Windham Mountain Resort Sponsors Paralympics Team Member Staci Mannella in Peoyong Chang

Paraolympic skiing competitor Staci Mannella (left), and her guide, Sadie Debaun in PyeongChang.

WINDHAM MOUNTAIN RESORT, NY – Windham Mountain Resort, renowned for its adaptive skiing program, is honored to have sponsored U.S. Paralympics Alpine National Team member, Staci Mannella, s she made her way to the 2018 Peoyong Chang Paralympic Games.

Staci first discovered skiing with the Adaptive Sports Foundation at Windham Mountain when she was just four years old. Legally blind due to achromatopsia, a genetic eye condition she was born with, she started skiing because it was an activity that her family could all do together. She quickly progressed from skiing with a bamboo pole between two sighted skiers, to out skiing her instructors, to competing in her first national championship at just eleven years old.

A limitless dreamer, Staci’s career thus far has included four national championship titles, a world cup gold medal, and representing the United States in the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games. Staci and her current guide, Sadie Debaun, have been skiing together since December of 2015. They’ve secured four world cup gold medals, three world cup silver medals, and a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships. The two have high hopes for Peoyong Chang.

Windham’s support of Staci is a testament to the Resort’s long-standing relationship with the Adaptive Sports Foundation. The non-profit organization provides life changing experiences for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community. The slope side Adaptive Sports Center at Windham Mountain provides athletes like Staci with a fully equipped, easily accessible, cozy place to enjoy a day on the mountain with their families.

Staci Mannella is a Randolph, New Jersey native, and at 20 years old, a full-time student at Dartmouth College where she competes on the Dartmouth equestrian team. She aspires to attend veterinarian school after Dartmouth. While her skiing career has brought Staci all over the world, she always makes her way back home to Windham. Windham Mountain Resort looks forward to having Staci on the slopes this season, and to sending her off to the 2018 Peoyong Chang Paralympic Games in March.

Windham Mountain Resort, 19 Resort Drive, Windham NY, 12496, 800-754-9463, info@windhammountain.com, www.windhammountain.com.

 

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I Love NY Winter Ski Bus Kicks Off Jan. 22 from NYC to 4 Mountain Destinations

The I Love NY Winter Ski Bus from NYC offers an overnight trip to Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid© 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The I LOVE NEW YORK Winter Ski Bus will begin weekly trips from New York City to upstate ski areas on January 22. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the bus will offer downstate skiers and riders day trips to Hunter, Plattekill and Belleayre mountains, plus an overnight trip to Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid. Additionally, I LOVE NEW YORK has partnered with popular outfitter REI to further spread the word about the outdoor adventures that the State has to offer.

The I LOVE NEW YORK Bus winter program schedule features:

Fridays to Hunter Mountain, providing weekday access for skiers and snowboarders with shorter lift lines and more runs in the Snowmaking Capital of the World.

Saturdays to Plattekill Mountain, featuring 38 different trails and a family-friendly atmosphere, the mountain offers a great skiing experience for everyone.

Sundays to Belleayre, this model of winter mountain perfection offers 50 trails, parks and glades and a 1,404 vertical drop.

Overnight Trip to Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid: Experience the mountain with highest vertical drop east of the Rockies and host of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. In the evening enjoy the beautiful town of Lake Placid for dining and further shopping and entertainment.

Also new in 2016 is the Have Your Own Mountain for a Day option. This exciting new feature allows groups of 100 or more to reserve Plattekill Mountain on a weekday just for themselves. Reservations can be made through Hampton Jitney, call 631-283-4600 ext. 343 for more information. Trips can be booked now at www.Iloveny.com/bus.

Hampton Jitney Vice President Andrew Lynch said, “The success of the I LOVE NEW YORK BUS ski trips last year led us to expand our destinations for 2016. With new partners like REI joining this year, the momentum and engagement is sure to grow.”

“The I LOVE NEW YORK Bus is a great way for downstate skiers and riders to enjoy some of New York State’s top mountains,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “It has never been easier for New Yorkers and tourists alike to experience the world renowned skiing and other outdoor recreational activities that await them upstate this winter.”

