WILMINGTON, N.Y. — Nine days before the start of the anticipated skiing and riding season at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., crews have begun the process of making snow. Last night, Nov. 16, guns began covering Excelsior, Upper Valley and Lower Valley, laying the base for the Friday, Nov. 25, opening day, weather permitting.

“Last night was the first real opportunity that we’ve had so far to make snow,” said the mountain’s manager Bruce McCulley. “We were able to get a good start and we’ll continue as long as the weather cooperates.”

Skiers and riders will notice several new upgrades and improvements to the Olympic mountain this season. They include the addition of seven new automated snow guns, a Pisten Bully Snow Groomer, the new Rossignol Experience rental ski center and enhanced on-mountain dining.

For the 19th consecutive year, Whiteface/Lake Placid , N.Y. has been selected as the top destination for Off Hill Activities by readers of SKI Magazine. The 22nd annual survey also tabbed Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., as the fourth top ski resort in the eastern United States. The rankings were announced in the magazine’s October special issue.

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 ski resort.

Season passes remain on sale for both Whiteface and Gore. And skiers and riders will also be able to save the throughout season with programs including Super Sundays presented by Bud Light, Coca-Cola “Why Not Wednesdays” and the vertical Club . Plus Whiteface has added a snow guarantee. If the mountain’s conditions are not to the skier or rider’s satisfaction, they have up to one hour from the time they purchased their ticket to request a voucher for another day of skiing and riding.

For more information about skiing and riding Whiteface and for more information about all of ORDA’s Olympic venues, log on to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com .

** Photo Courtesy of the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA)