WILMINGTON, New York — Whiteface Willy is going make special appearances around the mountain as part of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) National Safety Awareness Week January 13-19.

Whiteface Willy, the wily Whitetail, is visiting the mountain to remind everyone to be safe and have fun while skiing, riding and working at Whiteface. Last year safety messages were posted around the mountain and base lodge by Willy, but this year a poster contest will be held for local fourth and fifth graders to promote his message of safety. The posters will be on display in the base lodge and prizes will be awarded to winners for the best safety messages.

This year Willy will be out on the slopes trying to catch skiers and riders in the act of doing “good things”. A special effort is also being made to promote safety at the freestyle skiing and boarding parks since these areas exhibit some of the most technical and creative skills displayed by young athletes. By getting out more, Willy is hoping to heighten everyone’s safety awareness level and help cut down on incidents on the mountain.

Whiteface Willy works with the Whiteface Ski Patrol, Mountain Hosts, Snow Sports Instructors and Safety Enforcement Team to help ensure everyone has a safe and fun time on the mountain.

To learn more about the Whiteface Willy and the Skiers Responsibility Code, stop in the safety tent at the base of the Cloudsplitter Gondola where refreshments and chocolate mints will be handed out.

For more information on ORDA venues and events and for web cams from five locations, please log on to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com.