The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) today announced the opening of Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, Gore Mountain in North Creek, and Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid. All three will open Friday, November 26 for the 2021-22 season. Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, NY will open Saturday, November 27.     
  

Whiteface Mountain will open with over 2 miles of terrain, spanning 30 acres. Skiers and riders will have access to five trails via the Face Lift chair and Cloudsplitter Gondola to Excelsior, Summit Express, Upper Valley, Lower Valley, and Fox trails. “We are excited to show off our newest improvements to lifts, lodges, and snowmaking, and we can’t wait to see our skiers and riders,” said Whiteface Mountain General Manager Aaron Kellett. Whiteface has modernized its entire snowmaking system, replaced its Bear Lift with a new quad out of the Base Area, and has completed all finish work on its Legacy Lodge at Midstation.  

Mt. Van Hoevenberg anticipates opening with over 2 kilometers of terrain. The new Nordic facility is eager to kickstart its season and display upgrades including a new climbing wall, wax rooms, lockers, RFID gates, and completion of its new state-of-the-art Mountain Pass Lodge. "After a successful 2020/21 season, we are eager to share our venue and world-class cross-country trails this winter,” said Mt. Van Hoevenberg General Manager Rebecca Dayton.    

Gore Mountain will be starting its season with over1.5miles of terrain connecting the Sunway, Wild Air, Pot Luck, and Arenatrails via the high-speed Adirondack Express. “We are committed to providing the best guest experience possible,” said Gore Mountain General Manager James Bayse. “With several recent improvements for our skiers and riders to enjoy, we are looking forward to seeing everyone this season.”  Gore’s 2021/2022 season features several trail enhancements, snowmaking modernizations, and infrastructure updates.  

Belleayre Mountain will open Saturday with over 2 miles of terrain on the Deer Run and Dot Nebel trails, serviced via the Catskill Thunder Gondola and Lift #8.  “With the improvements and major snowmaking upgrades, we are taking advantage of the recent cold temperatures to get the season underway,” said Belleayre Mountain General Manager Bruce Transue. Belleayre’s modernized snowmaking capabilities are supported by a new pump house and the addition of 235 more HKD snow guns.  Several improvements were also made to buildings and guest areas, including a new outdoor foodservice area and Base Area paving.

The Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games’ official mascot “Adirondack Mac” will be visiting Whiteface Mountain from 10:30am – 1:00pm, posing for pictures and greeting skiers and riders in the Base Lodge, at the base of the Cloudsplitter Gondola and Face Lift Chair, and at the summit of Little Whiteface.  Adirondack Mac will also be visiting Gore Mountain on Saturday at 10:30am. 

COVID-19 protocols include capacity restrictions including mask requirements in all buildings, online advanced ticketing requirements, and strategic safety signage and communications.  ORDA’s ticket products utilize RFID technology for touchless, hassle-free, and direct-to-lift access. ORDA also features new foodservice technology which allows guests to order meals ahead of time for convenient pickup.  ORDA encourages all guests to visit its websites to review COVID-19 protocols in detail.  “People want to be outdoors. Enjoying nature and the mountains helps maintain balance in our lives. We have been waiting for the winter weather and are excited to welcome our skiers and snowboarders back to our mountains and trails,” said Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO, Mike Pratt.     

The best prices for season passes are available through December 8, 2021.  For more information about tickets and passes, employment, opening schedules, improvement projects, and a current snow report, visit Whiteface, Gore, Belleayre, or Mt. Van Hoevenberg.