ALBANY, New York ??” Presidents’ Week is one of the most popular times to ski in New York State, and skiers will find a wide range of fun and exciting special events at ski areas and in communities all across the state this holiday week.

The celebration commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games continues in Lake Placid. This weekend’s Anniversary events include several all day activities at Whiteface Mountain. NASTAR race participants will receive medals for their podium finishes. Re-live the era of disco balls and platform shoes in a retro party highlighted by the Dynomite All-Star Disco Review performing live in the Cloudspin Lounge from 2 – 5:30 PM. Olympic pin trading, made popular at the 1980 Games, will be renewed here. At sunset, enjoy a torch light parade, followed by an Apr??s Winter Games Film Festival with complimentary hors d’oeuvres at Steinhoff’s Sportsmen’s Inn in Wilmington from 6 to 9 p.m.

The festivities culminate on Feb. 23 with a gala reception and ice show at the Olympic Center, featuring world champion figure skaters and other former Olympic athletes. For a complete schedule of celebration events, please visit www.goremountain.com”>www.orda.org.

Also in the Adirondacks, at Gore Mountain, in North Creek, there will be a Full Moon Tubing Party Feb. 24 at the North Creek Ski Bowl with $10 tickets after 6 p.m., free s’mores and live entertainment. For more information, call (518) 251-2411 or visit [url=http://www.goremountain.com]www.goremountain.com. February 19 is Family Fun Day at McCauley Mountain Ski Area in Old Forge, with lift tickets priced at $15 for adults and $12 for children. For more information call the Old Forge Visitor Center at (315) 369-6983 or visit [url=http://www.oldforgeny.com]www.oldforgeny.com.

In the Catskills, Belleayre Mountain in Highmount is holding a Beast Birthday Bash on Feb. 19 at the Lower Discovery Lodge from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with DJ entertainment. On Feb. 21, Belleayre offers a Presidents Day special. If your last name is the same as any U.S. President, past or present, you can purchase a $25 discounted lift ticket with valid ID. On Feb. 23 the first 50 riders or skiers to purchase a lift ticket will receive a free Belleayre hat. For more information, call (845) 254-5600 or visit www.belleayre.com.

Windham Mountain in Windham is holding a Night Time Big Air Contest Feb. 18, with great music, a multiple hit big air jump catering to skiers and riders of all abilities, and giveaways. Feb. 19-26 is Windham’s Family Jamboree Week. This winter festival is free for all lift ticket holders and season pass holders. This event-filled week features a host of fun events and activities (including the famous tug-a-war and snow volleyball), and plenty of prizes for everyone. For more Windham Mountain events and event information, call (800) 754-9463 or (518) 734-4300, or visit www.windhammountain.com.

In the Hudson Valley, Catamount Ski Area, in Hillsdale, features a Season Pass Holders Race Feb. 20 and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Benefit Night on Feb. 24. For more information, call (800) 342-1840 or (518) 325-3200 or visit www.catamountski.com. In Warwick, Mt. Peter Ski Area’s Mardi Gras/Winter Carnival takes place on Feb. 20. It’s a fun-filled day of music, masquerading, fantastic food, games and bar specials. For more information, call (845) 986-4992 or visit www.mtpeter.com.

In the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, Peek ‘n Peak in Findley Lake is holding a half-pipe contest for snowboarders on Feb. 27. The contest, at 1 p.m., is open to all ages. Registration, which is free, will be at the resort’s Retreat Lodge from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Prizes include Mountain Dew and Rossignol snowboards. For more information call (716) 355-4141 or visit www.pknpk.com.

Cockaigne Ski Area in Cherry Creek is holding a Bud Light Race and Party Feb. 19, along with a Bavarian Village Junior Race. Feb. 20 is Cockaigne’s West Side Market Race. For more information call (716) 287-3223 or visit http://www.cockaigne.com.

In the Finger Lakes region, Labrador Mountain in Truxton has College Nights on Monday and Tuesday. Ski and ride for only $12 after 4:30 p.m. with a valid college I.D. On Feb. 20, the mountain is holding a JI&II NYS Winter Carnival all day. For more information, call (800) 446-9559 or (607) 835-6111, or visit www.labradormtn.com for more information. Toggenburg Winter Sports Center in Fabius is holding a Slopestyle event on Feb. 19. Toggenburg also has vacation week specials, Feb. 21-25. For more information, call (800) 720-8644 or (315) 683-5842, or visit www.skitog.com.

Also in the region, the Greater Rochester area is celebrating winter with Coldrush 2005, a wide variety of hundreds of great indoor and outdoor events. For more information, call (585) 546-3070 or (800) 677-7282, or visit www.goforthecold.com.

Ongoing and upcoming New York winter celebrations include: Brantingham (Feb. 18-20), Indian Lake (Feb. 18-20) Lake George (through Feb. 27), Raquette Lake (Feb. 19) and Syracuse (Feb. 18-27). For more information on these, call (800) CALL-NYS or visit www.iloveny.com.

For the sixth year, Empire State Development’s I LOVE NEW YORK campaign is partnering with Ski Areas of New York for the 4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport program, which introduces fourth-grade students to winter mountain recreation in New York State.

With the 4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport program, any fourth grade student ??“ from any state ??“ can take advantage of unmatched and unprecedented skiing and snowboarding values from the New York State mountain resort industry for the 2004-05 winter season. Eligible students will receive a ???Passport??? book containing three coupons for free skiing and/or snowboarding at each of the participating ski areas in New York State. The only cost is a $15 processing fee.

This ski season, I LOVE NEW YORK is giving away a free pair of Rossignol skis. To enter for the giveaway, visit www.iloveny.com.

For more information on the 4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport program, up-to-the-minute cross-country and downhill ski reports, a free 2004-05 I LOVE NEW YORK Winter Travel and Ski Guide, and New York State events, attractions and lodging information, dial (800) CALL-NYS or visit the I LOVE NEW YORK website at www.iloveny.com.