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 19-25.

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. Whiteface Willy is combining old and new efforts to help raise awareness about safe skiing and riding on the mountain.

New this year are the Family Ski Zones and “Heads Up??В¦You Set the Example.” The Family Ski Zones are areas which are geared towards families skiing together and monitored closely by Whiteface’s Safety Team. The “Heads Up??В¦You Set the Example” campaign has been implemented at the Whiteface Snow Sports School and the NYSEF Race and Freestyle programs and stresses proper safety etiquette for the adults so kids follow their lead.

The Snow Sports School is launching the “Energizer” program. This initiative allows youths to receive a voucher for a cup of hot chocolate after correctly telling a Safety Team member one of the seven rules of skiing and riding’s “Know the Code” policy.

Join Whiteface Willy on the slopes on January 21 for a mountain-wide scavenger hunt. Scattered around the mountain, skiers and riders will find safety reminders from Willy, including Whiteface Willy Sez signs. Whiteface Willy will also be out on the slopes trying to catch skiers and riders in the act of doing “good things”.

Returning this year is the popular Poster Contest for local fourth and fifth graders to promote Willy’s message of safety. The posters will be on display in the base lodge and Kids Kampus Family Center with prizes awarded for the Best Safety Message and Best Art Work.

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.

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