Start spreading the news, because it is shaping up to be a season full of new capital improvements at New York ski resorts.

In Ski NY’s 2023-24 capital project announcement, they detailed the major projects that are happening across the Empire State. This includes new chairlifts, snowmaking upgrades, and major renovations.

Here are the biggest improvements coming to New York ski resorts this winter. But first, here are some honorable mentions:

• Bristol Mountain opened up a year-round freestyle training facility. Called the Greater Rochester Amateur Athletic Federation (GRAFF) Summer Aerial Freestyle Training Site, it includes one of the few water ramps in the country. Other improvements include a redesigned skier bridge on the Milky Way trail, along with widening and making snowmaking upgrades to the Upper North Star trail.
• The Hickory Ski Center is getting ready to reopen this season for the first time in years thanks to an investment from the Indy Pass and us here at Unofficial Networks.
• Maple Ridge began a three-year, $3 million snowmaking project. The first phase, which happened this summer, resulted in the installation of a new snowmaking pipe system, which will increase their snowmaking capacity by up to 39%.
• Plattekill widened and added snowmaking to the I Think I Can trail. Other improvements include a new maintenance building, new decking for the base lodge, and new demo gear.
• The Windham Mountain Club went through a luxury-focused rebrand. New restaurants are opening across the ski resort, which includes an Italian Alps-themed dining facility around the mid-mountain area.

5. Gore Mountain: Gore’s major project this offseason was the replacement of their beginner chairlift. In its place is the Bear Cub Quad, which is double the length compared to the old chairlift. The conveyer-load quad chairlift gives beginners more terrain to check out and allows for easier access to the Sunway Chair. The new chairlift is making its debut tomorrow, December 16th. In addition, two magic carpet lifts have been added to the learning area, allowing for a simpler learning progression process.

To prepare for their major improvements to the North Creek Ski Bowl next year, they made significant snowmaking upgrades in this terrain pod.

4. Belleayre: The old Lift 7, which was a fixed-grip triple chairlift, was replaced with a new fixed-grip quad chairlift. The Overlook Quad, which opened earlier this season, has increased rider capacity and reliability. In conjunction with the new chairlift, they added a skier bridge, making access to Lift 7 much easier.

Major snowmaking improvements were also made. These included replacing 27,000 feet of snowmaking pipe, along with adding 250 HKD Impulse R5 tower guns and 5 SMI Super PoleCats.

3. Holiday Mountain: For years, the Catskills ski area appeared to be on the brink of closing. Most of the terrain and lifts across its three peaks were closed, but the ski area has been given new life thanks to new ownership. This offseason, they’ve spent millions of dollars to update the mountain. This includes restoring major snowmaking improvements, creating a new snow tubing slope, restoring neglected ski trails, updating their chairlifts, and renovating their base lodges.

Next winter, they will be installing a new chairlift, which they acquired from a ski resort in Virginia. Click here to learn more about all the projects they’ve worked on this offseason.

2. Holiday Valley: They’re celebrating like they’re in New Orleans this winter at Holiday Valley, as they have opened a new chairlift. The Mardi Gras Express was replaced this offseason with a high-speed six-pack chairlift, providing Holiday Valley with more capacity and further modernizes its lift fleet.

Other improvements included a new PistenBully 600 groomer, upgraded snowmaking equipment, a renovation of John Harvard’s restaurant, and room renovations at the Inn at Holiday Valley.

1. Whiteface: Probably the biggest chairlift project in New York this past offseason was The Notch. This high-speed detachable quad chairlift starts at the Bear Den base area, has a mid-station on the Borren trail, and the top terminal drops riders off next to the Legacy Lodge. The lift allows beginners to make their next steps toward big-mountain skiing. It also gives more tenured skiers and riders a reason to park at the Bear Den base area, as they can now reach the upper mountain much easier from that side. This chairlift made its debut last weekend.

