LAKE PLACID, NY ??” The cross country ski center at the Verizon Sports Complex is now offering season passes, special programs and events for cross country and snowshoe enthusiasts during the 2004-2005 winter season.

The season pass allows the bearer to unlimited skiing and snowshoeing over the venue’s 50-kilometers of groomed trails. Skiers of all abilities can cruise the trails that wander through the pristine forests using either classic or skating technique. Season pass holders may also join special programs and pay entry fees only.

An adult season pass is $140, while an additional family member (limit 1) may be added for just $80. Individual senior (65-69 years old), junior (17 and under) or student passes may be purchased for $70 each. Skiers 70 and over are entitled to a complementary pass. Students must show valid college ID.

There are several special programs available this year at the cross country center. The ever-popular Sunday Series returns, as does the Try It You’ll Like It events, Senior Striders and Winter Trails Day.

The Sunday Series is a point series “race” for the truly recreational skier. Great themes, fabulous grab bag prizes and a $5 entry fee make this seven-race series great for skiers of all abilities, from the never-evers to the up-and-comers. This year’s Try It You’ll Like It events include Be a Biathlete, Biathlon Basics and Dog Days of Winter, the 3rd Annual Skijoring Jamboree. The Be a Biathlete events are $15 per person, while Biathlon Basics and Dog Days of Winter are just $10 per person ??“ trail passes are not included in these fees.

Senior Striders is for skiers aged 55 and over. Skiers meet at the lodge and join one of the center’s instructors on a tour of the trails with instruction in a friendly, relaxed manner. Participants may sign up for the entire 10 meetings for $75, or go on a day-to-day basis at $10 per visit.

Winter Trails Day celebrates the winter season with cross country skiing, snowshoeing, demos, mini-lessons and more. This event is free to the public and is sponsored by the Winter Feels Good campaign on January 8.

New this year is the Loppet Ladies program. This is for women who are excited about Nordic skiing and racing. Admission to the Sunday Series and the Lake Placid Loppet is included with all season memberships. Cost is $15 per session or $120 for the season.

The Verizon Sports Complex Cross Country Center is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games on February 23. The center will feature the return of the classic races. Several trails will be groomed for classic skiing and we will offer guided tours featuring some of our favorite Games trivia. The celebration will conclude with an evening of torchlight skiing and snowshoeing complete with music and munchies in the yurt. Tracks and Trails will host Roni the Raccoon and lead children in a series of Winter Games inspired events.

To find out more information on the Verizon Sports Complex Cross Country Center season passes and special events and activities, please log on to www.orda.org or call (518) 523-2811.