New York state will invest up to $20 million for major upgrades at Gore and Whiteface mountains to attract more visitors and build on the North Country’s winter tourism industry.
Officials said the investments will enhance the current facilities and create state-of-the art skiing, lodging, dining and retail opportunities and year-round activities.
The project will be the first major upgrade at both Whiteface and Gore in 30 years and will develop opportunities to increase off-season revenue, while making these facilities more competitive with other resorts around the world, officials said.
“Winter tourism is a key driver of the North Country economy and we have made it a top priority to leverage natural assets in the region to increase visitors, create jobs and spur economic growth,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “New York state has Olympic-caliber assets and world-class skiing, but the facilities at Gore and Whiteface are outdated and sub-par. This investment will transform these resorts into year-round, world-class skiing destinations, and attract new skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.”
The improvements will help expand opportunities for local small businesses in the surrounding areas and help promote the state’s vast winter recreational opportunities, the governor said.
This investment will leverage up to $80 million in private funding to add additional amenities and retail options for guests. The $20 million for the upgrades at Whiteface and Gore is in addition to $10 million the state is providing to the Olympic Regional Development Authority as part of the 2017-18 fiscal year budget.
Modern day ski resorts are shifting their primary functions from just purely ski and snowboarding based facilities to ones that provide upscale amenities, conveniences and year-round attractions. Substantial improvements to the day-lodge facilities at both Gore and Whiteface Mountains will make them competitive with other world resorts and able to meet ever-changing resort needs, Cuomo said.
The upgrades at Gore include:
• Expanding seating capacity and modernizing the Saddle Lodge’s facilities and infrastructure.
• Adding a third story to the Base Lodge – building corporate meeting room space, additional seating and customer amenities, and expanding the rental shop in the Northwoods Lodge.
• Restoring the original 1967 gondola unloading station into a Gore summit warming facility and overlook.
The upgrades at Whiteface include:
• Expanding the Bear Den Lodge and adding a state-of-the-art learning center, bar and restaurant.
• Expanding and renovating the Adirondack Base Lodge and parking lot.
• Installing a line connecting the Bear Den Learning Center area to the Mid Station.
• Building one of the longest zip lines in North America.
• Building the longest mountain coaster in the United States.
State officials said making improvements at these mountains will drive increased revenue for the facilities and the surrounding communities and will ultimately expand economic growth and investment opportunities. It will also make skiing and winter recreation opportunities more accessible to visitors from New York City and downstate regions closer than other skiing locations throughout the northeast.