2007 - 2008 - Olympic Regional Development Authority

Transcription

2007 - 2008 - Olympic Regional Development Authority
2007-08 Annual Report
NYS Olympic Regional
Development Authority
Joe Martens
Chairman
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
David A. Paterson
Governor
Ted T. Blazer
President/CEO
1
Contact Us At:
NYS Olympic Regional Development Authority
2634 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-1655
info@orda.org
www.orda.org
This report may be found online at:
http://www.orda.org/newsite/about/
annual_report.php
2
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
The ORDA Mission
Established by the New York State legislature (Article 8, Title 28, NYS Public Authorities
Law) on July 3, 1981, ORDA was given the mandate to manage and promote the sports
facilities used to host the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. State and local government
cooperatively created a long term solution to protect the public’s investment in the Lake
Placid Olympic facilities through the establishment of ORDA. New York State had
contributed $44 million to the construction and operation of the 1980 Olympic facilities
while the federal government and the organizing committee provided an additional $150
million investment. ORDA’s legislative mandate is to:
1. Institute a comprehensive, coordinated program of activities utilizing the Olympic
facilities in and around Lake Placid, New York, in order to insure optimum year-round use
and enjoyment of these facilities to the economic and social benefit of the Olympic Region
and to minimize the financial burden on state and local government by maximizing revenue
opportunities.
2. Improve the physical fitness and recreational education of the people of New York
and the United States.
3. Develop, implement and supervise a comprehensive, coordinated program for the
management, promotion and scheduling of a wide range of national and international
athletic training and competitive opportunities that maximize the utilization of the Olympic
facilities.
4. Manage, maintain and improve Gore Mountain recreational facilities in the Town of
Johnsburg, Warren County, N.Y.
5. Develop, construct, operate, manage and maintain facilities for the training and
housing of amateur athletes in connection with the United States Olympic Committee’s
training center program and ORDA’s conduct of national and international sports events.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
3
The History of ORDA
The New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was established in 1981 under
legislation enacted by the State of New York to operate, maintain and promote the 1980 Winter
Olympic facilities in the Lake Placid region. Lake Placid played host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter
Olympic Games.
The concept was to combine facilities owned by the State of New York — Whiteface
Mountain Ski Center in Wilmington and the bobsled, luge, cross-country and biathlon facilities of
the Olympic Sports Complex (formerly Mt. Van Hoevenberg) — with those owned by the Town of
North Elba — the Olympic Center, the Olympic Speedskating Oval and the Olympic Jumping
Complex — for efficient and effective management. Gore Mountain Ski Center in North Creek,
was added in 1984 along with the United States Olympic Training Center in 1990. The 1932 &
1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum was added in 1994. Presently ORDA is an integral part
of the New York State Department of Economic Development.
The Authority has hosted over 300 major national and international events and competitions
since its inception. The events and competitions have included 11 World Championships and over
75World Cup competitions in bobsled, luge, skeleton, biathlon, alpine racing, ski jumping,
speedskating, freestyle skiing, snowboarding and the first-ever Winter Goodwill Games. The
Olympic Authority not only hosts winter events but summer ones as well. ORDA hosted the first
three annual ESPN Great Outdoor Games during the summers of 2000, 2001 and 2002. The
summer of 2004 saw ORDA partner with the City of Hope, I Love NY and others to host the
inaugural Songs at the Lake music festival. This outdoor festival featured a wide variety of
musicians, from country to zydeco. A portion of the ticket sales benefited cancer research,
treatment and education at the world-renowned City of Hope, based in Greater Los Angeles, Calif.
In January of 2005, ORDA hosted the first-ever Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge. This event saw
ORDA team with NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine, the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project and other NASCAR
drivers in this charity made-for-TV bobsledding event. All proceeds from the Challenge went to the
Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project, which builds bobsleds for the U.S. Olympic athletes at no cost to the
athletes. The event has now become an annual competition.
The Olympic Authority and its partners manage all events and competitions with its
communications, corporate marketing, engineering, events, finance, marketing, sports development
and timing and scoring departments.
Beyond management of events and initiation programs, such as Sports Development, which
promotes education and participation in Olympic sports, the Authority has significantly expanded
and improved its facilities over the years with help from the State of New York and the federal
government.
The Authority is also a major promoter of tourism in the Adirondack Region of Upstate New
York. From figure skating shows and concerts at the Olympic Center to international competitions
in winter sports, the Authority has allowed Lake Placid to proudly carry the banner of the “Winter
Sports Capital of the World.”
4
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
The ORDA Venues
The Olympic Center
The Olympic Center includes four ice surfaces: the 1932 Rink Jack Shea Arena, the 1980 Rink Herb Brooks
Arena (home of the “Miracle on Ice”) and two practice areas, the Lussi and USA rinks. It is a world-class yearround training facility for speedskating, figure skating and hockey. The Olympic Center is also available for
recreational skating, conventions and concerts. In 1994, the 1932 & 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic
Museum opened in the Olympic Center.
The Olympic Speedskating Oval
This outdoor oval is one of three refrigerated 400-meter skating ovals in the United States and the site of Eric
Heiden’s record five gold medals in 1980. It is open during the winter months — December through March —
for competitive training, events, and recreational skating.
Olympic Jumping Complex
This complex is home to winter and summer ski jumping and freestyle skiing. The large (120-meter K point) and
normal (90-meter K point) jumps were used for the 1980 Olympic Games. In addition, there are three smaller
hills used for development programs. A combination of ceramic tiles and plastic mats allow the jumpers to train
and compete in the non-snow months. The Freestyle Sports Park, completed in 1988, is America’s foremost
water ramp training and competitive facility for freestyle aerial skiing. Summer aerialists land in a heated
750,000-gallon pool. In winter, launching ramps and a steep landing hill are utilized for training and world-class
events in freestyle aerials.
Olympic Sports Complex
This complex, formerly know as the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Sports Complex, was renamed the Verizon Sports
Complex in the fall of 2001. In the fall of 2006, the name went back to the Olympic Jumping Complex. The
attractions include the combined bobsled/luge/skeleton track which was completed in January 2000, a 50kilometer (31-mile) cross-country skiing network built for the 1980Winter Games, and a biathlon target range.
Athletes train year-round at the facility. The public can visit the complex and take a bobsled ride, tour the
complex, or ski the extensive cross-country network of groomed and set track trails. In the summer months
wheeled bobsled rides are also available, as well as a mountain biking center and a summer biathlon training
facility.
Whiteface Ski Center
Whiteface has the greatest vertical drop East of the Rockies, 3,430-feet. In addition to being a favorite among
recreational skiers and snowboarders, all of the race courses are fully sanctioned for international competition.
There are 75 trails ranging from beginner to expert and out-of-bounds skiing and riding. In non-winter months,
Whiteface operates as a mountain bike center and hosts a variety of festivals and events. Tourists can enjoy a
summer chairlift ride to the summit of Little Whiteface or drive the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway to the
summit of Whiteface. The Cloudsplitter Gondola, North America’s fastest gondola, whisks passengers from the
base lodge to the summit of Little Whiteface in just over seven minutes and is used year-round.
Gore Mountain Ski Center
Gore has a wide variety of terrain, from easy beginner slopes to challenging expert trails. There are 84 trails
spread over three distinct ski areas at Gore. Gore also boasts one of the steepest headwalls in the East. During
the non-winter months, Gore offers mountain biking, hiking and other summer activities. Gore is in North Creek,
located in Warren County, an hour from Lake Placid. The mountain added the new Northwoods Lodge and is
continuing on the Burnt Ridge Mountain project. Gore also runs the North Creek Ski Bowl, which offers tubing
and night skiing.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
5
Olympic Center
Description
The Olympic Center is one of the largest ice complexes of its type in the world. It features four ice surfaces
under one roof and an outdoor speed skating oval. The Olympic Center contains four ice surfaces including the
1980 Rink Herb Brooks Arena, the 1932 Rink Jack Shea Arena, the Lussi Rink and the USA Rink. The rinks
are used for training for competitive figure skating, hockey and short track speedskating. The 1980 Rink Herb
Brooks Arena is best known as the home of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team “Miracle on Ice” game
against the Soviet Union. It seats 8,000 for ice sports and 11,000 for entertainment events. The 1980 and 1932
Olympic Arenas are among just a handful of international size (100x200 feet) rinks in the U.S. There is also the
USA Rink, a full NHL-sized rink and the Lussi Rink, a practice rink that also transforms into a convention hall.
Ice is available year-round for figure skating, hockey and speedskating.
The Olympic Center hosts many concerts, competitions, tournaments and ice shows year-round. A
cafeteria, gym, conference rooms, dance rooms, meeting halls and the Olympic Authority offices are all part of
the Olympic Center. The massive building also contains the 1932 and 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic
Museum and is situated on Main Street in the center of town, impressively decorated with a skyline of flags and
overlooks the outdoor Olympic Speedskating Oval and the historic Lake Placid High School.
The Olympic Speedskating Oval is one of three refrigerated 400-meter facilities in the country and is
used extensively from mid-November through early March for both speedskating training and as a public
recreational facility. The Oval was the site of speedskating events for both the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games.
The Speedskating Oval was built by the Town of North Elba for the 1932 Olympic Winter Games. Roosevelt
officially opened the Games on February 4, 1932. Earlier that afternoon, Jack Shea of Lake Placid won two
gold medals in the sport of speedskating, becoming the first athlete to win more than one gold medal at the same
Olympics. Remarkable history was made again in 1980 with Eric Heiden winning an unprecedented five gold
medals – breaking five Olympic records and one World record. Today, during the winter months, the Oval is a
popular site for public skating and serves as a site for local and national speedskating competitions.
6
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
The Year in Review
The Olympic Center continues to play host to many international and national sporting events along with a
variety of entertainment events.
One of the highlights of the last year was hosting the NCAA Division III Ice Hockey Championships. This event
set an attendance record for Men’s Division III hockey along with providing hockey fans with an exciting and
very competitive weekend. International figure skating returned to Lake Placid with the arena hosting the ISU
Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating event which featured skaters from 24 countries. The eventual US National
Senior Ladies Champion, Mirai Nagasu, competed in this event.
Figure Skating
The Olympic Center was home of the 75th Miracles of Gold Summer Figure Skating School. Enrollment was up
from the previous summer. The summer school offers skaters a wide variety of training tools to support their
skating such as ballet, trampoline, fitness and stretch & flexibility classes as well as Dartfish Video Analysis.
One of the more successful programs was the week long synchronized skating camp, which will be expanded to
two weeks this summer. We again hosted several skaters from the Skating Club of Harlem providing ice time
and housing for them at the OTC.
The Olympic Center Skating School, under the direction of Gilberto Viadana, had an impressive year. Kendall
Wyckoff competed at the US
Championships in St. Paul, Minn.
as a novice lady after qualifying
through regional and sectional
competition. For a first-time
national competitor, she skated to
an impressive sixth place finish. The
school also had a Junior National
Competitor at the intermediate
men’s event.
Smucker’s Stars on Ice again held
two weeks of rehearsal followed by
the premiere of their 2007 ice
show. The annual summer figure
skating championships and ice
dance championships were held.
The traditional Saturday Night Ice
Shows were sponsored by
Citizen’s Bank and attracted good crowds throughout the summer. The Freaky Friday summer fun competitions
continue to be a crowd favorite.
Ice Hockey
Our hockey business continues to be strong. The Olympic Center is home ice for Northwood School, Lake
Placid Central School and the National Sports Academy as well as the Lake Placid Youth Athletic Association.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
7
Can/Am Hockey Group and Canadian Hockey Enterprises continue to be valued customers and are expanding
their programs yearly.
As mentioned previously, the Olympic Center hosted the 2008 Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championships
setting record attendance.
Other Events
The Olympic Center hosted the Holiday Hoopfest Basketball Tournament which raises money for the
Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. The Harlem Globetrotters also performed a one-night show and the Speed Skating
Oval hosted the Long Track Speed Skating Championships and a CAN/AM Pond Hockey Tournament.
The Olympic Center School of Ballet split time between the Olympic Center and the Lake Placid Center for the
Arts. This program, under the direction of Michela Boschetto, continues to grow with about 65 dancers. Ms.
Boschetto provides the highest quality of instruction with her dancers continuing to dance in the summer at
prestigious programs such as the American Ballet Theatre and the Boston Ballet. Ms. Boschetto is continuing
her education as a ballet teacher with the American Ballet Theatre and upon completion of the program the
school will be affiliated with ABT.
The Olympic Center also hosted the annual Lake Placid Festival of Cars car show and auction in May.
Major Events 2007-2008
ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating
Smucker’s Stars on Ice
Harlem Globetrotters
ISI Figure Skating
Long Track National Speed Skating Championships
Summer Ice Dance Championships
Summer Figure Skating Championships
NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championships
8
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
1932 and 1980 Lake Placid
Winter Olympic Museum
Description
Lake Placid’s Olympic Winter Games are recalled in the exhibits of the Museum, operated by ORDA. In
addition, there is a Museum Board of Directors, which, by virtue of the charter of the State of New York, is
responsible for collecting, preserving and storing artifacts and memorabilia pertinent to the Museum’s mission.
Except for items on loan to the Museum, ORDA contracts with this group to use and display articles and
memorabilia from the town of North Elba Archives.
The Museum, which opened in 1995, focuses on three main topics: The 1932 and 1980 Winter
Olympics; perpetuating and updating the “ongoing” history and heritage of Lake Placid’s Olympic venues and
winter sports legacy; and “Hometown Heroes,” those Olympic athletes from the Lake Placid region, which has
sent competitors to every Olympic Winter Games.
Year in Review
The Museum hosted an exhibit titled An Olympic Journey: Portraits from May through July. The exhibition
featured portraits created through photographs and interviews conducted by Lake Placid High School and
Northwood School
students under the
auspices of the
Connecting Youth
and Communities
Arts program. The
exhibit was
developed in
partnership with the
museum, and in
cooperation with
Northwood
School, Lake
Placid High School,
ORDA, U.S.
Olympic Training
Center, Smucker’s
Stars on ice, U.S.
Luge Association,
U.S. Bobsled and
Skeleton
Federation, and
U.S. Ski and
Snowboard
Association. This
project was done with a Drug Free Community grant led by Naj Wykoff. The students photographed and
interviewed athletes and displayed them in the museum with an opening reception hosted by ORDA.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
9
The museum received a restored bobsled as a gift from the Rathburg Family of Ortonville, Mich. It was restored
in the summer of 2007 by Philip G. Wolff of Saranac Lake and his grandson. Pictured below is the sled before
restoration and after restoration.