The Bear Den Learning Center also saw some updates. The Cub Carpet lift was reoriented to make it easier for beginners to reach. In addition, the Falcon Flyer triple chairlift received some updates.

Other additions include a haul rope replacement and new grip hardware for the Cloudsplitter Gondola, 150 new high-efficiency snow guns with water/air lines, and two new PistenBully 600W snow cats.

Image/Video Credits: Whiteface Mountain (Featured Image), Holiday Valley (Header Image), Gore Mountain, Belleayre, Holiday Mountain

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The Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), which runs Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface, has chosen its new leader.

On Monday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Ashley Walden has been appointed as the new President & CEO of ORDA. Walden was a member of USA Luge’s Olympic and World Cup Teams. After retiring from luge, she went on to work in numerous sports leadership roles, which included the Executive Director of the Adirondack Sports Council.

While working for the Adirondack Sports Council, she organized the 2023 Winter World University Games. The multi-sport event, which was hosted at ORDA facilities, saw athletes from “over 50 countries and approximately 600 universities.”

Ashley is succeeding Mike Pratt, who has spent the last 38 years with the organization. Starting in 2017, he was the President & CEO of ORDA. During his time as the leader, the state spent over $600 million to revitalize its facilities, which included new lifts, lodges, and snowmaking improvements at Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface.

Governor Hochul said the following in the press release about Ashley and the future of ORDA:

“Congratulations to Ashley Walden, who brings dedication, leadership and deep sports knowledge to the Olympic Regional Development Authority. I want to thank Mike Pratt for his 38 years of dedication and leadership of the Olympic Authority, which have been among the best in the Olympic Authority’s history. Building on the State’s recent generational investments in our Olympic facilities and the successful FISU 2023 World University Games, the future of winter sports in New York State is bright.”

For the next couple of seasons, many improvements will be happening at the ski resorts that are a part of ORDA. Next winter will see a new detachable quad at Whiteface, a new beginner Quad at Gore, and a new Lift 7 at Belleayre. The 2024-25 season will see a new high-speed quad and lodge at Gore’s North Creek Ski Bowl.

Click here to read ORDA’s latest annual report.

Image Credits: Olympic Regional Development Authority

August 9 is the last day to get discounted rates on Gore Mountain Season Passes.

When it comes to skiing on the East Coast, there’s one mountain that is utterly underappreciated: Gore Mountain, New York. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Gore has long been a favorite of skiers and snowboarders from across the region. But what makes it so unique?

First and foremost, it’s the terrain. Gore is one of the largest ski areas in the East, with over 400 skiable acres and 107 trails. But what really sets it apart is the diversity of terrain. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone at Gore. From the wide-open cruisers of the Sunway Trail to the technical tree skiing of the Chatiemac Glades, there’s a challenge for every level of skier or snowboarder.

But it’s not just the size of the mountain that’s impressive. It’s the quality of the snow. Gore is known for its natural snowfall – in fact, it’s one of the snowiest places in the entire East. But what’s really impressive is the way the mountain manages that snow. With state-of-the-art grooming equipment and an experienced team of groomers, Gore is able to transform even the most challenging terrain into smooth, enjoyable runs.

Another thing that sets Gore apart is its commitment to sustainability. The mountain has taken a number of steps to reduce its environmental impact, including installing a 10-acre solar farm that generates enough energy to power 100% of the mountain’s snowmaking operations. In addition, Gore has implemented a number of energy-saving measures, such as using high-efficiency snowmaking equipment and LED lighting throughout the resort. It’s a refreshing change from the industry’s often-wasteful approach to energy consumption.

But perhaps the most unique thing about Gore is the community that surrounds it. There’s a real sense of camaraderie among skiers and snowboarders at Gore – a feeling that everyone is in it together, united by a love of the mountain and the sport. Whether it’s the local families who have been skiing at Gore for generations or the die-hard skiers who make the pilgrimage from across the region, there’s a shared sense of excitement and appreciation for what the mountain has to offer.

