ALBANY, New York — Now’s the time to hit the slopes in New York State. This past week, many ski areas across state received 5 to 6 inches of snow, including HoliMont in Ellicottville, which received 33 inches, and Kissing Bridge in Glenwood, which got 21 inches. The stage has been set for some of the best skiing and riding of the season.

“Skiing and riding in New York has never been better,” according to Scott Brandi, president and executive director of Ski Areas of New York. “We have had perfect snowmaking weather with lots of assistance from old man winter. Base depths are as high as 80 inches and some are areas reporting more then 30 inches of new snow in the last week. With over 47 ski resorts to choose from you can ski more and travel less in New York.”

It’s a Winter Jam in the Big Apple

On Saturday, Feb. 7, the New York City Parks Department is partnering with Aura 360 to host the annual Winter Jam NYC.

Winter Jam NYC brings thousands of action-oriented New Yorkers out to experience the only winter sports festival of its kind in New York City. The event will feature the Future of Snowboarding Invitational plus plenty of activities for the public to enjoy, such as sledding on a 70-foot long snow flume, an ice-climbing wall, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (weather permitting), the Pride of New York Warming Hut & Winter Market plus live entertainment.

Traditionally held in Central Park, this year’s Winter Jam NYC will be located in the newly renovated East River Park on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, allowing the event to “spread its wings” while adding the historic Brooklyn skyline as a dynamic backdrop.

It’s National Safety Awareness Week

Guests and employees at ski areas across New York are celebrating the 10th Annual National Safety Awareness Week, Jan. 19-25, 2009. National Safety Awareness Week is part of the ski industry’s Heads Up Safety Initiative.

At Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, Safety Week will be observed in a number of ways, including:

Safety Sumos, in which two Holiday Valley terrain park rangers will dress in blowup Sumo suits and wear shirts printed with “Don’t mess with Safety,” while riding around the parks educating guests about safety in the parks and park etiquette.

In the ” Radar Range” on Cindy’s Run skiers and snowboarders will be tested on their ability to judge how fast they are traveling. The target speed is 24 mph and prizes are awarded to those who can come closest.

Ice Weekend at Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa

This weekend in Findley Lake, in the Chautauqua-Allegheny, guests at Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa can enjoy special Ice Weekend festivities. On Saturday, Jan. 24, Peek’n Peak will feature an ice bar on the deck of the Retreat Lodge. Beverage specials will be available both at the bar and inside the lodge. In addition, two ice luge displays will feature specialty drinks including Pepsi Amp for non-drinkers or under 21 guests and Bacardi Freeze or Glacier in a Glass for guests who wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Peek’n Peak staff will feature an ice carving demonstration on the Retreat deck. Watch as a three hundred pound block of ice is transformed into a winter themed creation before your eyes. For more information about the Ice Weekend or to make reservations, please call 716-355-4141 or visit www.PKnPK.com.

There’s Still Time to Learn a Snow Sport

January is Learn a Snow Sport Month in New York State. All month (except the weekend of Martin Luther King’s birthday, Jan. 17-19), learn to ski or ride for free or at a 50 percent discount, depending on the chosen resort. Participants get a beginners package which includes a beginners lift pass, rental ski or board package and a professional lesson.

Just visit www.learnasnowsport.com to download and print a coupon. In addition to the learning package, skiers will also receive a return coupon for a 50 percent discount off their next package. And every person who participates in this promotion receives coupons from Dick’s Sporting Goods for discounts on winter apparel and equipment at all Dick’s locations in New York State.

Check out discounted lift ticket prices at www.skiandrideny.com.

Ski and Stay

For the weekends Feb. 7-8 and March 7-8, guests can book a weekend “ski and stay” package and get the third night’s lodging and a third day of snow sporting for free at one of several participating properties. For a complete listing of participating properties and to book this package, go to www.skiandrideny.com.

Start your skiing adventure at iloveny.com.

In addition to keeping you updated on great travel deals, new events, lodging information and much more, New York State’s travel and tourism site, iloveny.com now brings you daily ski conditions. Just log on to iloveny.com and get the latest downhill and cross country ski reports.

About New York State

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls, to the wine trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.