Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today kicked off the 2015-‘16 skiing and riding season and announced that Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., will open on Thursday, November 26, and Gore Mountain, in North Creek, N.Y., on Friday, November 27. Every winter season, skiing and riding at New York's 51 mountains attracts millions of visitors and generates $1 billion for the state's economy. 

"The ski industry is vital to New York's economy during the winter months," Governor Cuomo said. "With more ski resorts than anywhere else in the United States, New York is a must-visit destination for all skiers and riders and their families. I invite all visitors to see for themselves all this state has to offer."‎

Six trails are expected to be open at Whiteface. The Cloudsplitter Gondola will take skiers and riders to the summit of Little Whiteface where they’ll find intermediate trails to include Excelsior, Summit Express and Upper and Lower Valley. The Mixing Bowl, a beginners trail, is also open for Parallel from the Start and Learn to Snowboard beginner programs and lessons. 

The mountain’s Face Lift quad chair is expected to be open Friday. Lift tickets are $64 for adults and $42 for juniors and seniors.

Gore Mountain plans to kick off the winter season late morning on Friday. Guests can enjoy the popular 1.25-mile Showcase trail serviced by Adirondack Express II, the resort’s newest and most luxurious lift.  Showcase is for intermediates and experts and descends 1,500’ vertical. Snowguns are also at work on the Sunway, 2B, Lower Sleighride and Arena trails, so skiers and riders should look for Gore’s snowmakers to be expanding terrain as quickly as temperatures allow. 

Opening weekend ticket prices are just $38 for adults, $29 for teens, and $20 for juniors when guests donate a non-perishable food item at the window. 

New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO Ted Blazer said, "ORDA ski resorts spent the off-season discovering new ways in which they could enhance customer service, from the time guests arrive at the resort, to when they pack up their skis and boards at the end of the day. Through new technology and communication between the staff and guest, we've greatly improved and personalized our customer service, with the overall goal of creating customer loyalty and growing skiing and riding to the millennial market."

Empire State Development Executive Director of Tourism and I Love New York Gavin Landry said, "New York is home to more ski areas than any other state in the nation, making it the perfect daytrip or weekend getaway for ski lovers everywhere. This winter is a great time to visit Whiteface Mountain to enjoy the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies, and the beauty and fun of Lake Placid."

Whiteface General Manager Aaron Kellett said, "It's been an interesting autumn weather wise, but thanks to a stellar crew and recent investments in snowmaking technology we are able to make tons of snow in a very short amount of time and open early again this year."

Gore General Manager Mike Pratt said, “We are already seeing the energy savings from utilizing these new guns. We’ve been able to resourcefully capitalize on colder weather when it’s been available, while preparing other trails to open as well.”

Downstate skiers and riders have easy access to New York's mountains thanks to the I LOVE NEW YORK Bus, operated by Hampton Jitney. The bus offers transportation from New York City and Long Island for day trips to ski areas including Belleayre, as well as an overnight trip to Whiteface. Packages with lessons and equipment are available. More details and booking information are available here.

Trails and lifts are subject to change this weekend. Please visit www.whiteface.com and www.goremountain.com before coming to the mountain for the latest conditions.

 Photos from the 2014-15 skiing and riding season at Whiteface can be found here, here and here.

-- 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.