And then there are the events. Gore is known for its lively and diverse event calendar, which includes everything from live music and beer tastings to ski races and on-mountain scavenger hunts. Whether you’re a serious skier or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, there’s always something happening at Gore.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about Gore is its dedication to excellence. From the quality of the snow to the variety of terrain, everything about the mountain is top-notch. And it’s clear that the staff at Gore take great pride in their work. Whether it’s the friendly and helpful lift operators or the skilled instructors at the ski school, everyone at Gore is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for skiers and snowboarders.

In the end, it’s the combination of these factors that makes Gore Mountain such a unique and special place. From the quality of the terrain to the commitment to sustainability to the sense of community, everything about Gore sets it apart from the rest of the ski industry. And it’s clear that the mountain will continue to be a favorite of skiers and snowboarders for years to come. So if you haven’t had the chance to ski at Gore yet, make sure to put it on your list. You won’t be disappointed.

A 47-year-old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, was gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Monday. According to a press release from the park, the woman sustained major injuries to her chest and abdomen and a helicopter took her to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

The woman was walking near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the morning of July 17 when she, along with one other individual, spotted two bison. They reportedly began moved away from the animals when one charged and gored her. Exactly how close the two got to the bison is unknown, and Yellowstone has made no more information related to the incident, including the woman’s current condition, public.

This is the first bison attack occuring in Yellowstone this year, with an incident last occurring back in June of 2022. That incident involved a 34-year-old man from Colorado who sustained an injury to his arm after a bison gored him near the Giant Geyser at Old Faithful.

Yellowstone Bison

Yellowstone National Park has a large amount of dangerous wildlife, and it’s important to understand exactly how to interact with animals when you encounter them. You should give any animal plenty of space, but large animals specifically require at least 25 yards (bison, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes). While predators are cool to see in the wild, bears and wolves need at least 100 yards to ensure safety.

Bison are in rut (mating season) from mid-July to mid-August. During these periods, people give them even more space, as they can become more easily agitated. Bison can run significantly faster than people, and have quite a lot of agility.

Yellowstone’s bison population is the largest of its kind on public land, comprising of around 5,900 bovine. In 1902, poachers had decimated the population in the park, bringing it down to just around a couple dozen.

Related: Tourist Gets Dangerously Close To Bison @ Antelope Island State Park

Featured Image Credit: katsrcool from Edmond, OK, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The next few years for Gore Mountain in New York will be transformative. Last Friday, Gore, the Olympic Regional Development Authority (which operates the ski resort), and the Town of Johnsburg announced the timeline for the new chairlift, lodge, and zip coaster at the North Creek Ski Bowl. All three projects will break ground in 2024, with the chairlift projected to operate during the 2024-25 season, and the lodge opening in 2025.

NEW SKI BOWL LODGE, CHAIRLIFT, & ZIP COASTER AT THE NORTH CREEK SKI BOWL!
In partnership with the Town of Johnsburg and the State of New York, Gore Mountain will break ground for the North Creek Ski Bowl Lodge, a new Hudson Chair, and Zip Coaster in 2024. https://t.co/yB79J6gi86 pic.twitter.com/Opeci1JgER

— Gore Mountain (@GoreMountain) June 23, 2023

The new two-story lodge will be a year-round facility. The 18,300 square foot building will have a “restaurant and tavern, retail, ski patrol headquarters, and two levels of mountain-facing patios.” The upper level will feature “retractable glass panels that can open up for open-air dining and unobstructed views of the mountain.” 

The Hudson Chairlift, which opened back in 2010, will be replaced by a new detachable high-speed quad. The new lift will be realigned to a new location compared to its predecessor, and will also feature new trails and snowmaking upgrades.

The zip coaster will be the main summer attraction over at the North Creek Ski Bowl. This attraction will be a hybrid between a zipline and a rail system, and feature a zig-zag track. This family-friendly attraction will be a “propelled, electric-powered recreational ride.” Other summer attractions around the North Creek Ski Bowl will include scenic sky rides, mountain biking, and hiking. New hiking and mountain biking trails in the area are also part of the plans.

