This ski season, we’re celebrating a special milestone – the 90th anniversary of the legendary North Creek Snow Train. It’s a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of a skiing legacy in North Creek, New York, a tradition that has fueled winter tourism in the region for generations. Enthusiasts from all sectors, including local business owners, historians, and ski fans, are joining together to honor this historical landmark.

Back in 1934, the inaugural journey of the North Creek Snow Train saw 378 ski enthusiasts travel from Schenectady to North Creek, sparking off a winter sports revolution in the area. This year, key local entities and passionate individuals, including Gore Mountain, The Tannery Pond Community Center, The North Creek Depot Museum, The Johnsburg Historical Society, Revolution Rail Co., Cunningham’s Ski Barn, and many more, are coming together to celebrate the enduring spirit of the Snow Train.

The 2023-2024 Snow Season is packed with specially designed events to shine a light on the historical and cultural impact of the North Creek Snow Train. Get ready for a series of engaging activities ranging from historical walking tours at the Train Station and North Creek Ski Bowl, to screenings of classic ski films, engaging presentations, concerts, art exhibitions, exciting races, and unique commemorative items. Plus, local businesses like Barkeater Chocolates and Upper Hudson Coffee are joining the festivities with special Snow Train-themed products.

We invite all ski and history buffs to check out the full lineup of events and dive into this nostalgic journey. It’s a chance to relive the era of “Ride Up- Slide Down” in Adirondack history and recognize the role of the North Creek Snow Train in shaping generations of winter fun at Gore Mountain.

Digging into the past, skiing in the Adirondacks dates back to 1903 and surged in popularity through the 1920s and 1930s. The 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid fueled a regional passion for winter sports, leading Vincent Schaefer of Schenectady to spearhead the Snow Trains initiative to North Creek. This Olympic wave also inspired the American Legion in North Creek to create ski trails on Gore Mountain, catering to the Snow Train’s skiers.

The Delaware and Hudson Railroad Company launched the first Snow Train on March 4, 1934, transporting nearly 400 skiers from Schenectady to North Creek. At just $1.50 per round trip (about $34.70 today), it offered an affordable and exciting skiing experience, establishing North Creek as a beloved ski destination. By 1936, Snow Trains also began departing from Albany and New York City, sparking a tourism boom that significantly supported the local economy during the challenging times of the Great Depression.

Although the Snow Train era ended with World War II, its influence on ski history is unforgettable. Today, we celebrate this rich history and the lasting legacy of winter sports in North Creek and Gore Mountain.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday, December 8, to Monday, March 4, 2023

December 8 & 9 | 7 PM @ Tannery Pond Center – Warren Miller film “All Time” presented by Tannery Pond Center

January 10 | 5 PM @ Joe Minder Lodge at Gore Mountain Ski Bowl – Unveiling of Pioneer Inductee Plaques

January 14 | 3 PM @ Tannery Pond Center – Coffeehouse Concert Series featuring Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys presented by Tannery Pond Center

January 14 | 7 PM @ Tannery Pond Center – Unveiling of the restored 1939 drawing by Dorothea C. Loewel entitled “Pictorial Map of North Creek in the Adirondacks,” presented by the North Creek Depot Museum

January 27 | 7 PM @ Tannery Pond Center – Jim Schaefer presentation on How Skiing Came to North Creek: Schenectady’s Role

February 10 | 7 PM @ Tannery Pond Center – Old Ski Movie Night from the 1930s to the 1950s presented by the Depot Museum

February 17 | 7 PM @ Tannery Pond Center – Jim Schaefer presentation on Schenectady’s Women of Winter: Frederica “Freddie” Anderson  Pioneer Ski Instructor and Lois Perret (Schaefer), RN The First Aid Committee (Ski Patrol) 1933.

February 22 | 7 PM @ Tannery Pond Center – Johnsburg Historical Society presentation on the WWII 10th Mountain Ski Division

March 2-4 @ Gore Mountain will be Celebrating the First Snow Train to arrive in North Creek

March 2 | Time TBD – Ski Bowl Snow Shoe presented by the North Creek Depot Museum

March 3 | 1 PM @ Tannery Pond Center – Johnsburg Community Story Recording Session and launch of Audio Walking Tour of North Creek.

Join the winter sports enthusiasts of the North Country in celebrating this historic milestone, reliving the era of the North Creek Snow Train, and embracing the enduring spirit of winter sports in North Creek and at Gore 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.

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

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Gore Mountain got their 2018/19 ski season underway at 9am on Saturday morning with the opening of the Northwoods Gondola. Skiing was initially limited to Showcase which had great coverage and was skiing well.

By midday both the Topridge Triple and Straight Brook Quad were running with early season powder conditions. The snow was well over two feet deep in spots.

Early season conditions are in effect but there is still enough snow to ski the full width of the open runs and even venture into the glades.

Gore will be back open on Friday, November 23 for the start of their daily operations.