GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES START OF 2016-17 SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING SEASON IN NEW YORK

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo officially declared the commencement of the 2016-17 skiing and snowboarding season this week with the opening of Whiteface Mountain on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, followed by Gore and Belleayre Mountains on Friday, November 25. Every winter season, skiing and snowboarding at New York’s 51 mountains attracts millions of visitors and generates $1 billion for the state’s economy.

“From skiing to skating and beyond, New York is home to some of the best outdoor winter recreational activities around, which attract millions of visitors all season long,” Governor Cuomo said. “With over 50 world-class ski resorts across the state, I encourage everyone to come discover all the Empire State has to offer.”

Whiteface Mountain received more than 15-inches of snow, and the staff has been preparing Excelsior, Summit Express, Upper Valley, Lower Valley, Fox and the Mixing Bowl for Thursday’s opening. Two lifts, as well as the Cloudsplitter Gondola, will service the skiers and riders.

Gore also received plenty of snow over the weekend. Six inches fell in North Creek and the resort resumed its snowmaking on Sunday. Five trails, Foxlair, Sunway, Quicksilver, 3b and Jamboree, are expected to open, serviced by the Northwoods Gondola.

Belleayre Ski Resort received more than 10-inches of snow from last weekend’s snowstorm and just like Gore, the mountain has been making snow since Sunday. The resort is expected to open with the Onteora and Running Bear trails and two lifts operating.

Lift tickets this weekend at Belleayre are $42, while at Gore, opening weekend prices are just $38 for adults, $29 for teens and seniors and $23 for juniors when guests donate a non-perishable food item while purchasing their ticket. Whiteface opens with lift ticket prices of $64 for adults, $52 for seniors and teens and just $42 for juniors. As always, children ages six and under can ski for free.

Trails and lifts are subject to change this weekend. Visit www.belleayre.com, www.goremountain.com and www.whiteface.com for the latest conditions.