10
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
The museum also received another bobsled on loan from Adirondack Museum/Blue Mt. Lake. It was used by
the Lyon Mt. Bobsled team and is one of three sleds co-designed by Robert Linney and Howard Pigg. It was
one of the world’s first all-metal bobsleds, which used cast-iron blades for runners instead of steel, causing less
friction and making it faster.
The Olympic Museum’s staff added Nora von
Bergen of Zurich, Switzerland in the capacity of
volunteer translator and cataloguer to Archivist
Alison Haas. Nora first became aware of the
Godfrey Dewey project when she and former
ice dance partner David De Fazio of Lake
Placid, as the 2007 Swiss National Champions,
entertained guests at the Diamond Dinner Dance
in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the
1932 Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games last
year. Godfrey Dewey was instrumental in
bringing the Games to this area, and as a
continuation of the 75th Anniversary, Haas is
scanning, preserving and cataloguing his
personal files, artifacts and papers.
Since retiring from figure skating, von
Bergen is studying at the Literagymnasium in
Zurich. As part of her curriculum she must do an
independent study project and she has selected
the Olympic Museum for that project. After a
preliminary week in March, Nora will return in
July to continue in the museum.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
11
Olympic Sports Complex
The Venue
The Olympic Sports Complex is comprised of two sections; the sliding tracks and the Cross Country/Biathlon
Center. The sliding tracks include the Combined Track built in 2000 for use by all levels of bobsled, skeleton
and luge athletes for training and competition and the 1980 Track used exclusively for the summer bobsled
passenger ride program. The Cross Country and Biathlon Center consists of 50 kilometers (32 miles) of trail
system, a state-of-the-art biathlon range and a public lodge. In addition to a public cross country ski facility and
a training facility for biathlon, the trails are leased to a private vendor during the summer months for use as a
mountain bike center.
For the purposes of this report the sliding tracks and the Cross Country/Biathlon Center will be viewed
independently.
THE SLIDING TRACKS
The sliding tracks, once again, set the mark for the longest season in the world with operations that stretched
from October 2, 2007 to April 27, 2008. During that time, over 25,000 trips down the track were completed
during competition and training in the sports of luge, bobsled
and skeleton. The track hosted five international
competitions, including one World Championship in junior
luge and it hosted the 2nd Annual International Sliding School
in bobsled and skeleton. The Geoff Bodine Bobsled
Challenge returned to the track with an interesting and
enthusiastic mix of NASCAR and NHRA competitors. In
addition, almost 5,000 passenger ride trips were taken from
Start 4 as part of the revamped Lake Placid Bobsled
Experience.
The venue also began projects and planning related to the 2009 World Championships in all the sliding
disciplines. This is the first time World Championships in bobsled and skeleton and luge will be held at the same
venue in the same year.
Projects and Improvements
Projects and improvements in 2007-2008 fell in three categories; ongoing projects essential to the final
completion of the Combined Track, projects implemented in preparation for the 2009 World Championships in
all sliding disciplines and maintenance and repair.
The major project of 2007-2008 was the men’s luge start which fell in the first two categories. The original luge
start was nonfunctioning and a new start was designed by ORDA with input from the International Luge
Federation (FIL) and the U.S. Luge Association (USLA). A combination of staff labor and contractors was
used to remove the old start and rebuild the new start. In addition to the construction of the start ramp ancillary
projects were required including decks, warming huts, lights, and viewing windows. The new start was tested
during World Cup competition and was well received by the international luge community. Additional projects,
including a roof system, will be completed in 2008-2009.
12
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Track shading projects also continued in 2007-2008 and by the end of the year 85% of the track is covered
with a final goal of 100% coverage. Completion of a cantilevered shade system over curve 18 and coverage of
the finish ramp from curve 20 to the lower finish building will ensure better ice conditions, result in lower energy
costs and less man hours of repair.
Additional projects completed or begun in 2007-2008 are listed below and finally a list of pending projects and
improvements is included.
2007-2008 Completed Projects:
• Men’s Luge Start
• Removed nonfunctioning men’s luge start to Curve 1
• Built new men’s start to FIL and USLA specifications with the help of contractors, Hollrock
Cement and Mullally Brother’s Refrigeration
• Built new deck from Start 1 building to the new men’s luge start
• Installed new lights at the new men’s luge start area
• Installed a window in VIP room overlooking the new men’s luge start area
• Installed small warming building at the start of the men’s luge
• Track Shades
• Installed transition shades in Curve 18
• Installed transition shades from Curve 20 to lower finish building
• Built tourist walkway from end of Curve 20 to lower finish building
• Redesigned new walkway on the back of Curve 18 to the end of 17
• Installed small warming building at the middle of the finish ramp
• Built a new deck and walkway at Start 4
• Removed 1980 Track shade poles and reclaimed them for use as combination track shades
• Paved Start 4 and Start 3 using grinding from DOT
• Purchased new front end loader
Ongoing Projects and Improvements for Completion in 2008-2009
• Men’s Luge Start
• Build viewing deck along Men’s Luge Start
• Track Shades
• Install new transition shades at Start 1 and men’s luge
• Continue finish shades past lower finish building
• Continue paving walkways and roads with recycled blacktop from DOT
• Replace existing timing trailer with a new permanent timing building at the lower finish
• Add video camera system and cabling along track with the assistance of the U.S. Olympic Committee
Pending Projects and Improvements for 2008-2009
• Complete the tourist walkway on the finish ramp
• Replace existing scale house at the upper finish
• Install Yurt at Shady Corner for tourist viewing
• Install oil and water separator in the maintenance garage
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
13
• Install chairlift to old Start 1-1980 track
• Paint outside insulation Combo track, add more insulation
• Re-shingle Lamy Lodge roof
• Purchase new sled trucks for transporting athletes and sleds
• Purchase new mini excavator that we rent each spring and use into the winter season
• Replace refrigeration pumps
• Replace coils and side panels in the cooling tower for refrigeration
• Purchase new Genie lift
• Refurbish ½-mile bobsled track for summer rides
Visitation
Visitation at the OSC Sliding Tracks is characterized by two main groups, passenger bobsled riders and general
admission guests. This year marks the second year of a rebranding of the ½-mile passenger ride (for details see
Marketing) and the numbers reflect a decrease in ridership
and an increase in revenue. For the first time in 2007-2008
the passenger ride program earned over 1 million dollars in
revenue. Ridership, however, for the year was down just
under 3,000 people.
Admissions
Summer admissions were down by approximately 2,500
visitors, however winter visitors remained steady after a
significant decrease in 2005-2006 following product
restructuring. Admission numbers remain a very small portion
of venue revenue. A three year study of admission and
revenue numbers follows.
Total Admissions
25,000
20,000
15,000
Visitors
10,000
5,000
Total Revenue
0
05-06
Winter Admissions
06-07
07-08
$115,000.00
Year
$110,000.00
Summer Admissions
$105,000.00
$100,000.00
$95,000.00
$90,000.00
05-06
Total Revenue
14
06-07
07-08
Year
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Winter Ride Program
Ticket prices for the public ride have increase significantly from a rate of $40.00 per person in 2005-2006 to
$75.00 per person in the winter of 2007-2008. This increase reflects a significantly restructured program
focused on customer experience as well as greatly reduced ride time availability due to the closure of the 1980
Track. The increased efficiency of the Combined Track and a significantly longer sliding season (Mid-October
to late April versus late December to early March) has allowed winter ride numbers to approach historical highs.
Summer Ride Program
Summer ½-mile rides remain on the 1980 Track. However, the experience has been enhanced to match the
winter ride experience and prices have been raised accordingly. The ticket price in the summer of 2007 was
$55.00.
A four year comparison of passenger ride totals and a three year comparison of total revenue are below.
Passenger Ride Totals (chart 2)
Year Summer Rides Winter Rides Total Riders
Total Revenue
(table c)
(table d)
Events
This season the track hosted five international competitions, including one World Championship in junior luge,
World Cups in bobsled/skeleton and luge and the 2nd Annual International Sliding School in bobsled and
skeleton. The track also offered three free international training weeks for luge and bobsled/skeleton athletes as
part of the preparation for the 2009 World Championships.
In addition to international competition, the venue also hosted national championships in senior luge, junior luge,
youth luge and skeleton as well as selection races for World Cup teams in bobsled and skeleton. Regional and
youth competitions were also held including the Empire State Games. Finally, the Geoff Bodine Bobsled
Challenge returned to the track for the third year with a mix of NASCAR and NHRA competitors and
generated four hours of coverage on the SPEED network.
A complete list of events is included below.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
October 21-28,2007
November 5-11, 2007
November 12-17,2007
December10-16,2007
January 3-5, 2008
January 22-25, 2008
January 28-Feb. 1, 2008
February 4-8, 2008
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
USBSF Skeleton, 2-Man, Women Bobsled World Team Trials
FIL Luge International Training Week
FIL World Cup Luge
FIBT World Cup Bobsled/Skeleton
Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge
FIBT Intercontinental Cup Skeleton
FIL International Training Week Junior Luge
FIL Luge Junior World Championships
15
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
February 21-24, 2008
March 2,2008
March 13-14,2008
March 24-28, 2008
March 25-26,2008
March 31-April 4, 2008
April 6-11,2008
NYS Empire State Games
USLA Luge Senior National Championships
USLA Luge Junior National Championships
FIBT International Sliding School
USLA Luge Youth National Championships
FIBT America’s Cup
USBSF Bobsled/Skeleton Eastern Regional Championships
Athlete Usage
The sliding season began on October 2, 2007 and finished on April 27, 2008. During that time 30,169 trips
were completed. Almost 5,000 trips were during public and private recreation programs. The remaining 25,000
plus were training and competition trips in the sports of luge, bobsled and skeleton. All luge programs accounted
for approximately 17,500 trips – over three times the number of trips of the next closest sport, skeleton.
Skeleton and bobsled combined for 7,600 trips throughout the year.
The total number of athlete trips was up by 1,000 over 2006-2007 with luge increasing by about 1,500 trips,
bobsled remaining steady and skeleton decreasing by about 500 trips (See chart 3). The growth in luge is
directly correlated to the substantial increase in trips in November as a result of the FIL International Training
Week and FIL Luge World Cup. Lack of ice time in November also resulting in 1,000 less trips for skeleton
and while a net gain of 700 hundred trips in April recouped most of that loss the total decrease for the season
was 500 trips (see chart 4). Monthly totals by sport and in total are represented in tables e through h.
Total Athlete Trips by Month (chart 3)
Detailed Monthly Comparison by Sport (chart 4)
16
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
(table e)
(table f)
(table g)
(table h)
Lake Placid Development Program
This year ORDA, specifically the OSC Sliding Track, entered into a partnership with the United States Bobsled
and Skeleton Team to fund development programs for bobsled and skeleton in Lake Placid. A portion of the
proceeds from the ½-mile bobsled ride program (The Lake Placid Bobsled Experience) was allocated to a
special fund for use in a Lake Placid based development program. The net gain from the first season of
operation December 26 to April 1 was over $18,000.00. The OSC and the USBSF will use those funds to
repair training sleds, recruit athletes and pay coaching staff in the coming year.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
17
The purpose of this program was to fill a gap in existing programs that was preventing the U.S. from producing
the next generation of bobsled and skeleton athletes. The long term goal is to produce high-level athletes and to
assure continued high-level usage at the track.
In addition to the benefits to athletes and development, this partnership presented substantial marketing
opportunities which will be discussed in the next section. The partnership will continue for the next year.
Marketing
The major marketing efforts at the OSC in 2007-2008 centered on the rebranding of the ½-mile bobsled
program into the Lake Placid
Bobsled Experience. In 2006-2007
the core of the product, the ½-mile
bobsled ride was successfully
converted from the 1932/1980 Track
to the combination track.
In the second season of operation on
the combined track the emphasis was
on several factors critical to changing
both the brand and the experience for
the guest. The goal this season was to
turn an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime,
thrill into an unforgettable, once-ina-lifetime, experience. From start to
finish the guest would become the
athlete and when they left, it was as a card carrying member of the U.S. Bobsled Team and lifelong fans of the
sport.
The rebranding of the Lake Placid Bobsled program focused on the following key elements that differentiate Lake
Placid from other resorts and other tracks.
- Lake Placid is the only authentic public bobsled ride complete with driver and brakeman
- Lake Placid is the official home of the United States Bobsled and Skeleton teams
- Lake Placid has the official ride of the United States Bobsled Team
- Lake Placid has over 75 years of Bobsled History
- When you leave Lake Placid you are a Bobsled Fan for Life
- The Bobsled Ride is the ultimate “off-hill” activity. It differentiates Lake Placid from other winter
resorts
To make the public aware of these key components, ORDA and the OSC created a unique partnership with the
United States Bobsled and Skeleton team. The Lake Placid Bobsled Experience became the official ride of the
United States Bobsled Team and all passengers received a year long membership to the United States Bobsled
and Skeleton Federation (USBSF). In exchange for access to the email database and a portion of the proceeds
from the ride to be used for athlete development in Lake Placid (outlined above), the federation provided each
passenger with an official tee-shirt and a welcome letter and membership card. They then followed up with
18
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
newsletters and emails promoting the team. USBSF also provided athletes for public appearances and meet and
greets to promote the program.
This connection to the USBSF created instant credibility for the program changing it from an amusement park
ride to a true athletic experience. To further support that feeling a Bobsled 101 video featuring U.S. Bobsled
athletes was created to introduce participants to the sport. Drivers and brakeman were fully outfitted in sport
uniforms reinforcing the athletic experience.
Upon completion of the ride, pins were awarded as a finisher prize, replacing the old practice of handing them
out when the ticket was purchased. Passengers continued to be photographed with their driver and brakeman.
A sample of the pin is below.
LPBE finisher pin
LPBE decal
Tee Shirt Graphic
A finisher packet, with photo, membership letter, a decal (samples above) and a ticket to the 2009 World
Championships and the official ride tee-shirt (sample above) was handed out before participants left the venue.
To create this experience the ride price was increased to $75.00 per person. Projected numbers based on a
similar decline in participation due to price are reflected on the table below. In reality the actual numbers were
lower by 600 rides, however the yield per rider increased from a yearly average of just less than 75% to 84%
of the rack rate.
