The Olympic Mountain is Gearing up for the 2012-’13 Skiing & Riding Season

WILMINGTON, N.Y. — Skiers and riders won’t have to rely on Mother Nature to provide enough snow to cover Whiteface Mountain’s Hoyt’s High Trail, in Wilmington, N.Y. Crews have begun installing snowmaking piping along the 4,700 foot long expert trail.

Named in honor of Whiteface veteran ski patroller Jim Hoyt Sr., Hoyt’s High was cut in 2008, but has relied on natural snowfall to cover its 1,400 feet of vertical. Last week, snowmaking piping started to arrive and crews began installing the piping in anticipation of Whiteface’s opening Day, Friday, Nov. 23.

“This is a significant undertaking since the access is limited with lots of twists and turns and a relatively narrow width,” remarked the mountain’s general manager Bruce McCulley. “It’s exciting to think that this part of the Lookout Mountain expansion will be available for our guests on a more consistent basis. With this trail open more often, it will certainly change the traffic flow on the entire mountain.”

Adding snowmaking to Hoyt’s High Trail is one of several projects and improvements underway in anticipation of the 2012-’13 season. The mountain has purchased a new Pistenbully 600W groomer and several more new low-energy snowmaking guns.

When skiers and riders aren’t on Whiteface’s 86 trails and 3,430 of vertical, they can enjoy the newly renovated Base Camp Café and Cloudspin Lounge, both located in the mountain’s base lodge. Partnering with Centerplate, the Base Lodge Café will have a new look to go along with new menus and food choices. New choices will range from the Black Diamond Burrito to Pinetree Pizza Co. Other areas of the food court include the Firepit Grill, the Lean-To Deli, and the Backcountry Soups and Chili.

Meanwhile, the Cloudspin Lounge will remain a favorite après ski spot with a newly expanded bar area and pub-like atmosphere. The new menu will focus on pub and bar food.

Skiers and riders can still save on a Whiteface Mountain seasons pass. Through Nov. 15, the adult non-holiday pass is available for just $699, while the adult full-season pass is just $869.

The young adult and college season pass can be purchased for $385 and the junior pass is only $299. Skiers and riders ages six and under can ski or ride the Olympic mountain all season long for just $40.

Finally, SnowEast Magazine readers tabbed Whiteface/Lake Placid as the east’s number-one ski village destination and New York State’s top ski resort. The mountain also received top honors for most scenic.
— ORDA —
Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speedskating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.