LAKE PLACID, New York ??” Spring skiing and riding at Whiteface is about chewing up the corn, checking out events, getting rid of layers and working on a raccoon tan. And spring 2005 will be no different at the alpine home of the 1980 Winter Olympics.

The winter of 2004-05 saved its best for last. According to a release from the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), the final weeks of the season will offer up the following:

March 26: Apple Butter Open Freestyle Mogul Contest sponsored by Forrence Orchards. This annual mogul competition is open to any and all skiers and riders who want a shot at winning the coveted Apple Butter Open Moguls championship. The course is located at the base of Boreen. There is no entry fee. Registration begins at 8:[/b]30 at the Guest Services Desk. Call 518-946-2223.

March 27: Easter Sunday non-denominational service will begin at 8 AM in the AuSable Room of the base lodge followed by egg hunts at 11 AM and 12 PM. Centerplate, ORDA concessionaire, will present an Easter buffet to be served from 8:[/b]30 ??“ 10:[/b]30 AM. The buffet is priced at $13.95 for adults and $6.95 for juniors 12 and under. The menu will consist of eggs, bacon, sausage, carved honey glazed ham, waffle station with assorted fruit toppings, fresh pastries as well as hot and cold beverages. Additionally, Whiteface welcomes non-skiers and riders to celebrate Easter on the mountain with special $7 scenic Cloudsplitter Gondola rides.

April 9: Annual Pond Skimming Contest, sponsored by Cunningham’s Ski Barn, offers great laughs and photo ops. This event is open to all skiers and riders. Contestants try to stay the driest and see how far they can go without getting wet. Judging based on Best Costume, Biggest Splash and Best Distance.

Whiteface is currently offering 55-60 trails and eight lifts on a loose and frozen granular surface. Recent weather conditions have been the best of the year with high sun and warmer temperatures saturating the region on a daily basis.

Mountain management is hopeful that the Summit Quad chair will be repaired in time for this weekend. All of the needed parts and equipment are on site and Whiteface staff has begun the process of transporting them to the summit. The alternate plan is to bring expert skiers and riders to the top on a limited basis via snow cat. These people movers carry 10 and nine passengers, respectively, on a first come, first served basis and depart from the first turn of the Excelsior trail at the intersection of Paron’s Run.

Why not take advantage of spring at its best by purchasing the Last Chance Pass, formerly known as the Whiteface Only Non-Holiday Pass. The $299 Last Chance Pass, which is blacked out Dec. 24-Jan. 1, Jan. 14-16 and Feb. 18-26, is valid the remainder of the 2005-06 season. First time buyers can also use the LCP the rest of this season. Purchase this pass online at www.whiteface.com or call 518-946-2223. The LCP will only be sold through May 6.

The LCP and all other Whiteface season passes, including Whiteface / Gore passes and the four-pack, have been held at this season’s rates.

For current conditions at Whiteface, please log on to www.whiteface.com or call the Coca-Cola Snow Phone at 877-SKI-FACE. For more information on ORDA venues and events and for web cams from five locations, please log on to www.orda.org.