(chart 5)
Phase three of the rebranding will take place in 2008-2009 including announcing of all rider names as they leave
the start and rebuilding of the website to allow results to be posted daily with prizes awarded for fastest times.
The goal of the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience is to generate revenue, provide a unique sports opportunity
and to create lifelong fans of the sport of bobsled. The success of the program this season proves that it is well
on its way to accomplishing those goals.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
19
CROSS COUNTRY AND BIATHLON
The Cross Country and Biathlon Center consists of 50 kilometers (32 miles) of trail system, a state-of-the-art
biathlon range and a public lodge. In addition to a public cross country ski facility and a training facility for
biathlon and cross country the
trails are leased to a private
vendor during the summer
months for use as a mountain
bike center.
The Cross Country Center
opened on December 8, 2007
for the season and closed on
April 6, 2008 for a total of
120 days of operation. The
center was open to the public
continuously during that time
frame with no closures due to
weather. Due to the early snow
and consistent conditions the
Cross Country Center has a
record year topping $200,000
in revenue for the first time.
For the second year the mountain bike operation was a venue rental instead of a profit share operation which
has provided stability and maintained revenue. Summer public biathlon programs continue to be popular draw
for visitors to the Olympic Sports Complex.
Projects and Improvements
The only major work project undertaken during the 2007-2008 year was the replacing of the roof on the Cross
Country Lodge addition. Routine maintenance and trail repair also continued. Each year approximately 15km of
trail are improved and re-graded using a small excavator that removes surface rocks, replace culverts and repair
water bars. That same section of trails is side cut to prevent vegetation from encroaching on the trail system.
Other yearly projects include trail mowing, lodge repainting both interior and exterior, and general clean-up.
Visitation / Programs
After a down winter in 2006-2007 primarily due to a late opening and lack of snow numbers rebounded
strongly in 2007-2008 with one of the highest total attendance in recent years and record-setting total revenue.
Total visitation was just over 20,000 while daily ticket sales were over 10,500 for first time in several years.
Total visitation accounts for all season pass and athlete training days as well as usage by racing competitors.
Daily ticket sales reflect all single and multi-day trail passes sold. Total revenue topped $200,000 for the first
time due to a long season, excellent snow conditions, and an increased ticket price. A complete three year
comparison of attendance and revenue is included below.
20
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Cross Country Visitation (chart 6)
(table i)
(table j)
Season pass sales also rebounded strongly after a poor 2006-2007 year. Almost 400 single and family passes
were sold this year resulting in approximately 525 season pass holders. This represents an increase of almost
130 passes purchased over the previous year and resulted in a $13,000 plus gain in revenue. See table k and
chart 7 for a three year breakdown.
Ski school programs also saw a dramatic increase over 2006-2007 where a low of 600 people participated in
lessons and programs to 2007-2008 which saw over1,300 participants in various programs. Traditional lessons
remain strong but new programs like Be a Biathlete have seen marked increases in participation. Ski school
participation is tracked on table l.
(table k)
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
(table l)
21
Season Pass (chart 7)
Events
All of the annual events traditionally held at the Cross Country and Biathlon Center returned in 2007-2008,
including the St. Lawrence Winter Carnival races which are now on a two year rotation. For the first time in
several years the NYSEF Season Opener was held as scheduled. In recent years lack of snow has forced the
cancelation, relocation or postponement of the event.
The 26th Annual Lake Placid Loppet has found a solid home on the second weekend in February and the
numbers have begun to increase following low turnout due to a series of recent cancelations and postponements.
Over 300 participants competed in this season’s Loppet.
A complete list of events is included below.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
December 8, 2007
January 18 & 19, 2008
January 19 & 20, 2008
February 2 & 3, 2008
February 9, 2008
February 16 & 17, 2008
February 22-24, 2008
February 26 & 27, 2008
Championships
March 8 & 9, 2008
NYSEF Season Opener
St. Lawrence Winter Carnival
Harry Eldridge Junior Olympic Qualifier
USCSA Cornell Nordic Carnival
Lake Placid Loppet
Biathlon North Americans
Empire State Games
NYSSPHA Nordic
NYSSRA Distance Races
Athlete Usage
The venue hosted a diverse group of athletes at many levels throughout
the season. NYSEF Nordic fielded elite and recreational athletes from
ages 6 and up, including a small Master’s Ski Club. Several of the elite
high school athletes competed at the Junior Olympics.
Other local ski teams used Mt. Van Hoevenberg on a regular basis
including the Lake Placid High School Nordic Team, the Saranac Lake
High School Nordic Team, the Paul Smiths College Nordic Team, and
the St. Lawrence Ski Team.
USA Biathlon has also established a high-level development program in
Lake Placid and much of their training centers on the biathlon range.
Eight to 10 athletes are now based in Lake Placid year round.
22
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Olympic Jumping Complex
The Venue
The Olympic Jumping Complex features the
K90 and K120 meter ski jumps, the K40 and
K15 meter training hills as well as the Freestyle
Training Center. The site is fully equipped with a
permanent snow-making system, an integrated
scoring system with a display scoreboard and a
speed meter. The majestic K90 and K120
towers dress the Adirondack skyline as you
head into Lake Placid. The 120-meter tower
(approximately 26 stories high) is complete with
a glass look-out elevator where the public can
ascend to the athlete start tower for a scenic
lookout of the High Peaks and beyond as well
as access the outside start gate. Visitors approach the elevator via a chairlift which rides up the steep landing hill.
Projects and Improvements
Several significant improvement projects were completed using funds from the yearly maintenance and repair
budget. The majority of the projects in 2007 were related to the aging physical plant, however, the re-grading of
the K15 and the installation of a new plastic landing surface and the purchase of two trampoline frames for the
Freestyle Training Center were significant improvements to the athletic facilities. In addition the purchase of a
new front end loader had a positive impact on the snowmaking and snow removal plans. A complete list of
projects and improvements is below.
2007-2008 Completed Projects:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Installed new decking on the outside walkways of the K120 Tower
Replaced wood treads on K120 tower stairs with steel
Purchased & installed new seat backs and seat bottoms for chairs on the Chairlift
Built a new outside food concession stand on the side of the Base Lodge
Purchased & installed, new steel doors, on the front of the Staging Building
Purchased a new Front End Loader
Re-graded the K15 Ski Jump and installed a new plastic landing surface
Purchased two trampoline frames for the Freestyle Training Center and replaced 1/4 of the trampoline
safety pads
Projects for Completion in 2008-2009:
· Planning and site preparation for a biathlon range and paved training loop
Completion scheduled for summer 2008
· Historical and informational signage was written and developed for the venue. Production and
installation will take place summer 2008
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
23
Visitation
Approximately 61,000 total visitors passed through the complex in 2007-2008. This was down by
approximately 4,000 from the previous year but due to an increase in ticket prices revenue rose by almost
$65,000.
Summer guests made up about 65 percent of visitation but the percentage of winter visitation increased relative
to the total. Much of the fluctuation in winter visitation depends on the strength of the event schedule. This
season strong attendance at the New Year’s Ski Jump and World Cup Aerial event contributed to the increase
in winter visitors. A four year comparison of visitation is given below.
Four Year Visitation / Revenue Comparison
Highlighting the summer activities once again
was the Summer Jumping Series. Almost
10,000 people visited the venue on eight
Wednesdays and six Saturdays throughout
July and August. Soaring Saturdays had a
total of 3,300 spectators with a weekly
average of 469 visitors and Wet and Wild
events had a total of 6,900 spectators with
a weekly average of 861 visitors. The over
$82,000 in revenue generated by the
program as well as the strong local
sponsorship program overseen by
Corporate Development continue to make
this a strong program for the Olympic
Jumping Complex and one of the staples of
summer for guests. A detailed breakdown of
attendance and revenue is included.
24
Summer
Jumping Series Visitors and Revenue
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Events
All events were held as scheduled and no changes were made due to weather for the first time in many years.
Attendance numbers were strong especially the New Year’s Jump and the World Cup freestyle event. The
venue also hosted an elite field of international women’s jumpers during a Ladies’ Continental Cup Ski Jump in
late August. The Flaming Leaves Festival continues to increase in popularity and has become a Columbus Day
Weekend tradition.
The 2008 Freestyle World Cup
was a huge success with coaches,
athletes and officials all proclaiming
that the 2008 event was the best in
many years in terms facility
preparation and snow and weather
conditions. After cancelling the
event due to lack of snow and
warm temperatures in January
2007 it was great to have this
exciting event back in Lake Placid.
Once again, the ski jumps assisted
in hosting the snowboard world cup
by supplying man-made snow for
the demonstration event held on the
speed skating oval.
See the chart below for a list of all
events held in 2007-2008.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
25
Athlete Usage
In 2007-2008 the Olympic Jumping Complex continued to strengthen its involvement in the promotion of both
Nordic and freestyle jumping at the Development level. Support for the Nordic jumping program continues to
be as a facilitator of the NYSEF and Eastern Jumping Programs while the OJC has become a leader in the
freestyle community with the Lake Placid Development Program.
Nordic
Participation in Nordic jumping continues to decline, however several initiatives were started in 2007-2008 with
the support of the OJC. The focus was on cross-marketing Nordic jumping to the other skiing sports was
assisted by the OJC staff in the form of ski play areas, K10 jumps, and grooming of cross country terrain. This
initiative was highlighted by a first-ever event held at the ski jumps and cosponsored by NYSEF and ORDA.
The Lions Club Ski Jump Nordic Festival included alpine, biathlon, cross country and ski jumping. It served as
an end of season gathering for ski athletes from across the region and allowed them to compete in multiple
disciplines for the title of best overall skier. Plans are already in place for the second annual Nordic Festival.
Freestyle
The Freestyle Training Center was open from June to October and had over 2,800 skier days. An average of
50 jumpers per day used the pool from June to September representing ski areas and freestyle programs
throughout the Northeast. The US Aerial Team returned to Lake Placid for a spring camp after an absence of
several years and the Russian National Team was in Lake Placid as the elite team in residence for the summer.
The presence of a national team in residence in Lake Placid is essential to the success of many of our programs
including Wet and Wild Wednesdays. The Lake Placid Development Program, managed by ORDA staff coach
Wes Preston, had an average of 15 athletes during the summer of 2007. The Lake Placid Development
program is a summer residency program housed at the US Olympic Training Center that provides freestyle
athletes with high level coaching with the goal of placing them on the US Freestyle Team. Two athletes from the
Lake Placid Development program were named to the US National Aerial Team in the spring of 2007 and
another member joined them in the spring of 2008.
26
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Gore Mountain
-Making Tomorrow Better than Today
Significant 07/08 improvements, including the new Northwoods Lodge by Lincoln Logs shown
above, benefit each and every Gore Mountain guest
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
27
MORE GORE
Gore Mountain in North Creek, N.Y. will begin its 45th season in November 2008.
The Mountain at a Glance
Summit Elevation: 3,600-feet
Vertical Drop: 2,100-feet*
Terrain: 84 Trails Including 62 Alpine Trails, 13 Glades and
Nine Cross-Country/Snowshoeing Trails
Lifts: 11
1- 8-Passenger high-speed gondola
2- Quad chairlifts
1- High-speed triple chairlift
1- Triple chairlift
3- Double chairlifts
3- Surface lifts
Terrain:
347 skiable acres on 75 downhill trails
27.93 miles, longest run 2.9 miles
Advanced / Expert 30%
Intermediate
Beginner
60%
10%
*See page 12 for information on the Burnt Ridge Mountain Expansion, a development opening in
December 2008 that will increase both vertical drop and number of trails, as well as add a high-speed
quad. The numbers above are consistent with mountain information from the 07-08 season.
Mountain Activities & Amenities
Winter - Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Tubing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing
Summer & Fall - Scenic Gondola Rides, Hiking, and BBQ
Amenities:
Foodservice including food court, cafeteria, restaurant/pub, and BBQ
Snow Sports Center offering daily ski and snowboard instruction for all ages and abilities
Ski Patrol
Group Sales Office
Guest Services/Lost & Found
Bear Cub Den Daycare
Rental, Tuning, & Repair Shop
Retail Shop
New York Skiing Education Foundation (NYSEF) race training
Family-oriented events calendar
Kodak Photo Services Department
Chair Massage
The North Creek Ski Bowl at a Glance
A separate winter fun park, with foodservice, lighting for evening activities, snowmaking, and a lodge with
fireplace.
Tubing Park:
Four (4) exciting 800-foot lift service chutes
28
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Village Slopes:
New triple chairlift servicing 150-foot vertical
Family-friendly terrain
Park & Pipe
Warming Yurt
The Ski Bowl has hosted NYSEF events, USSA events, family-oriented tubing parties and dinners, and rail jams.
The facility is a value-added benefit for season passholders, who enjoy skiing and riding there.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
29
Gore Mountain celebrated a banner 2007-2008 snow season, surpassing the
previous season’s revenues by 26%, while increasing skier visits by 14%.
9000000
8000000
7000000
6000000
5000000
4000000
3000000
2000000
1000000
0
20
03
/2
00
4
20
04
/2
00
20
5
05
/2
00
20
6
06
/2
00
7
20
07
/2
00
8
On-Hill
Season
30
Skier Visits*
Revenue
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
2003/2004
2004/2005
2005/2006
2006/2007
2007/2008
215,707
212,703
207,299
209,353
238,467
6,398,398
6,516,536
6,446,719
6,441,723
8,104,171
* Figures include a season pass multiplier of 15 visits per passholder.
SALES EFFORTS
Consumer/Group/Media Shows
Group Show- Parsippany, N.J.
Group Show- King of Prussia, Pa.
Syracuse Ski Company Sale, Syracuse, N.Y.
Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show, Toronto, Ontario
Ottawa Ski Show, Ottawa, Ontario
NJ Ski Council Jamboree, Morristown, N.J.
Adirondack Business Show, Glens Falls, N.Y.
Winter Getaway Travel Show, Albany, N.Y.
RPI College Show, Troy, N.Y.
HVCC Ski Club, Kingston, N.Y.
Media Reception, New York City, N.Y.
Great NYS Snow & Travel Expo, Albany, N.Y.
Warren Miller Movie Premier, New York, N.Y.
Boston Ski Show, Boston, Mass.
Sports Page Sales Weekend, Glens Falls, N.Y.
