WILMINGTON, N.Y. --- How many of us have woken up one morning and said, “Hey, I want to learn how to ski or snowboard today?”  While I’m not too sure how many, some may just be thinking… “How can I enjoy winter more?” To that I say, embrace the season and all of the activities it brings.

When it comes to winter leisure activities, skiing and snowboarding offer the best in scenery and time with family and friends and you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to enjoy it. Spending time in the mountains arching out turns on snow covered trails is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and quickly learned.  In fact, Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., has introduced thousands of people to winter recreation through its learn to ski program called Parallel from the Start.

Developed by snowsports instructors at Whiteface Mountain, Parallel from the Start is specifically geared toward those ages 13+ looking to get into the sport. It’s about confidence and quick advancement. The combination of instruction and shorter skis allow beginners to feel comfortable from their very first minute on snow. The program immediately builds confidence for a fun experience and guarantees that participants will be skiing from the top within just three days.

To show people just how easy it can be, Whiteface is offering an exclusive opportunity for beginners to try skiing and snowboarding their first time free. From Dec. 8-11, guests who register for the Parallel from the Start or Learn to Snowboard will learn to ski or ride for free, just by calling 518-946-2223 ext. 328 and making your reservation.

SKI3 WITH ME Referral Program

“Introducing new people to snow sports is one of our key objectives this winter,” says ORDA president/CEO Ted Blazer, “Everyone knows someone that would like to get out more during the winter months, so we’ve created a viral opportunity to share an exclusive beginner discount with friends, while also earning rewards toward more mountain fun.”

Sign up on SKI3WithMe.com and save an extra $20 off of the $169 Parallel from the Start or Learn to Snowboard 3-day program.

That’s right you get thee days of beginner lift tickets, three days of professional instruction and three days of specialized rental equipment (that’s less than $50 per day). Can’t commit to all three days at once? No problem, guests can use this program any three days of the 2014-‘15 season at any of the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority’s (ORDA) three mountains; Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre.

Once registered, you can share SKI3 WITH ME's exclusive offer with friends and family so you have someone to learn with this winter. You’ll earn points every time someone signs up and even more points when someone redeems your offer.

Whiteface Re-opening this Weekend for the Season

Whiteface is scheduled to re-open for skiing and riding this Friday, Nov. 21, and remain open through the weekend, before closing at 4 p.m. Sunday. Full, seven-day operations (conditions permitting) begin Wednesday, Nov. 26. Lift ticket prices this weekend are $40 for adults, $35 for teens and seniors and $30 for juniors. Early season rates will start on Wednesday.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.