo)

Owners of the Mirror Lake Inn have a lot to be proud of — the history of their establishment, the awards that keep coming for their hospitality service, including dining, and their ongoing commitment to the community of Lake Placid.

Over Labor Day weekend, the Weibrechts began celebrating the 100th anniversary of their property — originally called the Mir-a-Lak Inn on the shore of Mirror Lake, which opened in 1925.

Lake Placid News columnist Naj Wikoff did some digging into his own family history for a recent column; his grandmother, Climena Alford Wikoff, opened the hotel in the summer of 1925. A 1917 graduate of Lake Placid High School, she was an outstanding businesswoman, and the Weibrechts continue her legacy of offering world-class hospitality.

Despite the Great Depression, the inn continued to grow, adding guest rooms and making improvements, including the construction of the main dining room. For the 1932 Olympic Winter Games, the inn was winterized, and the Norwegian team rented the entire property, with speedskaters and skiers staying there while gold-medal figure skater Sonja Henie stayed at the Hotel Marcy. On Jan. 8, 1932, the News reported the team’s arrival in Lake Placid for the Olympics (Henie and other skaters came later that month).

“Arriving on the evening train (Jan. 6) and greeted by officials of the Olympic committee, they were taken to their hotel after being photographed as they left the train,” the News stated. “Here they found dinner awaiting them, the table being decorated to welcome the newcomers to their home while training for and participating in the Games. Great cheeses of their native land were stuck with tiny flags of Norway and all food which was served was of the nature to which they have been accustomed.”

A band plays music at the Mirror Lake Inn over Labor Day weekend. (Provided photo)

In 1933, Mrs. Wikoff changed the name of the Mir-a-Lak to the Mirror Lake Inn.

“The inn is featuring its special Sunday dinners, which are expected to attract many residents of Lake Placid, as well as those living in nearby North Country communities,” stated the May 26, 1933, issue of the News.

According to the Mirror Lake Inn, New Jersey business executive and avid skier Ed Weibrecht was tasked with managing the inn in 1976, with the understanding that if Mrs. Wikoff approved of his capabilities, he would become the new owner. The transition occurred a year later, and, as the inn offcials say, the Weibrecht family has continued to build upon Mrs. Wikoff’s foundation of providing guests with upscale service and an authentic Adirondack experience.

“Just like Climena, our inn’s employees strive to make our guests feel special and important,” Weibrecht said in a press release.

The Mirror Lake Inn secured 40 straight years of the AAA Four Diamond Award of Excellence. It also withstood a tragic fire in 1988 while preserving its Four Diamond status, served as a safe haven during the coronavirus pandemic, invested millions in renovations and improvements and added popular features like The Cottage Cafe and The View Restaurant, Lake Placid’s only AAA Four Diamond eatery. Additionally, a full-service European Spa and Salon was introduced.

We applaud the Weibrechts for continuing the Mirror Lake Inn as a family business that hosts world travelers every day. Ed and Lisa Weibrecht are passing the baton to their son Andrew; since retiring from his professional Alpine ski racing career in 2018, during which he won two Olympic medals now displayed at the hotel’s front desk, he and his wife Denja are fully immersed in the resort’s daily operations.

A press release noting the centennial celebration stated, “The time-honored tradition of ‘family serving families’ and creating cherished memories remains in good hands.”

We couldn’t agree more.