LAKE PLACID, N.Y.  – With consistent snowfall thus far, the 2016-‘17 winter season has already blanketed the Adirondacks in white, including the 56-kilometers of Nordic terrain at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Cross Country Ski Center. Coupled with the recent arrival of the Technoalpin Snowfactory, the ski season may be the best yet as the snowmaking technology creates snow in temperatures as high as 70-degrees.

Housed in an insulated shipping container, the machine quickly freezes water without any chemicals and delivers the ice crystals to a conveyor belt which then sprays the snow from the system. As one of 18 world-wide and the only one located in the Eastern United States, the Snowfactory produces about 2.3 tons of snow per hour, equating to 860 tons, or 1,000,728 lbs., of snow at Mt. Van Hoevenberg since December 1.

Warm temperatures and rain are of no consequence and the venue plans to blow snow 24/7 leading up the Junior National Championships in March. According to Nordic Programs and Events Manager, Kris Cheney-Seymour, “The Olympic venue’s initial goal of covering the stadium is near complete with next step plans to move snow to the trails via trucks.”

With the event as a priority, the Snowfactory is insurance for potential weak areas that may interfere with competition, and also eliminates the challenges presented by melting and rebuilding a base.

The cross country ski center is quickly becoming an off season destination for those that travel far and wide for snow during summer months. Given the ability to blow snow at any time and create groomable surfaces, it is quite possible skiing will take place in June.

Cheney-Seymour says that the result so far is “well received especially because it feels different from artificial snow. It’s easy, quick, durable yet soft and doesn’t make an icy surface. It’s the most exciting thing to happen for our skiers since the 1980 Olympics. It demonstrates our commitment to the future of Nordic sports and most importantly, no matter what winter brings, people can always ski at Van Ho.”

For more information about all of the events and activities on ORDA Olympic venues, log onto www.WhitefaceLakePlacid.com.  

-- 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.