New York State’s Highly Anticipated 2018-19 Ski Season Bolstered By Major Upgrades Across The State

Winter is coming and New York State’s 50 ski areas–more than any other state in the country—are ready to welcome nearly four million skiers, riders and enthusiasts this season. With millions in public and private ski area investments, the state’s mountains and resorts have added new state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities while completing massive upgrades and exciting renovations. Below is a sampling of these investments:

ADIRONDACKS

• Gore anticipates biggest snowmaking season with new snowmaking machines

Gore Mountain (North Creek, Essex County), one of New York’s largest ski mountains, offers 14 lifts, 110 trails and has been keeping skiers challenged for more than 80 years. Beginning and expert skiers will appreciate the vast improvements, including a massive snowmaking technology overhaul that can expanded the season. In addition, new grooming machines will ensure a smooth experience on the nine sides of four peaks of alpine terrain. For those looking forward to après ski, the Tannery Pub and Restaurant will also double the size of its facilities. 

• West Mountain’s nearly $3 million investment includes treetop aerial adventure

West Mountain’s (Queensbury, Warren County) convenient location just off I-87, 40 minutes north of Albany, makes it a great destination for a ski day with friends or an extended vacation. The facility’s nearly $3 million upgrade includes new SMI snowmaking sticks and 49 snowmaking fans to create optimal ski conditions. A new chairlift will provide a more enjoyable ride to the top of the mountain with views of the Hudson River and the Adirondacks, while a two-mile zip line and a treetop aerial adventure offers an adrenaline rush. 

• Whiteface Mountain increases snowmaking capabilities by 25%

Whiteface Mountain (Wilmington, Essex County) is home to the greatest vertical in the east, and the east’s longest intermediate run (Wilmington Trail). This season the mountain will offer upgraded snowmaking capabilities on key trails, while widening and expanding popular trails, and a new pump house. The renovations to the Bear Den Base Lodge will be home to the facility’s ever-growing snowsports program.

CATSKILLS 

• Belleayre upgrades include expanded terrain park and energy-efficient snowmaking

Belleayre Ski Resort (Highmount, Ulster County) is a pioneer in skiing, catering to serious enthusiasts during its humble beginnings more than 50 years ago. Today, the ski area showcases vast improvements and technology, including low energy, high efficiency snowmaking machines and upgraded terrain parks with countless new features. The Kids Camp and learning area will be made more conducive to new skiers and snowboarders to learn and join the fun.

• Hunter Mountain debuts five new trails, four new glades and high speed six-person lift

Hunter Mountain (Hunter, Greene County) visitors will enjoy the nearly 80 acres of skiable terrain added to the north facing slope of the mountain, including five new trails and four new glades offering veteran skiers a new challenge. Groups of friends may ride up the mountain together on the new high-speed six-person lift. Driven by a private investment of $9 million, this is the largest expansion the Northeast U.S. has seen in fifteen years.

• Windham Mountain’s RFID technology will enable skiers to reload lift tickets online

Windham Mountain (Windham, Greene County) is where small-town charm meets 21^st century technology, as the only mountain in the state to provide radio-frequency identification (RFID). This new feature will eliminate paper lift tickets and will allow skiers to reload online, meaning shorter lines, less waste and lower prices. Grooming fleets have been upgraded with new energy efficient models and the Westside Six will quickly bring skiers up the mountain in less than five and a half minutes.

CHAUTAUQUA-ALLEGHENY

• Cockaigne Resort is rebuilt and reborn with $6.2 million project

Cockaigne Resort (Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County) is officially reopening under new ownership for the 2018-19 season after a 2011 fire destroyed the original lodge. The $6.2 million project will expand the new 10,000 square foot lodge into a multi-faceted resort to be utilized during all four seasons. In the warmer months, the new 3,000-square foot stage will host music concerts and festivals. The renewed resort features a 10-lane tubing hill, a 12-acre terrain park and slope style hill, new lift buildings and several new cut-over trails in-between hills. Additionally, the lodge will include a cafeteria style kitchen and dining area complete with an indoor/outdoor bar.

• Holiday Valley is set for the 2018-19 season with $3.4 million in upgrades

Holiday Valley (Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County) is ranked as New York State’s most visited ski resort. The $3.4 million invested in this year alone includes a new conveyor lift on the beginner’s slope, several “tree trails” for kids that wind through trees, a new groomer for work in the terrain parks, and a shuttle van to transport guests to and from the grounds.

FINGER LAKES 

• New High Point Terrain Park and Freestyle Aerial Site at Bristol Mountain

Bristol Mountain (Canandaigua, Ontario County) has invested $2 million in resort enhancements, including a new high point terrain park on the challenger trail with boxes, rails, and small jumps. Known for having the highest vertical from the Adirondacks to the Rockies at 1,200 feet, Bristol now offers a world-class training venue for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Freestyle Aerial Team. The new Freestyle Aerial Jump Training and Competition site provides the Bristol Mountain Freestyle team, and other various international teams, the opportunity to train and compete. 

• Greek Peak Mountain Resort improvements include snowmaking and chair lift upgrades

Greek Peak Mountain Resort (Cortland, Cortland County) continues to invest in the mountain with more than $1.5 million in improvements. The resort has relocated the welcome center/guest services station to the ticket booth building and includes additional signage for guests to navigate the base area more efficiently. Chair lift upgrades, new snowmaking machines with 1,000 gallons per minute capability, and several lodge upgrades with improve guest experience. Improvements to the lodge include a gazebo, a mountain-top deck, a wedding-tent venue with new flooring, and a new ‘Big Bear Activity Zone’ at Cascades Indoor Waterpark.

HUDSON VALLEY

• Catamount’s major $2 million renovation include triple chairlift and base lodge

Catamount Ski Area (Hillsdale, Columbia County) is ready to take the new ski season by storm after undergoing a major facelift. After a $2 million investment, the 80-year-old ski resort is ready to host large events like weddings and concerts – a first for the ski area. Catamount has also announced plans for a 7,600 square foot lodge that will be used for ticket sales, ski rentals, lockers retail shops and seating. The ski area’s 385 acres include more than 100 acres of skiable terrain and an aerial adventure park, and a new ski lift for beginners.

In addition, events and discounted programs for skiers and riders of all skill levels are planned for this season, including: