LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- It’s really no secret that New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) managed ski resorts are amongst the best in the east.  Just ask readers of SKI and Snoweast magazines, who year after year, tab Belleayre Ski Resort, in Highmount, N.Y.; Gore Mountain, in North Creek, N.Y. and Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y. as their favorite places to ski and ride.      

“Within ORDA we all believe that our ski resorts are amongst the best anywhere,” said ORDA chairman Pat Barrett.  “But we’re always excited that the people who come to our resorts think so too. It reaffirms the hard work and dedication of the staff that work there.”

It’s only been two years since ORDA took over the daily operations of Belleayre Ski Resort which is located just two and a half hours north of New York City. Skiers and riders have already noticed the changes in ticketing, rentals, the Overlook Lodge and dining in the Discovery Lodge. The resort has also been moving away from the diesel powered air compressors and moving to electric air compressors and purchased 90 low-energy, high-efficiency guns and 10 mobile electric fan guns over the past three seasons.

They have already taken notice of the better snow and SKI Magazine voted it number-one in all of New York State for snow quality and number-two in the Empire State for grooming.  Snoweast Magazine readers also chose the state’s oldest ski resort as their second Favorite Classic Resort in the east.

SKI Magazine readers also believe that skiing and riding Belleayre’s 50 trails and five glades is a great value, voting it second best in New York State, right behind Gore Mountain and its 112 trails.

With more skiing and riding trails than any other resort in New York State, and located just 90 minutes north of Albany, N.Y., it’s no wonder that year after year Gore is recognized for its variety of terrain.  SKI Magazine readers appreciate it so much that they have listed it as the top resort in the state of New York for its terrain variety.

Skiers and riders also appreciate Gore’s lift service, SKI Magazine readers ranked it eighth in the east, and this season service will be even better with the installation of the Adirondack Express II lift.  This high-speed quad replaces the 30 year-old Adirondack Express and once at the top, skiers and riders will have access to Gore, Bear, Burnt Ridge, and Little Gore Mountains and take in breathtaking scenery, ranked ninth in the east by Snoweast.

And when it comes to an overall winter experience, few resorts in the east, for that matter the United States, and even Canada, can match what Whiteface Mountain has to offer. From the big mountain ski experience to activities away from the slopes, the Olympic mountain sets itself apart from any other resort.

It’s because of this that readers of SKI Magazine readers have chosen Whiteface Lake Placid number-one for Off-Hill Activities 24 years in a row. Snoweast Magazine have also tabbed it their Overall Favorite Ski Resort in New York State and their Favorite Ski Destination.

The SKI Magazine’s readers also named Whiteface their fourth favorite spot in the east for Après Ski and Nightlife.

“We take a tremendous amount of pride in offering the skier and visitor a little bit of everything in the winter,” stated Ted Blazer, ORDA president/CEO.  “Where else can you ski an Olympic mountain, then enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime bobsled experience, world-class cuisine and shopping and take in a world-class show all in one weekend, or for that matter, one day.  This is what separates Whiteface, Wilmington and Lake Placid from all of the other ski resorts in the east and the country.”

So much so SKI Magazine also gave Whiteface Mountain high marks for its Scenery, (#4), Terrain and Challenge (#6), Dining (#6), Overall Character and Ambiance (#8), while also ranking it ninth in the east for Overall Skier and Rider Satisfaction. 

Skiers and riders are also paying attention to Whiteface Mountain’s quality of snow. The resort began transitioning to low-energy, high-efficiency snow guns last fall when it purchased 45 low-energy, high-efficiency guns, and more are on the way for this season. Snoweast Magazine readers noticed, voting it ninth best in the east for Favorite Snowmaking.

-- 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.