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Expanded drop off areas, more outdoor dining and touchless lift ticket sales are among the changes in store for the state’s Olympic Regional Development Authority’s Whiteface, Gore and Belleayre ski areas this winter.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic raises questions about the upcoming ski season, Gore Mountain in Johnsburg is replacing two lifts to improve access to beginner and expert terrain.

Gore Mountain in North Creek; Whiteface in Lake Placid; and Belleayre Mountain Ski Center in Highmount, in central New York’s Ulster County. These three ski resorts all have one thing in common; all are operated by the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority.

Following milder weather that has brought mixed precipitation storms, a solid snow is on the way for many. This is the best-looking system in a little while!

An active weather pattern will have several fast-moving storms move through both the East and the West. Timing is everything to catch the best conditions through this weekend.

Welcome to April! It’s the month to have a little more fun and perhaps get those last runs of the season in. Hurry though! As warmer weather approaches and ski resorts close, our time is limited. Here’s what the weather has to offer this week.

Northeast skiers and riders don't have to hop a plane to reach some of the best terrain in the country, and they don't have to limit themselves to just one mountain. Multi-Mountain 2019-20 season passes are now on sale, and early birds get the best prices.

It’s been an incredible January for so many ski areas across North America. January will be one to remember with snow-packed storms, keeping soft turn after soft turn.

A storm that may end up being the largest from coast-to-coast is already underway. From blizzard conditions in California to feet in the East, we’ve got the entire breakdown here for where to ski and ride in the coming week.

That’s right, it’s only November and the Northeast is having one of the best starts to the season in recent memory. If you haven’t already headed for the hills, get your sick day excuses ready and make your way to your nearest mountain.

It’s a snow lover’s dream this week across the Northeast as several resorts will start turning lifts for the season, thanks to the combined forces of Mother Nature’s snowmaking temperatures and natural snowfall.

With temperatures moderating and the colors beginning to burst across mountain country, fall is a perfect time to get the family out for a hike. Depending on the age and stamina of the kids, suitable hikes abound for everything from an easy stroll to rock scrambles, many with mountain views for mom and dad and the hook of possible nature sightings for the kids.

When visiting a ski resort for the first time, most people check out the trail map to plan their day. But whereas 30 years ago it was a paper map, today it is likely to be on a smartphone or computer. 

Even though it might still feel like February as snow continues to fall on mountain resorts across the country, Northeast mountains are celebrating end-of season runs as they look ahead to summer activities and construction. Thanks to snowmakers and some great March snowfall, bases are still deep for those spring runs.

Loading the new Belleayre gondi. (Belleayre/Facebook)

Skiers and snowboarders loading Belleayre's new 60-cabin Catskill Thunder gondola can now make it from the lower mountain's Discovery Lodge to the summit in seven minutes. The eight-person cabin can move about 2,000 people per hour, at a maximum speed of 1,000 feet per minute.

Snowshoe in West Virginia is in a prime location for wintry weather this week. (Snowshoe) 

The weather pattern change we have been waiting for in the East is finally here bringing cold temperatures and snow, while the West continues to be sunny and dry.

Going for the basket at Gore Mountain. (Gore Mountain)

Want to add a little friendly competition to your mountainside hike? Disc golf at your favorite Eastern resort is a great way to get outside with your buddies, perfect your throw and explore the mountain from a new perspective. Scoring is the same as golf - count the number of throws needed to get the disc in the basket.

Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface are the first Eastern resorts to partner with The Climate Reality Project I AM PRO SNOW Project. (Whiteface/Facebook)

On the heels of announcements for $28 million in investments at Whiteface, Gore and Belleayre, the three New York-owned ski resorts have pledged to be powered by 100 percent renewal energy by 2030, joining The Climate Reality Project I AM PRO SNOW 100% Committed campaign.

New project will create state-of-the-art skiing, lodging, dining and retail and year-round activities at Gore and Whiteface Mountains. (ORDA)

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the state will invest up to $20 million for major upgrades at Whiteface and Gore Mountains to attract more visitors and build on Northern New York’s bourgeoning winter tourism industry.

This could be the big one. No, really, it could be the mother of all Thanksgiving snowstorms. So hold the turkey. Hold the cranberry sauce. Hold the stuffing, and leave early - especially if you’re driving I-70 or I-80 - get a room and don’t forget the fat skis!