Princeton Ski Shop Sale, Giants Stadium, N.J.
Adventures in Travel Expo, New York, N.Y.
Union Square Rail Jam, New York, N.Y.
Central Park Winterfest, New York, N.Y.
Banff Mountain Film Festival, New York, N.Y.
Frequent Skier Products
Gore Mountain offers a variety of frequent skier products including season passes, Empire Cards, Student Cards,
Snowball Cards, and Four-Pack Snow Samplers to add value and convenience for skiers. Several promotions
offered with Northeast businesses have forwarded advertising initiatives while offering discounts during off-peak
days. Mountain Adventure Programs and Youth Commission continued as multi-week programs, to keep young
skiers with the same group of instructors for consistency and best results, as well as to keep them returning to
Gore with their families.
Direct Marketing Initiatives
Gore Mountain has developed a database of over 29,500 e-mail addresses and over 20,000 mailing addresses.
Direct mail and e-mail campaigns have kept interested skiers aware of season pass deadlines, special events,
snow conditions, ski school programs, etc. In addition to these efforts, Gore has added several new features to its
website that directly involve the guest, such as photo and video uploads, sticker contests, screen savers, online
giveaways, desktop snow alerts, and more.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
31
08/09 Zip Code Analysis
07-08 Highlights
32
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
1) THE NEW NORTHWOODS LODGE BY LINCOLN LOGS
The old gondola building was transformed into all-new Northwoods Lodge! Constructed in partnership with
corporate partner Lincoln Logs, the new lodge houses the Kids Klub children’s program, Snow Sports
School, daycare, and rentals. Beginners and families are able to access the Northwoods Lodge directly from the
parking lot, and then enter the Base Area wearing rental equipment, with their children secured in daycare or
lessons. Immediately accessible from the Northwoods Lodge is the newly improved Bear Cub Run trail, terrain
offering an ideal experience to the first-time skier or rider. The Snow Train conveyor lift, recently lengthened to
100-feet, was relocated to this trail for children’s programs. The Topridge Room, an Adirondack-style meeting
space in the new lodge, will attract groups and corporations for après-ski parties, meetings and presentations, and
company outings.
The growth of children’s programs had been stifled by a lack of space in the Base Lodge during previous
seasons. However, Kids Klub was able to celebrate record attendance, accommodating over 350 children in one
day, in the Northwoods Lodge. The lodge enhanced the experience of every Gore Mountain guest by not only
offering a beautiful new facility for programs, but increased comfort, storage, and amenities in the Base Lodge by
opening up new space there.
The project was an environmental and cost-saving success, retaining 65% of the previous structure’s
walls, floors, and roof. The new building also preserved the unique history of the former gondola. The old decking
became wall panels, the lift’s steelwork remains intact, resulting in interesting décor while preserving the past!
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
33
The historic gondola’s counterweight terminal structure is shown above, adding an interesting detail in the new
lodge while keeping the material out of landfills. On the lower level, the old counterweight pit has become the
elevator control room!
2) REMARKABLE PROGRESS AT THE NORTH CREEK SKI BOWL
Gore Mountain installed the first-ever aerial chairlift to service skiers the North Creek Ski Bowl, and it opened
to the public in December 2007. Lighting allowed for this historic ski area to also commemorate the first night
skiing experience there. “Village Chair,” a new triple chairlift, services 150 vertical feet, with family-friendly
slopes, a half-pipe, and terrain park.
Gore Mountain’s new amenities at the North Creek Ski Bowl complemented the tubing excitement
already established there, added value for season passholders by offering more winter activity for them, and
increased the Gore Mountain Region’s appeal as a winter destination.
3) BURNT RIDGE MOUNTAIN
Work commenced on the Burnt Ridge Expansion. A high-speed quad was ordered and terrain including the lift
line was cut for this development scheduled to open in December 2008.
34
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
4) IMPROVED BASE LODGE
The construction of the Northwoods Lodge by Lincoln Logs allowed for the relocation of several services from
the Base Lodge, making available approximately 7,500 square feet of new space. During the 07-08 season,
several more tables, lockers, and hooks were added to increase storage space and comfort for all guests. The
number of seasonal lockers was increased to 558, an increase of 82%! The added space made it easier for
skiers to access foodservice, Photo Services, massage, and other sources of ancillary revenue. New
configurations for making the best use of new space during subsequent seasons were explored.
5) MORE PARKING
Approximately 150 spaces were added to an existing parking lot, to offer a more convenient and safer arrival
and departure for guests.
6) GROOMING & SNOWMAKING UPGRADES
Work continued to maximize efficiencies due to the recent addition of three more pumps and six new
compressors. A new grooming machine was purchased.
7) CENTRAL OPERATIONS CENTER
Several mountain departments were relocated from the old gondola loading barn when the Northwoods Lodge
replaced it, and a central operations center was constructed. The new location increased efficiency for some
departments by consolidating them into one area, while providing more separation between mountain operations
and the guest experience.
8) WOMEN’S LTR CENTER
New improvements in the rental shop included adding a Women’s Burton Learn-to-Ride Method Center.
Burton’s Learn-to-Ride program incorporates the right equipment with proven teaching methods to make
learning to snowboard easy and fun, and now Gore offers a complete women-specific line of boards.
9) ACCOLADES
* Results of the October 2007 SKI Magazine reader’s survey ranked Gore Mountain as a “Top 10 Mountain in
the East” for Value! It was the ninth consecutive year that Gore Mountain has been selected as a Top 10 for
Value.
*Gore Mountain was voted “Best Terrain in the Northeast” by visitors of OnTheSnow.com. The website, which
attracts an audited 1.2 million individuals monthly during the winter, gave its visitors the opportunity to write
reviews of all North American resorts and rank them in five categories.
*Gore Mountain was selected as a finalist for an international Silver Eagle Award for Excellence in Waste
Reduction & Recycling in spring 2008, due to its unique renovation efforts in the construction of the
Northwoods Lodge by Lincoln Logs. Gore has been selected as a finalist for five Silver Eagles, three of which
were winning submissions.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
35
10) PSIA & NYSEF EVENTS
Gore Mountain was host to twenty-four NYSEF events, which included the JIII States, the JI & JII Finals, and
three events at the new North Creek Ski Bowl facilities. In addition there were two PSIA clinics/exams. These
events, most of which are multi-day, help to bring increased revenues to area businesses and strengthen Gore
Mountain’s reputation as a leader in the industry.
11) FAMILY-ORIENTED EVENTS (a sampling of our calendar follows)
Gore Mountain Gives Food Drive Get $10 off full-price lift tickets by donating a non-perishable food item!
Date: Opening Day through Friday, December 14
Sports Page Blowout Demo & $25 Ticket Day! The latest lineup of skis, plus a $25 lift ticket!
Date: Friday, December 7
Inside Edge Demo Day Volkl, Head, Atomic, and Goode available for demo!
Date: Wednesday, December 19
Rail Jam Join our awesome freestyle event! Date: Saturday, December 22
Burton Snowboards Demo Day Check out the latest Burton snowboards!
Date: Friday, December 28
Lincoln Logs New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular A beautiful fireworks display and torch run! Date:
Monday, December 31
“The Snow Won’t Stop Us” Mountain Bike Dual Slalom On-snow downhill mountain bike race! Date:
Saturday, January 5
Goldstock’s Demo Day Featuring the latest equipment from Nordica, Rossignol, Head, Goode, & Atomic!
Date: Sunday, January 6
Take Your Daughter to Gore Week Daughters 19 and under ski or ride FREE with full paying parent all
week! Date: Tuesday, January 22-Sunday, January 27
Family Fun Dual Slalom Parent/Daughter Teams Race for Great Prizes!
Date: Sunday, January 27
Telemark Day Clinics, racing, and demos especially for tele skiers! Date: Sunday, February 3
Full Moon Tubing Party! $10 for tickets purchased after 6pm, music, and s’mores! Enjoy old town fun while
tubing under the lights at the North Creek Ski Bowl!
Date: Wednesday, February 20
Dark Sky Rail Jam Sponsored by Gore Mountain, Line Skis, & The Sports Page, have freestyle fun under
the lights at the North Creek Ski Bowl! Date: Friday, February 22
Gore Mountain Roundup A fun Gore Mountain scavenger hunt for kids!
Date: Saturday, February 23
36
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Cardboard Derby Show off your homemade sled on the Arena! Date: Sunday, March 9
Walt’s Bump Contest Challenge our big moguls in this annual spring classic!
Date: Sunday, March 16
Easter Sunday at Gore Mountain Our traditional Easter events include a 7am non-denominational Sunrise
Service atop Bear Mountain, and a 1pm Easter Egg Hunt for ages 9 and under. Enjoy! Date: Sunday, March 23
Take Your Son to Gore Week
Free skiing for sons 19 & under
with full paying parent all week,
ending with a fun parent/son race!
Date: Monday, March 24- Sunday,
March 30
Pond Skimming Contest Skim
across Bullfrog Bog in our Pond
Skimming event!
Date: Saturday, April 12
Field Day & Rail Jam Interactive
sponsor village and rail jam! Date:
Sunday, April 13
MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES
Gore Mountain is working towards the following improvements:
a. Burnt Ridge Pod - One of Gore’s four peaks of development, the Burnt Ridge Mountain Expansion is
scheduled to open in December 2008, with the debut of four new trails and another glade. This terrain will
increase Gore Mountain’s vertical drop to 2,300 feet, making Gore’s vertical the eighth greatest in the
Eastern United States. The project will add about 35 acres of skiing, offering a blend of intermediate and
expert terrain. The Burnt Ridge area, which faces east and is located just north of the base area, will include
a new high speed quad lift and snowmaking tower guns permanently installed on the sides of the trails.
New Terrain for 08-09 includes (see map on next page):
Sagamore- A black diamond on the Burnt Ridge Quad lift line, featuring the new Sagamore Glades off
of it
Echo- A long, fun, intermediate trail running adjacent to Twister Glades
Cedars- Providing intermediate access from the base area to the bottom of the Burnt Ridge Quad
Hedges- An access trail that brings guests from the top of the Burnt Ridge Quad to Twister, directly
above the entrance to Twister Glades.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
37
b. To make the best use of new space in the Base Lodge, planned renovations include the relocation of offices
to provide more services upstairs, relocating the Retail Shop to increase both exposure and security,
increasing the size of restrooms, and expanding seating in the Tannery Pub.
c. A renovation of the old gondola station at the summit of Gore would offer guests waterless toilets and an
additional warming hut. These facilities would improve traffic flow by allowing skiers to stay at the top of the
mountain throughout the day, freeing space for the facilities of the Saddle and Base lodges.
38
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
d. More parking is still needed, as the on-hill capacity greatly exceeds parking capacity. Gore has turned
hundreds of cars away in the past due to lack of adequate parking. A plan to add a new parking lot, as well
as expand Lot #6 to accommodate 261 cars has been prioritized.
e. As the mountain continues to improve and grow, continued investment in maintaining the outstanding quality
of the skiing product is imperative.
*A new groomer for the 08-09 season will strengthen the grooming fleet, decrease maintenance costs,
and allow for excellent conditions throughout the mountain to not be compromised by terrain expansion.
*It is necessary to both increase snowmaking pumping capacity and the number of tower guns. This will
result in decreased energy costs and allow for more trails to be opened earlier in the season. Also, trails can
reopen quicker after periods of rain, thaw, or heavy use.
f.
Current conditions at Gore fail to reflect modern day requirements and amenities sought by skiers, including
those who seek to invest significantly in multi-day vacations, season passes, or real estate and homes.
Building and infrastructure necessities include expanded and upgraded restrooms, improved boiler systems,
better dining facilities, modernized electrical systems, and safety items.
g. Work will continue on Burnt Ridge Mountain, to add two more trails on that area for the 09-10 season, as
well as work specific to accommodating the interconnect between Gore and the historic North Creek Ski
Bowl.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
39
SUMMER & FALL
To decrease expenses while still generating revenue and adding to the summer/fall appeal of the region, Gore
will offer its fourth season of a weekend-only schedule. Activities including scenic Northwoods Gondola rides,
hiking, and barbeque will be available on Saturday and Sunday from late July through Columbus Day. The Gore
Mountain Harvest Festival will offer an array of vendors, kids’ activities, music, 5K trail run, and more October
11-12.
Summer
2002
Gondola Visits
9763
Gondola Revenue $50,452
2003
11029
$74,811
2004
9545
$65,680
2005
7482
$49,774
2006
7411
$53,092
2007
7111
$59,365
Scenic Ride Visits
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
2002
40
2004
2006
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Whiteface
The Venue
Whiteface Mountain, which includes the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway, was the site of the
1980 Winter Olympics, and boasts the greatest vertical drop (3,166-feet) in the eastern United States. The
adventurous, snow conditions permitting, may climb a trail to the top of the “Slides”, which are natural rock
faces and some of the greatest natural terrain you can find anywhere. The vertical of this non-lift serviced area
increases to 3,430-feet. The ride down
may include tree skiing, powder and a
natural snow covered frozen waterfall.
Whiteface offers a wide variety of
competitive and recreational snow sports
activities during the winter season for all
levels of participants including alpine ski
racing, Nastar public racing, freestyle
mogul competitions, terrain park and half
pipe events, big air events, tree skiing,
and a variety of great groomed and
ungroomed terrain. Whiteface has
something for everyone.
Summer activities at the ski center
include a scenic gondola ride to the summit of Little Whiteface Mountain, which travels 8,487-feet along a
vertical rise of 2,432-feet. The Cloudsplitter gondola also services Mountain Biking from the Little Whiteface
summit. A wide variety of trails are available. However, the upper sections of the trail network require
experience. Lessons, guide service and rental equipment are available at the base lodge throughout the summer
and during fall weekends.
Additional summer activities include events such as the annual Oktoberfest, and each year the Army’s Fort
Drum 10th Mountain Division hosts a Whiteface Mountain Memorial Ceremony in honor of the veterans of the
10th Mountain Division.
The Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway is a breathtaking eight-mile drive from the town of
Wilmington to the summit of Whiteface Mountain. It climbs 3,400-feet over an average grade of eight percent,
and ends just 276 vertical feet below the summit where you can either walk the final 1/5th of a mile along a
mountain trail or take an elevator deep inside the mountain to the summit. The Whiteface Mountain Veterans
Memorial Highway is dedicated to the veterans of all wars.
