Ski season is starting. Two upstate mountains opened Sunday: Gore Mountain in North Creek, N.Y., and Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, N.Y.
In preparation for skiers and snowboarders, the state-run Gore Mountain ski resort’s workers have been making snow since last Wednesday for its almost two-mile-long trail, serviced by its Northwoods Gondola ski lift. Savvy athletes can do tricks on terrain park elements at Gore.
They are also constructing a new ski lift, “Adirondack Express II,” and adding more snowmaking equipment.
The workers at the state-run Whiteface resort have been making snow since Nov. 7, and as natural snow falls, three trails were opened Sunday. More than 100 snowmakers were added enabling them to widen two of the intermediate trails, Upper Valley and Wilmington.
The space has also been slightly renovated. An outdoor ticket booth was removed in order to build a new locker room and changing area, which can hold up to 50 more skiers and snowboarders.
Discounts
At Gore, visitors can donate two non-perishable food items to get an additional $20 off early season ski lift tickets. With that discount, Sunday prices are $37 for adults, $25 for teens and seniors, and $12 for juniors.
Whiteface resort tickets cost $40 for adults, $35 for teens and seniors, and $30 for juniors.
Both resorts closed at 4 p.m. Sunday and will re-open this Saturday. They will fully operate starting from Nov. 28. Belleayre, another state-owned ski mountain and resort, will also open Nov. 28.
Those who don’t know how to ski can learn with the program, Parallel from the Start, hosted by all three resorts. The program, for those ages 13 and over, teaches people how to ski within three days and costs $169.
