By 1900, the little village of Lake Placid had developed into a major summer resort, known both nationally and internationally. 7 large hotels, plus a number of smaller inns and boarding houses, catered to vacationers from all over the world. The period between 1880 and 1900 has become known historically as Lake Placid 's "golden age of hotels". The St. Moritz Hotel fits into the category by a hair. Albert Stickney, born in Michigan , and his wife Etta Littlejohn Stickney arrived in Lake Placid in 1899 and proceeded to build an inn called "The Pines" on Saranac Avenue . It could accommodate 25 guests and opened the summer of 1900. An attractive small three-story building with ample porches, and surrounded by trees and spacious front lawn, it was a successful venture from the start.

The Stickneys sold the inn to Paul J. Augsberger in 1923. It was Augsberger who renamed the inn "St. Moritz Hotel" and soon defined the place for all time. Purportedly in 1926, a large 6-story addition swallowed up original inn and shortly the front of the hotel was faced with brick.

In 1960 Eugenio Monti and his championship Italian team were quartered there.

When the World Bobsled Championships were held here in 1961, the St.Moritz was headquarters for the Italian and Swiss teams.

The St. Moritz was also the scene of the opening and closing banquets and Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York presided as the guest speaker. In the 1960s Lake Placid had developed a famous junior ski jumping team known throughout the nation. Many events were held in Lake Placid and the St. Moritz provided housing and feeding for visiting junior jumpers.

The Schaefer Brewing Company became sponsor of Lake Placid's North American Winter Festivals and the St. Moritz became headquarters for President Rudolph Schaefer and other company officers.

It was the headquarters of New York State Assemblyman Grant Johnson in his campaigns.

The St. Moritz was also the scene of at least one Democratic affair. In the fall of 1960, Robert F. Kennedy, as campaign manager for his brother John F. Kennedy, seeking the Presidency, was barnstorming the Country. He flew to Lake Placid in his twin-engine Beech craft on October 9, 1960. He was met at the Lake Placid Airport by a large contingent of Democratic officials and supporters from Essex County. A caravan of about 50 cars, with horns blaring, then proceeded up Main Street to the St. Moritz Hotel for a coffee hour and an inspiring talk by Kennedy.

Frank Segger and Jill Cardinale Segger purchased the hotel in May of 2004. Frank, originally from the Pfalz area of Germany, had moved to the US in 1998 when he and Jill married. They lived in Claverack, NY until moving into the hotel shortly before purchasing the property. Upon first seeing the hotel they were instantly attracted to its' nostalgia. Impressed with the long and exciting history of the building, they renamed the Hotel "The Pines of Lake Placid" and proceeded to plan a renovation of their new HOME. Soon after they realized that they actually offered a more "Inn Style" experience for the guests - welcoming them into their home. So the name was altered to "The Pines Inn".

A new restaurant was opened at the inn. "Duncan's Grille", a casual eating and drinking establishment offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and service on the beautiful veranda. The grand ballroom was also opened and is available for special functions and events.

Almost a century old, by virtue of its inner core, "The Pines" endures. Many hotels have come and gone in Lake Placid over its long history as a resort. The old landmark still dominates the crest of Saranac Avenue. It is the last survivor of Lake Placid's "golden age of hotels".