Partnership with REI

I LOVE NEW YORK’s partnership with REI will help promote winter attractions and outdoor recreation in New York State through in-store promotions, email offers and ski visit information on the company’s website. The partnership will also introduce travelers to New York State’s booming craft beverage and winery trails.

REI Outdoor Programs and Outreach Manager Melissa Abramson said, “REI is thrilled to be partnering with I LOVE NEW YORK to provide the opportunity for our members and customers to explore some of New York’s most beautiful ski destinations.”

Anyone who loves the outdoors can come to the co-op to learn a new activity or advance their skills with the local REI Outdoor School. REI Outdoor School is the nation’s largest provider of outdoor education, offering a wide variety of beginner to advanced classes led by professionally trained instructors. REI’s instructors are passionate about the outdoors and are dedicated to teaching outdoor ethics and outdoor skills with each and every experience. Across the country, REI Outdoor School offers a robust schedule of free and low-cost in-store classes, field programs and day outings for cycling, paddling, fitness, hiking and camping, climbing, snow sports, photography and wilderness medicine.

Last year, more than 200,000 people participated in an REI Outdoor School program or outing, including more than 5,000 New York-area residents. Examples of popular local classes are Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, Hiking Tri-States Best Places and Introduction to Kayaking. Since REI Outdoor School launched in 2005, over 1 million people have learned with the co-op. Learn more at http://www.rei.com/learn.html.

Hampton Jitney is a pioneer in the transportation field. In 1974, Hampton Jitney started with one van and a commitment to providing the finest personalized transportation service between Eastern Long Island and metropolitan New York. Building on that simple premise, Hampton Jitney now operates a fleet of luxury motor coaches and limousines. Hundreds of thousands of people now travel each year in style and comfort, safely and on time via Hampton Jitney. Hampton Jitney operates 365 days a year between Eastern Long Island and Metro New York, including the airports. In addition, Hampton Jitney limousines, charters and tour coaches operate regularly throughout the northeastern U.S. and Canada. More information is available athttp://www.hamptonjitney.com/.

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions feature landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the largest park in the continental U.S. in the Adirondacks and treasures such as the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Corning Museum of Glass. New York State offers diverse activities for all: outdoor fun – fishing, hiking and boating, year-round festivals and exploring the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies. Visitors also enjoy the fine cuisine, beverage trails and farm-to-table fresh foods. For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com.

Follow the I LOVE NY social media channels for news on tourism in New York State. Check out I LOVE NEW YORK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for great ideas for your next getaway.

 

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Celebrate New Year’s On & Off the Slopes in New York’s Catskills Mountains

GREENE COUNTY, NY – New Year’s Eve in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County offers family-friendly entertainment, as well as romantic couples retreats in the mountains just two hours north of New York City.

Head to the Catskills for New Year’s Eve celebrations and ring in 2015 with these festive events:

New Year’s Eve Celebration on the Snow at Hunter Mountain is part tailgate party, part traditional New Year’s Eve celebration. Grab your friends and head to the mountain for a day of skiing and riding, and stick around for the after-party, complete with live music, a torchlight parade, giveaways, door prizes, and of course, spectacular fireworks. The evening of entertainment kicks off at 4 pm.

At Windham Mountain, the NYE Celebration with Joshua Tree features the “premier U2 tribute band” which will perform along with DJ Brian from 8 pm – 1 am. A special entertainment program for kids includes a magic show with magician Sean Doolan, and a movie night followed by fireworks.

Ring in the New Year at Blackthorne Resort and dance the night away during their New Year’s Eve Bash, which will include an open bar cocktail hour, five-course dinner and live entertainment by Peter McKiernan for $55. Join for dinner or just the after party, and dance to the Kitty Kelly Band. Enjoy a Champagne toast, buffet and fireworks at midnight. Reservations are suggested and rooms are available for overnight guests.

