ALBANY, New York ??” With plenty of new snowfall, longer days and warm sunshine, skiing conditions across New York State are the best of the season. Empire State ski areas are also seeing their greatest base depths of the season, making it the perfect time to hit the slopes!

For up-to-the-minute cross-country and downhill ski reports, a free 2004-05 I LOVE NEW YORK Winter Travel and Ski Guide, and New York State events, attractions and lodging information, dial (800) CALL-NYS or visit the I LOVE NEW YORK website at www.iloveny.com.

In the Adirondacks, Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, holds Slopestyle Championships March 12 ??“ show your best tricks on the rails and ramps. It’s open to skiers and riders. For more information call (518) 946-2223 or visit www.whiteface.com. March 12-20 is the Adirondack Almost Springfest. Celebrate the coming of spring ??“ Adirondack style. There will be plenty of special events, activities, music and more at Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) venues, including Whiteface. For more information call (518) 523-1655 or visit www.orda.org.

March 13 is Son Day Sunday at Gore Mountain. Sons 19 and under ski or ride free with a full-paying parent. To learn more, call (800) 342-1234 or (518) 251-2411, or visit www.goremountain.com.

In the Catskills, Belleayre Mountain in Highmount holds Skier Appreciation Day March 11. All lift tickets are $15. For more information on this and other events at Belleayre, call (845) 254-5600 or visit www.belleayre.com.

Windham Mountain in Windham holds the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge March 13, the Snowmakers Classic March 15, and the Season Pass Holders Cup March 19. For more information and other Windham Mountain events and information, call (800) 754-9463 or (518) 734-4300, or visit www.windhammountain.com.

In the Hudson Valley, Mt. Peter Ski Area in Warwick presents Showtime Sunday March 13. All season pass holders may bring a guest to the mountain for a free lift ticket (season pass holder must be present). March 20 is Mt. Peter’s Spring Rally. For more information, call (845) 986-4992 or visit www.mtpeter.com.

In the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, Holiday Valley and the Village of Ellicottville hold their annual winter carnival, March 12 and 13. This weekend of fun for the entire family features parades, music, contests, food and more. Saturday’s events include the Snow Ponies Race, the Cardboard Box Race, and the downtown Mardi Gras parade. Sunday’s events include the costume parade and the infamous Dummy Downhill. For more information call (800) 323-0020 or (716) 699-2345, or visit www.holidayvalley.com.

Spring rates are in effect all day at Peek ‘n Peak in Findley Lake, with $26 adult lift tickets and $16 children’s lift tickets. For more information call (716) 355-4141 or visit www.pknpk.com.

At Cockaigne Ski Area in Cherry Creek, join in the fun March 12 and 13 at the Annual Spring Fling, ???Carnival In The Land Of Cockaigne.??? On March 12, Cockaigne features NASTAR at 11 a.m., a jousting tournament and obstacle event at 1 p.m., the Knaves of Cockaigne Snowball Throwing Event and Gingerbread House Cardboard Box Race at 3 p.m., and a Bud party with DJ Bear, 4-8 p.m. March 13 is the Wild Goose Chase Treasure Hunt (first clue at 10 a.m. and the Green Highlands Race at 11 a.m. For more information on these and other Cockaigne events, call (716) 287-3223 or visit www.cockaigne.com.

In the Finger Lakes region, Greek Peak Ski Resort in Cortland is holds the 24th Annual Jack Heib Memorial Race on March 13. The race is open to all ski instructors, area ski resorts and their employees. For more information call (800) 955-2754 or (607) 835-6111 or visit www.greekpeak.net. Labrador Mountain in Truxton hosts the New York State J4 Championship March 12 and 13. Mondays through Fridays are college nights ??“ ski or ride for $12 after 4:30 p.m. with a valid college ID. For more information, call (800) 446-9559 or (607) 842-6204, or visit [url]www.labradormtn.com”>www.labradormtn.com]www.greekpeak.net. Labrador Mountain in Truxton hosts the New York State J4 Championship March 12 and 13. Mondays through Fridays are college nights ??“ ski or ride for $12 after 4:30 p.m. with a valid college ID. For more information, call (800) 446-9559 or (607) 842-6204, or visit [url]www.labradormtn.com.

Also in the region, the Greater Rochester area is celebrating winter with Coldrush 2005 through March 31, featuring hundreds of great indoor and outdoor events. For more information, call (585) 546-3070 or (800) 677-7282, or visit [url=http://www.goforthecold.com]www.goforthecold.com.