“After many years of working through the process, we are excited to get this project underway,” said James Bayse, the General Manager of Gore Mountain. “The new lodge will be a full-service hub for year-round activities, and the zip coaster will be a one-of-a-kind draw to our area.”

While this offseason won’t see the major upgrades that are happening next year, there will still be numerous improvements. The Bear Cub Poma Lift will be replaced by a new fixed-grip quad chairlift with a loading conveyor. The new chairlift will service the Sunway trail.

Snowmaking enhancements will be happening over at the North Creek Ski Bowl, which will include a new valve house at the top of the Hudson Triple, snowmaking guns will be added to Moxham for the first time, and updated snowmaking guns will be placed on 46’er.  These improvements to their snow surfaces will help prepare Gore for the 2024-25 expansion.

You can read the full press release here.

Image Credits: Gore Mountain

It was another busy offseason over at Gore Mountain in North Creek, New York, as they added a new intermediate run to Burnt Ridge Mountain.

The new trail, called Backwoods, is a sixty-foot-wide run that has grooming and snowmaking capabilities. The trail starts just below the top terminal of the Burnt Ridge Quad, runs alongside the Barkeater Glades, and ends above the Roaring Brook Bridge at the bottom of The Pipeline run. This new run will make getting to Little Gore Mountain and the Ski Bowl much easier.

This follows the addition of two new quad chairlifts, redesigns of various trails, and snowmaking improvements before the 2021-22 season. Next season will begin the reimagining of the North Creek Ski Bowl, which will include a new high-speed chairlift and lodge.

Last week, Gore Mountain related a drone video that shows off the new run. That video is down below.

Image/Video Credits: Gore Mountain

Get ready for a whole lot of new changes to the state-run ski areas of New York in the future. The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports that the Olympic Regional Development Authority Board of Directors (ORDA) approved more than $91.7 million in capital expenditures for Whiteface, Gore Mountain, and Belleayre. $11 million will be dedicated toward snowmaking and trail improvements. I imagine the taxpayers of New York aren’t too excited about footing the bill for these improvements, but at least it’s not as bad as the $850 million dollars taxpayers will likely shell out for the Buffalo Bill’s new stadium. Here are the new lifts and lodge improvements for the three ski resorts run by ORDA: Belleayre, Gore Mountain, and Whiteface Mountain.

Belleayre: More than $9 million dollars of projects at Belleayre will be centered around their lifts for the 2023-24 season. Lift 7 will be replaced by a brand new $6.5 million fixed-grip quad. The Belleayre Express will get a $1.7 million dollar refurbishment, which will add new operator houses and electrical systems. Lift 8 will get a $400,000 renovation that will also add a conveyor to help improve the loading experience.

Gore: Gores investments have already been announced, but here’s a brief summary. Nearly $20 million will go towards a new 18,000-square-foot base lodge in the North Creek Ski Bowl. The Hudson Triple, which services the North Creek Ski Bowl, will be replaced with a high-speed quad. ORDA also wants to replace the Bear Cub Poma with a fixed-grip chairlift. They will also add a treetop trolley/rail zipline ride that will travel up to 30 mph and features switchbacks and spirals along the way. Whiteface: Over at Whiteface, a $16.5 million two-stage detachable quad with an angle station will go from the Bear Den base area to the new mid-mountain Legacy Lodge. The new quad will help improve crowd flow and give another lift option for beginners who want to reach the next level of their progression. Image Credits: Whiteface Mountain, Gore Mountain, Belleayre

Big Updates from Gore Mountain, NY

TWO NEW LIFTS FOR 20/21 ON THE WAY!