Additional activities at the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway include an annual uphill foot race, bike race,
and youth fishing contests at Lake Stevens near the tollhouse.
Hang gliding for licensed pilots with proper credentials and memberships also has recently been introduced from
the summit of the mountain.
Whiteface Mountain truly is a unique area with something for everyone.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
41
The Year in Review
The spring/summer season was somewhat standard for Whiteface, which began with youth fishing contests, and
the opening of the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway on May 19. The 30th Annual Whiteface
Mountain Uphill Footrace took place the morning of June 3, followed by the Blessing of the Bikes at noon. It
was a warm 60 degree day in contrast with the cooler conditions of the previous year. Dr. Duncan Douglas
again ran to victory with a time of 63 minutes. The 6th Annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race followed
on June 17. The event included two hardy riders on unicycles.
The National Sports Academy (NSA) Graduation also took place in the Base Lodge Ausable Room on June 3.
A total of 24 students and seven graduate students received diplomas.
The summer season for scenic gondola rides and mountain biking kicked off on June 22, with live music,
mountain biking specials, and an outdoor barbecue. Mountain biking, which is run by High Peaks Cyclery with
the support of Whiteface Mountain and ORDA, had the most successful season ever. New mountain bike
terrain features were built at various locations on the mountain and at Kids Kampus Golden Glades. The
gondola was used by bikers and a bus was also available to shuttle novices to a less intimidating part of the
mountain. Perhaps the highlight of the mountain bike season was the 2nd annual Whiteface 5 Kilometer Downhill
Race, presented by High Peaks Cyclery on September 2. The race covered three miles with a decent of 2,476feet. A purse of $5,000 was distributed to winners in the pro classes. Approximately 80 racers competed.
The very popular “Trekking Tuesdays” a one hour
guided hiking tour including a boxed lunch and gondola
ride commenced on June 30, and Whiteface expanded
its summer offerings with the introduction of Yoga on the
Mountain, which began July 19. This popular program
was scheduled to meet eight times throughout the
summer. Yoga mats and a photo were included. The
program took place at the top of Little Whiteface.
On July 26, the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum
held their annual Rededication Ceremony. Due to the
division’s deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan the
choppers normally flown in were unavailable. In support
of the Wilmington Festival of Colors Whiteface
provided a discounted coupon for gondola rides. The
NY Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) also hosted
two fall events on the Memorial Highway – the NYSEF
Whiteface Foliage Hill Climb Bike Race on September
16, and a first-ever uphill roller ski race on October 13
that included members of the U.S. Ski Team. The
weekend long traditional Oktoberfest was held on
September 29-30. Sunny skies prevailed, and a total of
6,281 persons enjoyed the weekend festivities.
The
Highway visitors,
1,430Report
ORDA and
Annual
42 summer season concluded with 39,756 gondola rides, 71,448 Memorial2007-2008
mountain bikers.
The record breaking winter season of 2007-08 commenced with snowmaking on November 8. Favorable midNovember temperatures, along with the installation of six new air compressors, provided a successful opening
on November 24, with good skiing on Excelsior, Summit Express, Broadway, and Upper and Lower Valley.
The following day, Mixing Bowl, Danny’s Bridge and Brookside opened.
Favorable temperatures continued to provide excellent snowmaking conditions prior to the Christmas holiday
period. A combination of good weather, new snowmaking equipment, and experienced crews enabled a large
percentage of the mountain to be available for strong Christmas crowds.
However, a massive January thaw, earlier than normal, hit the eastern U.S. causing record temperatures above
70 degrees in areas such as Syracuse and Albany. In spite of this over 50 trails remained open and snowmaking
quickly resumed as the cold front returned to the area. This was the first of several thaws that followed
throughout the winter.
An array of events took place including alpine racing, mogul skiing, half pipe, freestyle, slope side, and adaptive
events of all levels. At the upper levels international World Cup mogul skiers competed for honors on the
challenging Wilderness trail throughout the week of January 14-20. The event had been canceled the previous
year because of extremely mild temperatures. World Cup Snowboard action including Parallel GS and Boarder
X events continued later in early March in the Visa U.S. Snowboarding Cup. This was followed by the North
American Cup Skiing Finals in which local U.S. Ski Team member Andrew Weibrecht accumulated a
impressive finishes including winning the silver medal in the SG event.
In honor of the 50th
anniversary of the opening
of Whiteface Mountain, a
very special and successful
event was organized by
the Whiteface Marketing
Department, which was so
justly named “The Ski
Sweater Ball.” The
Whiteface Lodge Ausable
Room was magically
transformed into a
ballroom with food
stations and bars to
accommodate a sellout
crowd of 500 people.
Special effects and lighting
occurred both inside and
outside the Base Lodge.
Those in attendance were
astonished as they danced
the night away, and watched a final display of fireworks that matched July 4th. The event also included the
crowning of the King and Queen of Winter, and a special tribute to Jim Hoyt Sr. in recognition of his 50 years of
service to the Whiteface Mt. Ski Patrol. Guess who the King of Winter was?
43
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
The remainder of the year included
additional fun type events such as
the Apple Butter moguls, rail jams,
half pipes, slope side events, and
the first Randonee Rally uphill
downhill event, etc. Easter fell
early this year, March 23. A well
attended Easter Ceremony was
held in the Base Lodge Ausable
Room, followed by a brunch
layout and Easter Egg Hunts at
Kid’s Kampus.
To make the season complete and
one of the best ever, the natural
rock faces (slides) were opened
on March 27, and remained open
multiple days as the snow and
conditions permitted.
Great spring skiing conditions and
continued interest kept the Mountain open until April 20. Statistically Whiteface remained open for 148 days of
skiing and riding with a year to date snowfall of 225 “. A record number of 214,108 skier visitations was
recorded.
Miscellaneous Notables
US Alpine Ski Team member and local skier Andrew Weibrecht, came from a late start seed number, and
with a breathtaking on the edge performance, placed 10th in the World Cup DH at Beaver Creek, CO. In
addition to this other stellar performances included taking a silver medal in the National DH Championships and
Nor Am SG Finals. Great job Andrew.
Another local Alpine star, Chris Beckmann, coming out of the 59 start, won a Super Cup super G in
Sarntal, Italy. Congratulations Chris.
Bill Demong, former NSA Student, and ORDA sponsored athlete, was recognized as Nordic Combined
Athlete of the Year. Bill took six World Cup podiums, including a win, to become the first American to finish in
the top three in the season long standings. Bill was also National Champion. Wow!
Three Whiteface employees proudly received ORDA Employee of the Month awards accordingly:
Ron Rosio – June, Ron showed a great deal of leadership and experience on the Whiteface Memorial
Highway during an emergency situation as he skillfully evacuated sightseers to safety during an equipment
malfunction.
44
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Aaron Kellet – January, Aaron exhibited skill, knowledge and leadership in making the World Cup Freestyle
Mogul Competitions a great success.
Jim Hoyt Jr. – March, Jim and his crew played a major role in the installation of over 4.5 miles of B-Net
(Safety Nets) and pads along the Nor Am Race Courses, while simultaneously providing medical coverage for
racers and the general public.
Jim Hoyt Sr., King of Winter,
was also bestowed the honor of
having one of the new Lookout
Mt. Trails named in his honor
“Hoyt’s High”. Jim has been a
dedicated member of the
Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol
for 50 years.
Dick Mill, Electrical
Department Head, who had
began his career at Whiteface on
December 30, 1976 retired on
September 28. Good luck Dick
Mike Hart has recently been appointed as the new Whiteface Electric Department - Department Head.
Mike is a long time member of this department, and brings
a great deal of experience with him, Congratulations is in
order!
Upon the retirement of Gary Straight, Wally Pulsifer
was promoted to Vehicle Maintenance Department
Head. Wally, who was previously night snowmaking
foreman had spent nearly ten years working in the
maintenance garage.
Congratulations to Bridget Hinman and responsible
staff for creating and producing the aforementioned Ski
Sweater Ball in recognition of the 50th anniversary of
the opening of Whiteface Mountain, which occurred on
January 26, 1957.
Ken Carre, Bill Scheefer, and the Whiteface
NASTAR crew put on 86 races with 3,611 racers to
accumulate 7,556 racer days and a National Ranking of
7th out of the 123 ski areas that participate nationally.
Great job NASTAR Crew!
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
45
Bill Borland took over the
reigns of both the Host Patrol
and Safety Enforcement
Patrols. Great job Bill!
Charlie Terry, must once again
be commended for his dedicated
role to the Wilmington Fire and
Rescue Department as he once
again received an award for
responding to the most fire
calls of anyone in the
department.
The Cottage Café, who tied
for the overall championship in
last years Budweiser Ski
Challenge, did not have to
share the honors this year as they
were well ahead of the next finisher. Good job to a tough team!
PSIA/AASI – A number of PSIA/AASI events were held at Whiteface again this year. The largest group of
Whiteface Snowsports School Members ever (28) passed various levels of the PSIA Exams including Aleks
Irvin, Snowsports Director, who passed the very challenging PSIA Level III Teaching Exam. “Go
Snowsports School!
The Whiteface Physicians Patrol, through the combined efforts of Dr. Bill Smith, Dr. John Broderick, and
the Whiteface Ski Patrol, was established to provide additional medical coverage during busy periods, and
provide required medical coverage during National and International Competitions. There is only one other such
Patrol in the Nation. Thank you Dr. Smith, Dr. Broderick and other participating physicians.
Free Adaptive Snow Sports Clinics were held at Whiteface to teach interested persons how to teach the
blind and visually impaired how to ski and how to use sit down ski equipment such as Mono and Bi Skis.. An
Adaptive Event was also part of the Empire State Games itinerary.
AWARDS/Recognition
Over 7,000 Readers of Ski Magazine ranked Whiteface second among the Eastern Ski Resorts and
third in Eastern North America. Only Mt. Tremblant, Ouebec and Smugglers notch, Vt. stood ahead of
Whiteface.
CONDE NAST TRAVELERS MAGAZINE rated Whiteface # 4 in North America. What a great honor!
Whiteface was a Silver Eagle Finalist in the NSAA Wildlife Habitat Protection Category for habitat
efforts pertaining to the Bicknell’s Thrush, which is listed as an endangered spices.
46
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
In addition to this a Bicknell’s Thrush Habitat Protection Fund was announced, and is promoted at
Whiteface Mountain. Whiteface Mountain is the first organization in the Northeast to develop and execute a ski
area management plan focused on the preservation of the Bicknell’s Thrush Habitat.
Capital / Projects
Lookout Mountain Trail Expansion – After several years of planning, and pursuing a UMP Amendment
ORDA was given the green light to begin construction on a portion of the project, which included one stream
crossing, two trails, glades, snowmaking, and chair lift construction. Work commenced mid August with in house
crews performing all tree cutting and heavy equipment operation. Outside crews were contracted for drilling and
blasting services, and the stream crossing culvert installation. ORDA staff worked diligently throughout the fall,
and a large majority of the cutting on the two approved trails was completed as well as a grading on the lower
section of the intermediate trail.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
47
The chair lift was designed, bid, and awarded to DoppelmayrCTEC, who have installed other lifts at Whiteface
including the gondola and Detachable Quod. Parts of the lift were manufactured over the winter and some have
been delivered to the site recently. It is anticipated that crews will begin the lift construction by mid-June, with a
completion date of December 1.
Engineering for the design and construction of the required new Pump House V, snowmaking pipelines and
valve houses continued throughout the winter months. Snowmaking pipeline installation will be bid out, and the
plan is for in house crews to build the new Pump House V.
Additional tree cutting took place prior to May 15, and heavy duty equipment work on both trails continues on
a daily basis by Whiteface Staff and hired contractors.
Due to material cost increases it is anticipated that funding for snowmaking on the intermediate trail only will be
available.
It is also anticipated that the Lookout Mountain Lift and new two mile section of the Intermediate trail will be
ready for the 2008-09 winter season.
Snowmaking PH I Improvements Three years ago during the summer of
2005 the snowmaking water intake at
Pump House I was engineered and
reconstructed for the purpose of
preventing frazzle ice and debris from
clogging up the snowmaking water
pumps. The water intake was relocated
and river water was forced to go
through two band screens that lifted the
frazzle ice and debris out of the water
and subsequently dumped it into a
pipeline that carried the contents
downstream of the pump house water
intake. This has been very successful.
Additional improvements to
Pump House I are being engineered.
This includes adding a wet well structure
in back of the existing area that houses the band screens. The purpose of this structure would be to provide
deeper water access for up to five new 2,000 gpm. water pumps. These pumps would provide extra pumping
capacity and redundancy in the case of a pump malfunction. The additional water depth would provide for
increased water pressure and permit the use of low energy tower guns at key areas where we presently do not
have pressures that allow this to happen. The project also includes additional filtration and a hoist system. These
improvements would enable quicker recovery periods following thaws, and enable us to be more cost efficient.
The additional capacity is a requirement to assure that Whiteface staff can meet the added demands of the new
Lookout mountain expansion.
48
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
In an effort to keep this project moving forward the pump house I building design and hydraulic profile have
been compiled by Lamont Engineers, and four new Floway Water Pumps have been purchased and are being
stored on site until further progress has been made.
Pump House II - Approximately $3,000,000 of major snowmaking improvements were completed at Pump
House II. Through the cooperative efforts of ORDA and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) engineering
plans were completed to update air compressors and electrical efficiency at this location. Six new Centac
energy efficient and environmentally friendly 800hp/4,000cfm air compressors were purchased and installed to
replace 12 aging rotary screw units. Two new glycol cooling systems were also installed to cool outgoing air and
the compressors. This system replaced the antiquated water tower cooling system. Air capacity has been
increased by over a third giving Whiteface Snowmakers an impressive 38,000 cfm of compressed air to work
with.
A pipeline was also constructed from Pump House II to Pump House I in order to transport warm
water, which is generated from a heat exchanger at Pump House II, for the purpose of providing warm spray
water necessary to remove frazzle ice from the band screens at Pump House I. Consequently, the need to rent
heating units and the costly purchase of propane was eliminated. The existing two Centac compressors were
retrofitted with new control panels.
Three new transformers were also installed as part of this project as well as numerous other electrical
components such as a modernized control panel, starters, and switch gear panels.
Because of this project Whiteface Crews have the resources to be more efficient on a daily basis, recover from
thaws quicker, and provide a better product to our guests.
