WILMINGTON, N.Y. — The 54th season of skiing and riding at Whiteface, in Wilmington, N.Y., is underway and the Olympic mountain is celebrating Island Madness, presented by Bud Light, Sunday, Jan. 1. Ring in 2012 by skiing and riding Whiteface all day for just $35 for adults, $30 for teens and $25 for juniors.

Follow clues on Whiteface’s Facebook , Twitter and Flickr pages, as well as WPTZ U Local, Just the facts Podcast, radio and the Whiteface D.A.C report on Sunday for the on mountain scavenger hunt. This is your chance to win great prizes including a brand new snowboard. Entry to the Scavenger hunt is free, everyone is welcome to participate.

At the end of day, head on up to the Cloudspin Lounge and enjoy great drink specials including margaritas, hurricanes, cyclones and Landshark Beers. Plus live music from Frankie Lessard.

Whiteface boasts the East’s greatest vertical drop and was recently selected as the top destination for Off-Hill activities by readers of SKI Magazine. The 22nd annual survey also tabbed Whiteface Mountain as the fourth top ski resort in the eastern United States.

Whiteface , Wilmington and Lake Placid also received high marks from the magazine’s readers for its scenery (#2), resort dining (#3), apres ski (#3), mountain character (#4), family programs (#7), challenging terrain (#7), overall terrain (#9), overall satisfaction (#9) and lodging (#10).

SnowEast Magazine readers also tabbed Whiteface/Lake Placid as the most scenic.

Don’t forget about Coca-Cola’s Why Not Wednesdays ? Present any empty Coca-Cola product and get a one-day adult lift ticket for only $38 at Whiteface. Offer not valid with any other offers, programs, promotions, discounts, or frequent skier products. Limit one ticket per can.

For more information on the Olympic venues and events, and for web cams from five locations, please log on to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com .
— ORDA —
Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speedskating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.