LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – Grab and wax your skis, the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Nordic ski center, in Lake Placid, N.Y., is scheduled to open for the 2018-’19 season, Saturday, Nov. 17, weather and conditions permitting. The center’s earliest-ever planned opening comes after members of the U.S. para-Nordic ski team held their week-long training camp at the center.

Although Mother Nature has brought more rain than snow recently, the center is able to open due in part to TechnoAlpin Snowfactory technology. Mt. Van Hoevenberg is the only location in North America to have the machine, capable of making snow with temperatures as high as 60 degrees.

“This technology makes us less dependent upon weather and Mother Nature,” said Mt. Van Hoevenberg general manager Tony Carlino. “This is our third year utilizing the Snowfactory which has helped us tremendously to offer optimal conditions in minimal time, for all level of Nordic skiers no matter the weather.”

For those skiers who won’t have their equipment tuned in time for opening day and are looking to rent or purchase new equipment, the center’s Nordic shop will also be open.

Season passes for the 2018-’19 season are still available. Through November 26, adult passes are $200, while the senior pass is available for only $165 and the teen pass for $140. The junior all-season pass is only $70. Children six and under ski free.

Every Tuesday, excluding holidays, visitors can ski the center’s more than 50-kilometers of trails for just $10 and Mt. Van Hoevenberg is offering special rates for qualifying military guests, which include active U.S. or Canadian military, or immediate family of, or retired U.S. military. A valid military ID, designating active or retired status is required.

In North Creek, Gore Mountain’s Nordic center is scheduled to open, November 23, weather and conditions permitting. This center offers all levels of cross-country skiers snowmaking, lights and a pocket of well-designed and groomed trails for a one-of-a-kind Nordic experience.

For more information about all of the events and activities offered on ORDA’s Olympic venues, visit www.WhitefaceLakePlacid.com.

MEDIA ADVISORY – Media who would like to cover the Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s Nordic center’s opening day, contact Jon Lundin, ORDA director of communications, Email: JLundin@orda.org, Tel: (518) 523-1655.

-- 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.