Vehicle Maintenance Garage Expansion/ Storage Building – Only three snow cat maintenance stalls are
presently available, which means that all primary groomers can’t be brought in simultaneously for daily
maintenance during the season. The problem is intensified if a snow cat needs repairs that keep it confined at a
stall for multiple days. It is imperative that groomers in use are maintained on a daily basis. Cold storage space is
also desperately needed for equipment protection and order.
The new garage expansion, is designed to provide two additional snowcat bays with a ceiling height that will
provide adequate space for snow cat jacking platforms. A new cold storage addition is part of this construction.
The project is approximately 80% complete. Summer plans include completing electrical wiring and lighting,
carpentry, heating, and garage door installation.
Memorial Highway Elevator Upgrades – The Memorial Highway Elevator upgrades included the installation
of a new motor and controller with push button service.
Plans are also in motion to repair the Memorial Highway Castle Roof
Roof Repairs – Sections of the Base Lodge were reshingled.
Capital Purchases –Anticipated Capital Purchases include a transport snow cat, 3 snowmobiles, a tractor
replacement mower, a people carrier cab for a snowcat, and an additional shuttle bus.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
49
Wilmington Water Project – For the past few years ORDA/Whiteface has been working with the Town of
Wilmington and Essex County on an application to the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, the Adirondack Park Agency and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for approval and
funding of water system improvements. This project, which will also provide hydrant fire flow protection for the
Whiteface Base Lodge, Operations building, New NYSEF Building, Garage, and fire flow protection for the
sprinkler system at Kids’ Kampus Lodge, is now underway. Contracting crews are hard at work installing the
pipelines on Whiteface from Route 86 that will provide water flows to a 360,000 gallon storage tank that will be
located adjacent to the Kids’ Kampus access road. This facility will be maintained by the Town of Wilmington.
Both Whiteface and the town of Wilmington will be beneficiaries of this project.
In Summary
The season of 2007-08 has presented many challenges, that have been transformed into a record breaking year.
The completion of the above mentioned projects has and will certainly help move Whiteface into the future
successfully. Through the joint efforts of the ORDA Board of Directors, and ORDA/ Whiteface Staff Members,
and the support of its customers, the facility and product continues to expand and improve. This year has had
many great things to be proud of and to build from. The Whiteface Staff looks forward to another great season,
and its challenges.
2007-08 Statistics
Program
# Visitors
Revenue
Memorial Highway
71,448
$400,531.00
Summer Gondola Rides
39,756
$464,212.00
Mt Biking
1,430
$15,302.00
214,108
$8,052,833.00
Winter Season
Total
326,742
$8,932,878.00
2007 - 2008 Events
May
19 -Memorial Highway opens
June
3 – Wilmington Memorial highway Uphill Foot Race, Blessing of the Bikes
17 – Wilmington Memorial Highway Uphill Bike Race
22 – Cloudsplitter Gondola / Mountain Biking Opens opens.
30 – Trekking Tuesdays begin (Whiteface Nature Hikes)
July
19 – Yoga on the Mountain Begins
26 – Tenth Mountain Rededication Ceremonies
September
2 – High Peaks 5K Downhill Mt Bike race
16 – NYSEF Fall Foliage Uphill Bike Race
29-30 – Whiteface Oktoberfest
October
10 – 50 2 50 Party at Lisa G’s Parted hosted by Lisa G’s Film premier/Lookout
Mountain Video release 50 days until Whiteface opens for its 50th season.
13 – NYSEF Uphill Roller Ski Race
November
08 — Snowmaking Begins
17 — Whiteface Presents Warren Miller’s new flick “Playground” at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts
23 — Whiteface Opens for its 50th Winter Season
50
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
December
07 — NYSSRA J-IV Metals Camp
08 — Rail Jam Sponsored by The Mountain & Boarder Town
14 — NYSSRA Coaches Camp
15 — USASA Slopestyle Double Header Sponsored by Maui North
16 — Tele Demo Day Sponsored by High Peaks Cyclery
22 — Photos with Santa at Kids Kampus
22 — Inisheer in the Cloudspin Lounge
22-23 — NYSEF J-I, J-II GS
30 — Burton Demo Day
January
05 — Hovey Race
18-20 — FIS Freestyle World Cup / Nature Valley Freestyle Cup
20 — NYSEF J-III GS
25 — 50th Anniversary of the opening of Whiteface
26 — Ski Sweater Ball
26 — Freestyle A Meet
26-29 — NYSEF J-III ERS
February
02 — Celebrating the ‘60s - Peace Love and Cloudspin Baby
02 — NYSEF B Moguls / Clarkson Race
03 — NYSEF B Slopestyle / Clarkson Race
09 — Celebrating the ‘70s - Beach Party with Reggae Land Shark
09 — USASA Superpipe Double Header Sponsored by Cunningham’s Ski Barn
09 — PSIA Adaptive
10 — NYSEF J-IV GS / PSIA Adaptive
14-15 — FIS Development GS
16 — Celebrating the ‘80s - After all we are the Olympic Mountain
16 — Superpipe Sponsored by Maui North
22-24 — Empire State Games
23 — Celebrating the ‘90s - Whiteface Mt. 12997
23 — USASA Super Pipe Double Header Sponsored by Viking Ski & Cycle
25 — NYS High-School Training
26 — NYS High-School GS
27 — NYS High-School Slalom
28-29 — AASI Level 1 Exam, Snowboard Moguls 200, Peer Coaching 300
29-Mar 3 — NOKIA Snowboard FIS World Cup / Visa US Snowboarding Cup
March
01 — Celebrating Whiteface Wildlife
07-09 — 2008 Masters Eastern Regional Championships
08 — Celebrating Whiteface Potluck
12-16 — NorAm Alpine Finals
15 — St. Patty’s Day with Inisheer
15 — Superpipe Sponsored by The Mountain &
Boardertown
16 — Randonnee Rally Race
22 — SlopeStyle Sponsored by Viking Ski & Cycle
22 — NYSEF J-I, J-II GS
23 — Easter Egg Hunt with over 2,500 eggs!
3/27-4/1 — PSIA AASI Spring Rally & Academy
29 — SlopeStyle Sponsored by Cunningham’s Ski Barn
April
5 — Apple Butter Open Sponsored by Forrence
Orchards
12 — Pond Skimming
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
51
Communications
GOALS
·
To interface with the Governor’s office and assist in the State’s mission of enhancing New York’s place
in the world of tourism and event hosting;
·
To generate press coverage of the ORDA venues and events therein working with media in print,
broadcast, electronic, photo and cyber media;
·
To satisfy media inquiries into ORDA venues, activities and events;
·
To assist above media situations with materials and staff;
·
To provide world-class working conditions and services for media at ORDA sporting events;
·
Synergize the reach of ORDA and its sponsors and constituents for to positively impact all three
2007-08 OVERVIEW
Backstory
Staff of five in the Communications Department since 2001 was trimmed to four in spring 2005. In spring 2005,
the department lost a communications coordinator (PR) and webmaster. We have functioned smoothly with
appropriate workloads without the communications coordinator position filled and will continue to do so,
although from time to time, when warranted, we will bring in a part-time PR staffer or intern to assist during the
heavy winter weeks.
To summarize this part of our department, we trimmed the staff by 20 percent and continue to function
effectively to this day.
Current year
During 2007-08 winter, ORDA Communications
brought in a PR intern from SUNY Plattsburgh to
assist in press operations. This college senior
assisted in media operations as well as writing press
releases and taking event photos for our internet
coverage.
Our Content Manager departed in
November 2007 and was replaced by an internet
design specialist in March 2008. This individual
handles our multiple website chores as well as work
with our art director in the company’s on-line look.
The quantity and quality of our coverage
continues to grow as evidenced by the monthly
news clip summary. This is the result of hosting
important sporting events and having the ability to
attract and serve ski and travel media.
The department director and manager handle the writing and PR chores and serve the needs of the
media. ORDA’s Art Director, in tandum with our Marketing Department, creates the company look both in print
and web formats.
52
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
The department serves the needs of the press who come to Lake Placid to cover our World Cup
events. This past year, we established press operations at the Olympic Sports Complex (sliding venue and
biathlon), the aerial skiing venue, Whiteface Mountain and the Olympic Center. Overall, the attending press is
quite satisfied with their working conditions and food service at each site.
In recent years, we have delivered high-speed online service to the press with great assistance from
ORDA’s IT staff. Since adding this upgraded level of service, we have met with resounding success from the
press, particularly photographers.
Also, Communications has teamed with IT in finding a vendor that now webcasts all ORDA open
meetings. This is the result of the EO3 initiative from the Governor’s office which mandates, as of July 2007, the
webcasting and / or on-demand archiving of our open meetings with closed captioning. We started webcasting
in August 2007.
Finally, ORDA and the Lake Placid / Essex County Visitors Bureau have budgeted for on-the-ground
PR reps in Toronto and Montreal to improve the breadth and depth of coverage in Canada. This will be
increasingly important in light of the current position of the U.S. dollar.
Strategic Initiative
Also, with Plattsburgh upgrading the level of air service now available in and out of the Adirondacks, our area is
positioned for significantly increased tourist visitations. The PR effort must be at the forefront of that uptick in
visitor numbers.
EVENT COVERAGE
1. World Cup Luge in Nov. 2007: European TV; AP
Wire and Wire Photos; European Press Agency
(photos); Canadian Press (AP of Canada) carried
Wire and Wire Photos; CBC Television aired races
the following week; races streamed live on
mediazone.nbcolympics.com; Adirondack region
coverage on TV and print;
2. Smucker’s Stars on Ice in Nov. 2005: 5,000 in
Olympic Center in late November 2007; television
show aired on ABC in December 2007
3. World Cup Bobsled and Skeleton in Nov. 2007:
AP Wire and Wire Photos; European Press Agency (photos); Canadian Press (AP of Canada) carried
Wire and Wire Photos; CBC Television aired races the following week; races streamed live on
mediazone.nbcolympics.com; Adirondack region coverage on TV and print;
4. Chevrolet Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge in Jan. 2008: 4 hours of coverage on SPEED Channel;
AP stories and photos; New York Times; numerous media from the world of auto racing including
nascar.com, racingwest.com, truckseries.com, nhra.com, yahoo.com, espn.com; event had dedicated
website (bodinebobsled.com); Adirondack region coverage on TV and print;
5. World Cup Freestyle Skiing in Jan. 2008: AP Wire and Wire Photo; Canadian Press; Adirondack
region coverage on TV and print; One hour network shows on NBC and Versus; Ski Racing Magazine
6. Junior Luge World Championships in Feb. 2008: Adirondack region coverage in print; European
print coverage
7. Empire State Winter Games in Feb. 2008: in conjunction with the New York Lottery, event drew
statewide coverage in all media
53
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
8. World Cup Snowboarding/Paul Mitchell
Progression Session in March 2008: AP Wire and
Wire Photo; AP Television highlights package;
Canadian Press; Adirondack region coverage on TV
and print; APTV highlights; One hour network
shows on NBC and Versus
9. North American Alpine Skiing Finals: Adirondack
region coverage in print; skiracing.com
10. NCAA Men’s Div. III Hockey Championships:
Championship game aired on CBS College Sports
Network; live NCAA webcasts of both semi-finals;
Adirondack region coverage on TV and print; AP Stories and Wire Photos; media from New England,
New York Southern Tier and Midwest attended
NEWS CLIP SUMMARY (FROM CISION, FORMERLY BACON’S)
(Bacon’s clips key words such as Lake Placid and the names of all ORDA venues)
April 2007 – 236 articles reaching 8.1 million circulations
May 2007 – 188 articles reaching 4.5 million circulation
June 2007 – 101 articles reaching 2 million circulation
July 2007 – 90 articles reaching 1.5 million circulation
Aug. 2007 – 149 articles reaching 5.8 million circulation
Sept. 2007 – 109 articles reaching 2.7 million circulation
Oct. 2007 – 135 articles reaching 9.5 million circulation
Nov. 2007 – 109 articles reaching 3.8 million circulation
Dec. 2007 – 129 articles reaching 16 million circulation
Jan. 2008 – 393 articles reaching 14.4 million circulation
Feb. 2008 – 231 articles reaching 11.5 million circulation
Mar. 2008 – 266 articles reaching 18 million circulation
Apr. 2008 – 163 articles reaching 3.1 million circulation
May 2008 – 103 articles reaching over 1 million circulation
These figures represent print coverage only. It does not encompass TV or internet coverage.
Needless to say, the ad rate represented in the above numbers is a figure no organization could afford
to spend in marketing dollars.
* N.B. - Cision pricing has risen to the point where ORDA Director of Communications has taken
time in April to explore other options.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2007-08
1) Ski Magazine feature story in October
2) Successful NYC media night with best attendance ever (96) in November
3) Ski writers visit to Whiteface/Lake Placid in late November
4) Feature on Whiteface on AP wire in November
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
54
5) Skiing feature in the NY Daily News in December
6) Newsday pre-season ski issue in December
7) Travel piece in the Boston Globe in December; Weather Channel visit in December with live shots from Lake
Placid on Dec. 22
8) NY Times / Escapes section in January
9) nytimes.com ski guide feature in January; Whiteface 50th anniversary feature on AP in January
10) Use of new media for regular presence on nj.com and about.com
11) Feature on Bloomberg News in December
12) Newsday feature on Lake Placid in February
13) Bobsled story in Toronto Star in February
14) Whiteface/LP story on CP (Canadian Press….like AP in
Canada) in February
15) NY Post previews of World Cup Freestyle and
Snowboarding in February and March
16) NBC, Versus television shows on WC Freestyle and
Snowboarding; Visit from SnowEast Magazine in April for
next fall
17) collaboration with CVB on Quebec media visits
18) collaboration with our Toronto PR rep for Ontario media visits
19) NY Times / Escapes section in August
20) Visit from Ski Press (Canada) writer in March
21) Use of Video News Releases (VNR) with delivery to TV stations showcasing ORDA / Lake Placid
activities during summer and winter
Upcoming summer / fall 2008 highlights:
· Summer and Flaming Leaves Ski Jumps in July and Oct. 2008
· Lake Placid Free Skating Championships in June 2008
· First Lake Placid Sports Film Festival in Sept. 2008
· Summer Ice Dance Championships in Aug. 2008
· Opening of bobsled / luge / skeleton track in Oct. 2008
· IMG Corporate competition in Oct. 2008
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
55
Sports Development
The Olympic Regional Development Authority’s Sports Development Department promotes education
and participation in Winter Olympic Sports year round, providing the most exhilarating Winter Olympic
experience possible. Custom programs offer school classes, activity groups, athletic teams and local youth
groups the Olympic education field trip of a lifetime. In the summer The Sports Development Department also
runs the Gold Medal Adventure Program, a sport’s experience day camp for adventurous kids and their families
ages 10 and up. The Sports Development Department conducts guided tours of the Olympic venues which not
only offer historical information of the facilities and sports, but beautiful views of the Adirondacks as well.