New Year’s Eve Lodging Packages Near NYC

Enjoy a romantic escape to the Catskills and ski and ride into the New Year, or simply relax with family and friends with one of these special New Year’s Eve lodging packages:

• Winter Clove Inn’s New Year’s Celebration package includes overnight accommodations and a New Year’s Eve party for all ages. The evening kicks off with a sumptuous feast, followed by bowling and snacks for the kids, and a live band with cash bar for the adults. At 11 pm, everyone is invited to enjoy a pizza party followed by a champagne toast at midnight. Rates are $145 per adult and vary for children depending on age.
• Bavarian Manor Country Inn & Restaurant’s New Year’s Eve package includes overnight accommodations, an elegant dinner, live music by Nickel Candy, party hats, late-night buffet and a champagne toast to ring in the New Year. Book overnight accommodations by December 15 to receive special dining discounts. Rates vary.

For more information about New Year’s Eve lodging packages and festivities in Greene County, go to www.greatnortherncatskills.com.

Greene County is the Great Northern Catskills, home to five of the 10 highest peaks in the Catskill Park, family resorts, outdoor adventure and year-round entertainment. Known as the nation’s first wilderness, and renowned as the home of Thomas Cole’s Hudson River School, the Catskills are a haven for outdoor recreation and artistic inspiration. Greene County was also the inspiration for Washington Irving’s literary legend, Rip Van Winkle. Connect with the Catskills at Facebook.com/GreatNorthernCatskills, and on Twitter.com/CatskillTourism.

 

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New York Ski 3 Pass Gives Access, Perks, Specials to Belleayre, Gore, Whiteface

Feel like an Olympian when you ski Whiteface. Take advantage of the New York Ski Three season pass which gives access, specials and perks to Whiteface, Gore and Belleayre © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

New York Ski Three provides access to the three mountain destinations operated by New York State’s Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA): Belleayre in Highmount (just 2 1/2 hours from NYC) in, Gore in North Creek, and Whiteface – three very different mountains so you have tremendous variety. Families with kids (or adults) just learning will adore Belleayre, in the Catskills – which has a natural separation and wonderful learning terrain; Gore, in the Adirondacks, the largest ski area in the state, is more challenging but is superb for intermediates, and Whiteface with a vertical to rival the Rockies, a lot of variety, and let’s not forget, it’s hosted the Olympics twice, is where you, too, can feel like an Olympian (and take part in other Olympic activities).

Purchase the pass before Nov. 14 to get a discounted rate (the price goes up about $100 after that): Adult/$929; Young Adult (13-22)/$439, Junior (7-12)/ $339; six and under, $50; 70+, $250.

As a 2014 -2015 Whiteface, Gore, Belleayre season pass holder, you also have access to an extraordinary perks program that includes perks and pass holder specials at all three ski areas. Additional specials may be added throughout the year and might include event tickets, special bring a friend days, discounts on hotel stays and more. (See details at nyski3.com/ski3-pass.html)

Another option is the SKI3 Frequent Skier Card, which gives you the first and sixth day free, in addition to savings on lift tickets every time you ski. Purchase the SKI3 Frequent Skier Card from the resort you expect to ski first or consider your home mountain. Purchase online, mail, or over the phone from Whiteface, Gore, or Belleayre. (See the website for pricing and details, nyski3.com/ski3-skier-card.html).

Visit ISkiNY.com for more information.

 

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Ski Finger Lakes, NY Entices Pennsylvania Residents with Discount Card

Ski Finger Lakes, representing four ski resorts in Cortland County, New York are running a special promotion to bring overnight travelers from Pennsylvania. The Ski FLX Mountain Pass provides a 30% discount card to the four resorts – Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Toggenburg Mountain Winter Sports Center, Labrador Mountain, and Song Mountain Resort.

The resorts are within 30 minutes of each other and offer plenty of variety for experts and beginning skiers alike.

The pass is valid at all four mountains and can be used multiple times. PA residents can order the card at a new website: http://www.skifingerlakes.com. (A Pennsylvania license must be shown in order to get the discount.)

 

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