SNOW-PENING DAY: ‘Best ever’ opening weekend at Whiteface
RICHARD ROSENTRETER, Lake Placid News Editor
WILMINGTON — “Incredible.” That was the term used to describe opening day at Whiteface Mountain on Friday. More than 4,000 skiers hit the slopes over the opening weekend, an opening several said was the best in years.
“It’s the most open trails on an opening day that I can remember,” said Anna Hoyt, a member of the mountain’s ski patrol. “We really have fantastic snow coverage.”
By the numbers, it was a good weekend all around, from the number of skiers to the trails open. Business Manager Doug Hart said the mountain had about 1,500 skiers each day on Friday and Saturday and 1,000 on Sunday. Last year the mountain had only about six to eight trails open compared to 17 to 18 this year, he added.
“It was probably one of the best opening days we’ve ever had,” Hart said.
With recent temperatures below freezing at night, Whiteface has been able to keep the snow guns blasting, a significant factor for the successful weekend.
Hoyt said the 15 open trails can be attributed to the recent cold weather, allowing for both natural and man-made snow coverage. Also open was the terrain park for snowboarders, which, according to several mountain workers, is unheard of on opening day.
“It’s a first,” Hoyt said. “The kids were so happy that the terrain park was open. It’s (opening day) just incredible.”
Jay Rand, general manager at Whiteface, said that based on the comments he heard from guests, this was the best opening weekend the mountain has ever had. He said there was terrain open for every level of skier and he was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who signed up for ski lessons.
“The Mixing Bowl was open for beginners and lessons. We had some expert terrain open with some pretty big rolling moguls, which the experts enjoy. It gives them something to challenge them on opening day,” Rand said.
He also praised the workers at the mountain for the successful weekend.
“The staff has been doing a great job, especially with all the cuts. We have a smaller staff, and all the crews did a great job, the snowmakers, groomers, ticket takers and the entire staff. I was very pleased.”
Rand, who is also a skier, found time to get a few runs in and said he was happy the slopes are open, adding that more terrain is slated to open this weekend.
“It was excellent. I enjoyed the skiing myself. And it was good to get the people back to the snow and smiling,” he said. “This week, we’ll continue to make snow and hope to have more terrain, including Approach and Mountain Run open, which is one of the favorite local trails.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of getting the entire mountain open, including getting the new Lookout Mountain area open for Christmas. It’ll depend on the weather, but we will do our best to make sure that happens.”
State Olympic Regional Development Authority President Ted Blazer also expressed satisfaction on the opening weekend at Whiteface.
“The attendance was very strong compared to last year. We’ve got very good conditions and plenty of snow,” Blazer said. “We’re off to a wonderful start this year. “We’re looking forward to a wonderful season.”
Whiteface Mountain is now open daily for the season.
George Earl contributed to this report.
POSTED: December 4, 2008
Photos
“It’s the most open trails on an opening day that I can remember,” said Anna Hoyt, a member of the mountain’s ski patrol. “We really have fantastic snow coverage.”
By the numbers, it was a good weekend all around, from the number of skiers to the trails open. Business Manager Doug Hart said the mountain had about 1,500 skiers each day on Friday and Saturday and 1,000 on Sunday. Last year the mountain had only about six to eight trails open compared to 17 to 18 this year, he added.
“It was probably one of the best opening days we’ve ever had,” Hart said.
With recent temperatures below freezing at night, Whiteface has been able to keep the snow guns blasting, a significant factor for the successful weekend.
Hoyt said the 15 open trails can be attributed to the recent cold weather, allowing for both natural and man-made snow coverage. Also open was the terrain park for snowboarders, which, according to several mountain workers, is unheard of on opening day.
“It’s a first,” Hoyt said. “The kids were so happy that the terrain park was open. It’s (opening day) just incredible.”
Jay Rand, general manager at Whiteface, said that based on the comments he heard from guests, this was the best opening weekend the mountain has ever had. He said there was terrain open for every level of skier and he was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who signed up for ski lessons.
“The Mixing Bowl was open for beginners and lessons. We had some expert terrain open with some pretty big rolling moguls, which the experts enjoy. It gives them something to challenge them on opening day,” Rand said.
He also praised the workers at the mountain for the successful weekend.
“The staff has been doing a great job, especially with all the cuts. We have a smaller staff, and all the crews did a great job, the snowmakers, groomers, ticket takers and the entire staff. I was very pleased.”
Rand, who is also a skier, found time to get a few runs in and said he was happy the slopes are open, adding that more terrain is slated to open this weekend.
“It was excellent. I enjoyed the skiing myself. And it was good to get the people back to the snow and smiling,” he said. “This week, we’ll continue to make snow and hope to have more terrain, including Approach and Mountain Run open, which is one of the favorite local trails.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of getting the entire mountain open, including getting the new Lookout Mountain area open for Christmas. It’ll depend on the weather, but we will do our best to make sure that happens.”
State Olympic Regional Development Authority President Ted Blazer also expressed satisfaction on the opening weekend at Whiteface.
“The attendance was very strong compared to last year. We’ve got very good conditions and plenty of snow,” Blazer said. “We’re off to a wonderful start this year. “We’re looking forward to a wonderful season.”
Whiteface Mountain is now open daily for the season.
George Earl contributed to this report.
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