Tours are merely icing on the cake however, as the largest attraction of their programs are the interactive
sports clinics! Sports clinics are offered in Biathlon, Bobsled, Curling, Luge and Freestyle Trampoline. Ice
Skating is also offered on one of the four ice rinks in the Olympic Center, including the 1980 Miracle on Ice
rink, with skate rentals on hand. The Sports Development coaching staff is top-notch, providing quality
instruction and insuring safety at all times. Even better, the staff often has members from National Development
and World Cup teams training in Lake Placid.
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2007-2008
56
•
Sports Development clinics
•
Gold Medal Adventure
•
Gold Medal Games
•
Adventures NYC
•
Central Park Winter Jam
•
Fresh Air Fund
•
Junior Bobsled Program
•
Head Start Learn to Ski Program
•
Adirondack Sports and Fitness Exposition
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
•
The Sports Development Department had continued success with its core program for the 2007-2008
season. The program saw more than 5,000 participants ranging from school, college, camp, and youth
groups. The field trips allowed the students to take part in different winter sports including luge, bobsled,
skiing, curling and skating. Students were also given behind the scenes tours of the Olympic Venues. Sports
Development is looking to develop more interactive and educational components for its programs including
the 2009 Scholastic Sliding Challenge targeting the 2009 World Championships
•
Gold Medal Adventure – Changing the schedule to run Wednesday through Sunday allowed more
visitors to take part in the program. Campers were instructed in the sports of wheel luge and bobsled. They
were also given a tour of the Olympic Jumping complex. To ensure more numbers Sports Development has
updated its website to allow easier navigation and has looked to the local hotels and resorts to help with
promotions.
•
Wet and Wild Wednesdays and Soaring Saturdays have proven to be a great success during the
summer months. Sports Development will continue to help providing logistical support.
•
The Sports Development Department provided logistical assistance for the Corporate Development
Department’s Gold Medal Games. Many corporate groups visited Lake Placid to take part in the Gold
Medal Games program.
•
ORDA and The Sports Development Department teamed up with New York City Parks and
Recreation to host the Central Park Winter Jam in February. The event was a huge success with an
estimated 30,000 spectators on
hand. ORDA received some great
media exposure from the event.
•
Last June the Sports
Development Department also
took part in Adventures NYC in
Central Park. The event promotes
outdoor recreation and exercise.
ORDA had a booth at the event
to promote our summer
programs. Once again a great
venue for exposing ORDA’s
numerous summer activities.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
57
•
In April the Sports Development Team along with the Whiteface Marketing staff took part in the
Adirondack Sports And Fitness Exposition in Saratoga Springs. It was an excellent event where ORDA
was able to showcase its many summer activities at the different venues.
•
The Junior Bobsled Program was a huge success this winter with over 40 athletes participating in two
nights of sliding a week. The program is for athletes ages 12-18. The season finished with the top sliders
earning spots in the Empire State Games.
•
Once again the Sports Development Department ran the Head Start Learn to Ski Program with Kids’
Kampus staff. This year saw five Head Start programs take advantage of the program allowing kids the
opportunity to ski.
•
Looking ahead, the Sports Development Department will host the Fresh Air Kids this summer as part
of an Olympic Day experience. These programs allow kids, who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity, to
try and learn about the different winter Olympic sports here in Lake Placid.
For the 2008-2009 season, the Olympic Regional Development Authority’s Sports Development
Department will continue to offer exciting programs for children and adults. Sports Development will also
be devoting time to ensure a successful Scholastic Sliding Challenge program for area schools. The program
will allow schools to adopt a country for the 2009 World Championships and provide educational tools in
the classroom as well as a trip to the World Championships in February of 2009.
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
58
Events
Were host to six World Cup competitions during the winter season. These included: World Cup Bobsled, World
Cup Skeleton, World Cup Women’s Bobsled, World Cup Luge, World Cup Freestyle, and World Cup
Snowboard. The Olympic Sports Complex and Whiteface Mountain hosted athletes and officials with an
average of 25 nations per event. The combined event experience of the venues and event staff enabled the
successful production of these events. In addition international Alpine racing returned to Whiteface when ORDA
hosted the Nor Am Alpine Finals. Athletes with World Cup experience and the top Nor Am racers competed in
Super G, GS and Slalom events at the Olympic Mountain. Men’s colligate ice hockey returned to the Olympic
Center as the DIII Championship was contested in the Herb Brooks Arena. More than 10,000 enthusiastic fans
packed the center setting a new benchmark in attendance for this NCAA Championship.
May
5/19-5/20
Lake Placid Festival of Cars
OC
5/26
The Adirondack’s Largest Indoor Garage Sale
OC
June
6/3
6/3
6/7-6/10
6/10
6/10-9/1
6/14-6/17
6/16
6/18-6/23
6/22
6/23
6/26-7/1
6/29-7/1
6/29
6/30
30th Annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Race
Annual Blessing of the Bikes ~ Motorcycles
CHE Adult & Youth Hockey Schools
American Legion Veterans Memorial Service
Lake Placid Summer Figure Skating Program
7th Lake Placid Film Forum
6th Annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race
CAN/AM Adult Hockey Camp
Freaky Friday ~ Figure Skating Exhibition
Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show
38th Annual Lake Placid Horseshow
2nd Annual Lake Placid – I Love Barbeque Festival
Freaky Friday ~ Figure Skating Exhibition
Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show
WFVMH
WFVMH
OC
WFVMH
OC
LP
WFVMH
OC
OC
OC
NESG
OSSO
OC
OC
July
7/3
7/4
7/3-7/5
7/3-7/8
7/5-7/7
7/6-7/7
7/6-7/8
7/7
7/7-7/8
7/11
7/13
7/14
7/14
7/18
7/19
7/20
Chevrolet 90M Ski Jump
NYSEF Independence Day Ski Jump
Club Shred Mountain Bike Clinic
38th Annual I Love New York Horse Show
50th Annual Lake Placid Free Skating Championships
Women-Only Downhill Mt. Bike Clinic
Club Shred Mountain Bike Clinic
Soaring Saturday ~ 90M Ski Jump
2nd Annual Lake Placid International Regatta
Wet & Wild Wednesday ~ Freestyle Show
Freaky Friday ~ Figure Skating Exhibition
Soaring Saturday ~ 90M Ski Jump
Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show
Wet & Wild Wednesday ~ Freestyle Show
Yoga on the Mountain
Freaky Friday ~ Figure Skating Exhibition
OJC
OJC
WF
NESG
OC
WF
WF
OJC
ML
OJC
OC
OJC
OC
OJC
WF
OC
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
59
7/21
7/21
7/22
7/25
7/26
7/26
7/27
7/28
7/28
Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show
Soaring Saturday ~ 90M Ski Jump
Ironman Lake Placid Triathlon
Wet & Wild Wednesday ~ Freestyle Show
10th Mt. Division Rededication Ceremony
Yoga on the Mountain
Freaky Friday ~ Figure Skating Exhibition
Soaring Saturday ~ 90M Ski Jump
Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show
OC
OJC
LP
OJC
WF
WF
OC
OJC
OC
August
8/1
8/1-8/4
8/2
8/3-8/5
8/4-8/11
8/4
8/8
8/8-8/12
8/9
8/10
8/11
8/11
8/11-8/15
8/13-8/26
8/15
8/15-8/19
8/16
8/17
8/18
8/18
8/22
8/23
8/24
8/25
8/25
8/29-8/30
8/30
8/31-9/2
Wet & Wild Wednesday ~ Freestyle Show
Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships
Yoga on the Mountain
34th Annual CAN-AM Rugby Tournament
USA Hockey World Junior Men’s Selection Camp/Games
Soaring Saturday ~ 90M Ski Jump
Wet & Wild Wednesday ~ Freestyle Show
18th Annual Summit Lacrosse Tournament
Yoga on the Mountain
Freaky Friday ~ Figure Skating Exhibition
Soaring Saturday ~ 90M Ski Jump
Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show
CHE Just For Girls Hockey School
USA Hockey Women’s National Team Camp/Games
Wet & Wild Wednesday ~ Freestyle Show
CHE Just For Girls Hockey School
Yoga on the Mountain
Freaky Friday ~ Figure Skating Exhibition Figure
Soaring Saturday ~ 90M Ski Jump
Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show
Wet & Wild Wednesday ~ Freestyle Show
Yoga on the Mountain
Freaky Friday ~ Figure Skating Exhibition Figure
4th Annual Huck & Tuck Summer Freestyle Competition
Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show
Women’s Continental Cup Ski Jump
Yoga on the Mountain
ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating
OJC
OC
WF
NESG
OC
OJC
OJC
NESG
WF
OC
OJC
OC
OC
OC
OJC
OC
WF
OC
OJC
OC
OJC
WF
OC
OJC
OC
OJC
WF
OC
September
9/8
9/15
9/16
9/29
9/29-9/30
Yoga on the Mountain
Wilmington Festival of Colors
NYSEF Whiteface Foliage Hill Climb Bike Race
4th Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Oktoberfest
WF
Wilm.
WFVMH
OSSO
WF
60
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
October
10/6-10/7
10/11-10/14
10/18-10/21
10/18-10/21
10/25-10/28
Flaming Leaves Festival/Ski Jump
CHE Adult Hockey School
CAN/AM Adult Hockey Camp
CAN/AM Youth Hockey Tournament
CAN/AM Youth Hockey Tournament
OJC
OC
OC
OC
OC
OC
OSC
OC
OSC
OC
11/24
11/29-12/2
CAN/AM Hockey Youth Tournament
Luge International Training Week
CAN/AM Hockey Youth Tournament
World Cup Luge
CAN/AM Hockey Youth Tournament
Whiteface presents “Playground”
Warren Miller’s new movie @LP Center for the Arts
Stars on Ice
CAN/AM Hockey Youth Tournament
December
12/6-12/9
12/7
12/8
12/9-12/16
12/13-12/16
12/14
12/15
12/16
12/16-12/22
12/22
12/22
12/22-23
12/26-27
12/26-1/1
12/29
12/30
Canadian Hockey Enterprises Youth Tournament
NYSSRA J-IV Metals Camp
Rail Jam, sponsored by Mountain & Boardertown
World Cup Bobsled & Skeleton
Canadian Hockey Enterprises Youth Tournament
NYSSRA Coaches Camp
USASA Slopestyle Double Header, by Maui North
Tele Demo Day, by High Peaks Cyclery
Bobsled & Skeleton International Training Week
Photos with Santa at Kids Kampus
Inisheer live music in Cloudspin Lounge
NYSEF JI, JII Giant Slalom
4th Annual Holiday Hoopfest
USA Hockey Women’s Holiday Camp
53rd Annual New Year’s Master Ski Jump
NYSEF Annual New Year’s Ski Jump
OC
WF
WF
OSC
OC
WF
WF
WF
OSC
WF
WF
WF
OC
OC
OJC
OJC
November
11/1-11/4
11/5-11/11
11/8-11/11
11/12-11/17
11/15-11/18
11/17
January
1/3-5
3rd Annual Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge
1/5
NYSEF Hovey Memorial Giant Slalom JIII-JV
1/5
Demo Day
1/10-13
CAN/AM Pond Hockey Tournament
1/14-1/20
World Cup Freestyle
1/17-1/19
ISI Figure Skating Competition
1/18-1/19
St. Lawrence Winter Carnival
1/20
NYSEF JIII Giant Slalom
1/22-25
FIBT Intercontinental Cup (Skeleton only)
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
OC
OC
OSC
WF
WF
OSSO/ ML
WF & OJC
OSC
WF & OSC
WF
OSC
61
1/24-1/27
1/25
1/26
1/26
1/26-1/29
1/27-2/3
1/31
1/31-2/3
February
2/2
2/2-2/3
2/2-2/3
2/3
2/4-2/10
2/7-2/10
2/9
2/9-2/10
2/9
2/9-2/10
2/10
2/14-2/15
2/16
2/16-2/17
2/19
2/22-2/24
2/23
2/23-2/24
2/26-2/27
2/27-3/3
2/28-2/29
2/28-3/2
March
3/1-3/2
3/7-3/9
3/8
3/8-3/9
3/9-3/11
3/11-3/16
3/15
3/15
3/16-3/29
62
Canadian Hockey Enterprises Youth Tournament
Official 50th Anniversary Celebration
Whiteface Ski Sweater Ball
Freestyle “A” Meet
NYSEF JIII ERS
Junior Luge International Training Week
Lake Placid High School Carnival
Canadian Hockey Enterprises Youth Tournament
OC
WF
WF
WF
WF
OSC
WF
OC
NYSEF Moguls “B”
Celebrating the ‘60s: Peace, Love & Cloudspin
Clarkson University Races
NYSEF Slopestyle “B”
Junior Luge World Championships
Canadian Hockey Enterprises Youth Tournament
26th Annual Lake Placid Loppet
Celebrating the ‘70s: Beach Party
Live music w/Reggae Land Shark
USASA Superpipe Double Header, Cunningham’s
PSIAAdaptive Training
NYSEF JIV Giant Slalom
FIS Development GS
Superpipe, sponsored by Maui North
Celebrating the ‘80s: We are the Olympic Mountain
Harlem Globetrotters
28th Annual Empire State Winter Games
USASA Super Pipe Double Header
Sponsored by Viking Ski & Cycle
Celebrating the ‘90s: Whiteface Mt. 12997
New York State High School Alpine Champ.
