Albany, NY – New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state will invest up to $20 million for major upgrades at its Whiteface and Gore Mountain ski areas to attract more visitors and build on the North Country’s bourgeoning winter tourism industry and develop opportunities to increase off-season revenue, while making these facilities more competitive with other resorts around the region.

Winter tourism at Whiteface and Gore Mountains accounts for more than $100 million in economic impact each year in the North Country, according to a state analysis.

“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,” Governor 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 “New York State has Olympic-caliber assets and world-class skiing, but the facilities at Gore and Whiteface are outdated and sub-par.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.”

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, operator of both ski resorts, as part of the state’s 2017-18 fiscal year budget.

The upgrades at Whiteface include:

• Expanding the secondary 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 lift connecting the Bear Den Learning Center area to the Mid Station;
• Building one of the longest zip lines in North America; and
• Building the longest mountain coaster in the United States.

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; and
• Restoring the original 1967 gondola unloading station into a Gore summit warming facility and overlook.