Hey Tony, I'm glad you like the idea. Lake Placid is just north of the High Peaks area of the Adirondack Park (really beautiful region), the peaks average around 5.000 feet, there is a couple of passes coming from the south (I think their names are Cascade pass, and Indian pass). And I guess if you don't want to fly an unfamiliar pass, you could always clear the mountains ( weather permitting ) with a good height margin and then descend closer to the airport, or you could also fly the nearby Adirondack Regional,KSLK, VOR and then fly the radial to KLKP, around 8 nm, the terrain is flatter that way. I'm sure though that there are fellow JC members who flew here before and would have good advice.
As for lodging there is plenty in the area, and it will be cheaper now because is low season. Of course you are more than welcome to stay in my place, my wife just left to Mexico for a 5 week Yoga instructor course, so I wouldn't mind the company, and the chance to meet a fellow JC'er. I have a hyper-active Miniature Bull Terrier, Balboa, who will be very happy to have a guest, so if you decide to fly here and stay at my house, I really hope that you like dogs.
Peace.