The High Peaks Chair is being replaced with a new quad that will deliver skiers to Gore’s true summit, opening up fresh access to all four peaks and the entire Straight Brook Valley.  The Sunway Chair is also being upgraded with a new quad, creating an even better experience for everyone.  This new lift will feature a modern and comfortable conveyor-style loading area that is ideal for those just getting started and for groups with small children.  Look for a better unloading zone a little further up the mountain too.

The Cutoff trail, previously rated as more difficult, is being lengthened and redesigned as an easier-rated trail. It will offer an additional beginner option for family-friendly adventures, and another place in Gore’s improved learning area for novices to practice.

The reservoir for snowmaking is being expanded, resulting in a significant increase of system capacity.  Gore can pump more water through its recently modernized snowmaking infrastructure of automated technologies, energy-saving compressors, and high-efficiency guns to provide quality coverage on more trails earlier in the season.

New for Winter 19/20

Gore Mountain installed new direct-to-lift access gates equipped with RFID technology. All lift access (tickets, season passes, frequent skier cards) is now applied to new SKI3 Cards, which you keep tucked away securely in your jacket. No more worrying about losing your ticket or pass on the mountain or having to present it to the attendants before your rides. Our SKI3 Cards can be renewed online for several years so hang onto yours! The Pot Luck and Wild Air trails have joined forces to deliver a premier competition freestyle course. Look for a prime jump line and new earthen features that mean serious action on event days, and all-around extra fun and big air the other days. Gore Mountain was thrilled to host the 2020 NorAm Hole Shot & Revolution Tour and several USASA events on this new course. Spend more time on Burnt Ridge Mountain next season, because now there’s a little cabin for warming up between laps! This recent improvement was completed in partnership with our friends at NYSEF & The Town of Johnsburg.

New Gore Mountain Logo

Check out our new logo!  It has some fun “hidden” features- it’s in the shape of a sideways “G” with four peaks depicted, along with a nod at the ORDA logo and a reminder of the historic mark.

New Family-Friendly Zipline Ride and Downhill Mountain Bike Trail for Summer/Fall 2019

This attraction allows riders soar across the Base Area down a 300-foot line.  Two lines allow for two people to go at the same time on a short but exhilarating ride. There’s a new bike trail too- check out Sidetracked.

New Electric Car Charging Stations

Charge your car as you re-charge on the mountain.  We’re offering six new ChargePoint stations in Lot C.  Thanks to drivers of electric cars for your commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability!

A Two-Story Base Lodge Addition & Other Updates

We’ve built a large two-level addition to the Base Lodge that has doubled the size of the Tannery Pub & Restaurant, which also received a complete renovation and expanded kitchen.  With this newly added space, the Tannery seats up to 435 people and offers year-round facilities for special events including banquets, weddings, and conferences.  The lower level addition now houses the brand-new headquarters for the popular Season-Long Mountain Adventure programs for kids, and more seasonal lockers!  Winter 17-18 unveiled a brand-new mid-mountain experience at the Saddle Lodge.  The size of the space more than doubled.  Between runs, treat yourself to a food court style meal, and dine in front of a spectacular showcase of the Adirondack High Peaks.  Updates to the Saddle Lodge included an attractively styled vernacular, an expanded and updated kitchen to serve a more creative menu, new bathrooms, and an approachable façade and lobby area upon entry.  The adventurous guests of Gore Mountain’s summit have a great place to warm up and chill out at the Straight Brook Lodge.  A complete renovation of the original 1967 gondola unloading station kept the original structure and most of the lift machinery intact while facilitating the basics of shelter, restrooms, and a place for socializing and camaraderie between skiers.  Inside there is a warming room with tables and benches, vending machines, and eco-friendly composting toilets.  An addition to the Northwoods Lodge offers a larger rental and repair shop!  There is also more space for the children’s Mountain Adventure programs, and improved arrival and registration processes.  Larger restrooms on the lower level include a “family restroom” to better accommodate parents with young children.

Gore Mountain, NY

The North Creek Crusher, Benny Michaels, is back on the horse. Check out his latest edit from some early season skiing around the Dacks.

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