World Cup Snowboard
AASI Level I Exam
Canadian Hockey Enterprises Youth Tournament
WF
WF
WF
WF
OSC
OC
OSC
WF
Celebrating the New Millennium & Local Wildlife
Masters Regional Alpine Championships
Boarder X, sponsored by Cunningham’s Ski Barn
Celebrating the Whiteface Potluck
Canadian Hockey Enterprises Youth Tournament
NorAm Alpine Finals
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Live music by Inisheer in Cloudspin Lounge
Boarder X Double Header, Mountain & Boardertown
International Sliding School ~ Bobsled & Skeleton
WF
WF
WF
WF
WF
WF
OC
All Venues
WF
WF
WF
WF
WF
OC
WF
WF
WF
WF
OC
WF
WF
WF
OSC
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
3/20-3/23
3/21-3/22
3/22
3/23
3/27-4/1
3/31-4/6
NCAA DIII Men’s Hockey Championships
JI & JII Giant Slalom
Slopestyle, by Viking Ski & Cycle
Easter Egg Hunt & Easter Celebration
PSIA AASI Spring Rally & Academy
America’s Cup Bobsled & Skeleton
OC
WF
WF
WF
WF
OSC
April
4/5
4/8-4/13
4/12
Apple Butter Open, by Forrence Orchards
Adult National Figure Skating Championships
Pond Skimming
WF
OC
WF
Key
LP = Village of Lake Placid
ML = Mirror Lake
NESG = North Elba Show Grounds
OC = Olympic Center
OJC= Olympic Jumping Complex
OSSO = Olympic Speed Skating Oval
Wilm. = Town of Wilmington
WF = Whiteface Mountain
WFVMH = Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
63
Corporate Development
The Corporate Development Department is responsible for the solicitation of all corporate sponsor
opportunities including organizational, event and program sponsors. Working with international, national and
regional corporations, Corporate Development works to create partnerships that provide unique promotional
opportunities, raise incremental revenue and provide budget-relieving donations to assist in Olympic Authority
operations. In addition, Corporate Development is responsible for the coordination and management of the
Winter Olympic Challenges, Congressional Challenge and the Gold Medal Games programs.
Sponsorship
The fiscal year 2007-08 was focused on servicing our existing sponsors with a focus on promotional activation
to increase ORDA revenues (i.e. five million can promotion with Coca-Cola, Whiteface and Gore), successfully
renewing our agreements with Chevrolet and Anheuser Busch, extending our agreement with Lincoln Logs,
developing a local sponsorship packages (two were of four were sold) and our many local trade agreements.
We finalized an amendment to an existing agreement with Lincoln Logs that increased our VIK from
them too, extending the agreement to five years and provided them with naming rights to the new Gore
Mountain Learning Center.
Local Sponsorship
Another focus for the past year has been sponsorship opportunities with the ORDA venues and programs aimed
at local businesses. Two new sponsors, Courtyard by Marriott and North Country Community College signed
on for one year - $10,000 packages. An additional $30,830.00 in revenue, $24,800 value-in-kind product was
generated from these programs/events and $40,596.00 in local trade value-in-kind.
Programs developed to date are:
Signage opportunities at ORDA venues - $3,600.00
1980 Rink-Herb Brooks Arena Mezzanine Signs
1932 Rink-Jack Shea Arena Mezzanine & Dasher signs
USA Rink Mezzanine & Dasher signs
Participating businesses: Milano North, Coakley Ace/True Value, Adirondack Bank,
NBT Bank, Super Shoes, and Paul Smith’s College
Olympic Jumping Complex - weekly event sponsorship
Summer Jumping Series – sponsorship revenue $4,230 (cash) & $800 (value in-kind)
(Wet and Wild Wednesdays and Soaring Saturdays programs)
Sponsors: Desperado’s, Courtyard by Marriott, Mirror Lake Inn, NCCC,
Golden Arrow, Milano North
Olympic Center - weekly event sponsorship
Citizens Bank Summer Ice series – sponsorship revenue $3,000.00 (cash) & $500 (VIK)
(Freaky Friday & Saturday Night Ice Show)
Sponsors: Courtyard by Marriott, Ruthie’s Run, Soulshine Bagel, Mirror Lake
Inn, Subway, Golden Arrow, NCCC
Whiteface – consumer events
Parks ‘n Pipes series – sponsorship value-in-kind: $14,000.00
Sponsors: Mountain and Boardertown, Bordz-up, Viking Ski Shop, Cunningham’s Ski
Barn, Maui North
64
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Olympic Sports Complex – consumer events
Loppet - sponsorship value-in-kind: $5,000
Sponsor: High Peaks Cyclery
Sunday Race Series - sponsorship value-in-kind: $4,500
Sponsor: High Peaks Cyclery
Local VIK trade agreements – $40, 596.00
Corporate Programs
The Corporate Development department through the Winter Olympic Challenge, Congressional Challenge and
Gold Medal Games programs hired a Corporate Programs Manager to oversee, manage and service these
events. These programs are designed for corporations and companies who are looking for an off-site location to
host meetings and employee incentive programs while combining truly unique interactive Olympic activities and
venue tours with their outing. Working within a company’s budget and time constraints, we successfully
completed sixty-three (63) of these programs in 2007-08 (41 in 2006-07), introducing 1,919 (4,068 in 200506) company executives and staff to the ORDA facilities and grossing over $235,919.00 ($592,000.00 in
2005-06) in revenue. These programs generated over $109,000 in new revenues for the ORDA venues.
Vending / Miracle Moments Photo Concessions
Several revenue enhancing opportunities also ran through the Corporate Development department again this
year including vending (soft drinks, snacks, candy and gum) and an in-house photo concession in cooperation
with Event Imaging Solutions a division of the Eastman
Kodak Company. Total revenue generated to ORDA
through these opportunities totaled $231,651.00. Each of
these opportunities showed growth over the previous
fiscal year.
Vending
Through a contractual agreement with Tri-Lakes Vending
of Lake Placid ORDA receives 30¢/unit sold of
carbonated and un-carbonated beverages, candy, gum/
mints, chips, cookies, and coffee/hot chocolate sold at all
of the Lake Placid ORDA venues.
2007-08 revenue: $30,252.40 an increase of 2.9% /
2006-07 revenue: $29,391.20 / 2005-06 revenue:
$30,748.35 / 2004-05 revenue: $27,622.10
Miracle Moments Photo Concessions
Entering into the third year of a multi-year contract, photo
concessions an again showing growth in revenue. We
continued the same successful business model at the Olympic
Sports Complex; adjusted operations at Whiteface, and
expanded onto the Olympic Jumping Complex and
Whiteface Memorial Highway. We also created some unique
photo products to enhance the sale of prints.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
65
Location
Olympic Sports Complex Passenger Bobsled Ride Program
Again we included a 4X6 photo with the cost of a passenger ride in addition to the inclusion of a 4x6 with the cost
of summer admission to the venue. With the re-branding of the passenger ride program this past winter, the photo
staff became an integral part of the venue. Since it is the last point of contact for our visitors, it was decided that
photo staff would distribute the t-shirts and membership card that was included to enhance the experience of those
taking a bobsled ride. Since our guests are taking away a significant souvenir of their experience we did notice a
slight decrease in purchases of additional prints and products. We created a unique mouse pad in the shape of a
bobsled helmet that would frame their 4x6 print. This proved to be well received by our guests. All in all there was
revenue growth from ’06-’07 of $19,000.
Summer 4/1/07 to 10/14/07
9814 prints/products
$57,166.50
Winter - 10/15/08 to 3/31/08 11,282 prints/products $92,864.50
Totals
21,096 prints/products $150,031.00
Olympic Jumping Complex
Since we had the equipment available to us, we decided to run a trial experiment by offering a souvenir photo with
admission to the Olympic Jumping Complex. We had our visitors stand on the corner of the base lodge deck. In the
backdrop were the landing hills and both the 90m and 120m towers. Although we didn’t see the additional sales
that we had at other venues, people still were appreciative of the photo and we eager to have their photo taken by
a professional staff member
Summer - 6/14/07 to 9/6/07
2,502 prints/products $15,701.00
Whiteface
New for the summer of 2007 was the inclusion of a single complimentary 4x6 photo of your family or group. The
staging area for this photo was on the deck overlooking Lake Placid. On days with limited or no visibility we shot
the image with the Highway Castle as the backdrop. It was a great souvenir. The point of sale was again located in
the Butler Building at the top of the Gondola lift on Little Whiteface. The building is used as the Ski Patrol headquarters
in the winter. Last season Whiteface staff reconditioned the building for photo concessions use during the summer.
A third of the revenue came from the sale of additional prints and products such as snow globes, and photo albums.
A slight set back this winter was not having a professionally developed and maintained website available to us, as
promised by our partner, Event Imaging Solutions (EIS) in the summer of 2007. People are eager to return to their
accommodations after a day of skiing and they forget to stop by the point of sale. It is essential to have a website
so that people can view images from a comfortable setting instead of standing in ski clothes, boots, etc. in a
crowded location. By EIS standards a successful photo operation is measured by “capture rate” (images taken)
and “sell-through rate” (prints sold). We consistently matched (or exceeded) the capture rate. The goal is to
capture 13% to 17% of skiers on the mountain. We were unable to convert the capture rate into sales because of
the consumers’ expectation that these images would be available for purchase on a website. Another let down this
winter was the inclusion of a photo of participants in the play-n-ski program at Kids Kampus. The thought process
behind this incentive was two fold: add to the value of the encounter at KK and generate further revenue through
the purchase of additional prints and enlargements. Photo sales at Kids’ Kampus usually represents half of the
revenue generated at the mountain. This season was very disappointing with revenue at KK only reaching $3,000.
66
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Summer – June ’07 to October ’07
4,679 photos $35,557.00
Winter - November ’07 to March ’08 2,894 photos $17,192.00
Totals 1,718 photos $26,817.00
Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
The summer attraction with the best visitation is the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway. Last season we
decided to test market a photo concession. A kiosk was located in the Round House at the top of the highway and
the elevation sign was designated as the “photo zone”. A spectacular location to say the least but, for the most part
people were unwilling to have their photo taken by our staff. I rotated staff to see if some employees did a better
job but the results were all the same. We will not be operating a photo concession there this summer.
Summer - May ‘07 to September ’07
323 prints
$3,232.00
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
ORDA Sponsorship
ORDA Value In-Kind
Gold Medal Games/Winter Olympic Challenge
Vending commissions
Photography concessions
TOTAL
Gross Revenues
$251,430.00
$465,124.00
$234,722.00
$30,250.00
$201,401.00
$1,182,927.00
THE YEAR AHEAD:
Sponsorship
The focus for the upcoming year is multiple. A sponsorship offering sales piece is being put together to mail to
companies in addition to developing a new sponsorship website. We have also developed packages for our
bobsled passenger ride program in the hopes of improving the look of that program. Additionally, we have
developed a new concept called the Miracle Club which will allow companies to support our sports
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
67
development and international events. Plans are to concentrate on renewals of major sponsors Citizens Bank,
Chevrolet, Anheuser Busch, follow-up on some new leads (Subway, AT&T and Benjamin Moore Paints) and
search for new sponsors with a focus on seeking companies interested in venue naming rights opportunities: The
Olympic Sports Complex, the Olympic Jumping Complex, the new Learning Center at Whiteface. Interest in the
Lake Placid Olympic venues remains strong but is shifting from a national reach to a more regional one.
Regional Sponsorship
With this in mind we will also look to regional companies in the following categories to support ORDA
controlled events, the new bobsled ride program sponsorship or the new Miracle Club concept: grocery (Price
Chopper or Hannaford), convenient drug store category (Rite-Aid, Kinney’s), home improvement (Aubuchon
Hardware) auto parts (Advanced Auto and NAPA), and medical (Adirondack Medical Center and CVPH).
Local Sponsorship
We will look to build on our existing local sponsorship opportunities, grow the revenue from these programs and
gain involvement from more local businesses assisting in offsetting costs and in many cases allowing the venues
to provide prizes for their consumer events.
We will once again offer sponsor packages to our successful Summer Jumping Series to include eight
weeks of Soaring Saturdays and Wet ‘n Wild Wednesdays and Citizens Bank Summer Skating Series to include
eight weeks of Freaky Fridays and Saturday Night Ice Shows. We will offer additional opportunities with
consumer events as well as naming rights sponsorship to our terrain parks and half-pipe at Whiteface.
Four (4) year-round integrated packages have been developed ($10,000.00 each) for local companies
as well, offering exposure at the venues, tickets, event sponsorship, advertisements, and Whiteface snow
reporting sponsorship.
Event Sponsorship
A very busy fall and winter event schedule will keep us focused on marketing/sponsorship arrangements with the
International Governing Bodies and National Governing Bodies of Sport in Hockey (Men’s & Women’s 4
Nations Cup), Figure Skating (Jr. National Championships), Bobsled and Skeleton (World Championships),
Luge (World Championships), Freestyle Skiing (World Cup).
Corporate Programs
We will continue to solicit companies for our Corporate Programs Winter Olympic Challenge and Gold Medal
Games during 2008-09 winter season depending on venue availability.
Our Gold Medal Games program continues to grow on a year-round basis from small to mid-size companies,
groups and organizations. While inquiries remain constant, sales efforts in conjunction with the local lodging
properties will continue on this very successful corporate hospitality program. Additionally, we are developing a
new promotional DVD, re-designing and enhancing our website to be more use friendly, informative and adding
video elements and developing a printed brochure. Programs already booked for 2007-08 include companies
such as Maverick Business Adventures, Verizon, MVP Healthcare, and numerous associations.
Special Events/Projects
1980 USA Hockey Team Miracle On Ice Fantasy Camp – (February 22-26, 2009)
68 individuals have the chance to re-live the magic of the 1980 USA Hockey Team! They will join
players from the gold medal winning 1980 US Hockey Team and participate in their inaugural fantasy camp in
Lake Placid. Participants will connect with the greatest sports moment of all time. Meet and get to know players
from that greatest of all teams in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is Lake Placid.
68
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
IMG BG US Challenge - (October 16-19, 2008)
An IMG property, a part of the Intelligent Sport World Series. ORDA will partner with IMG to host this event.
(More info at: www.uschallenge.com). An “adventure race” that is sold to corporations (4 competitors/team) as
a head to head competition in a test of mind, body and team spirit for an event designed specifically to
create high performance teams for business.
We are also looking to get
local/regional companies
involved and create a
“locals’ trophy to the top
company in the region.
Vending
Presented by
The focus for this year will
be on continued timely servicing of our vending machines, increase offerings, and look to have a slight increase
in pricing.
Photo Concessions
As we have developed the photo concessions, we have found voids in the current contract that have hampered our
growth. We are in the process of asking for a revision which will include the following provisions:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Development of Kodak managed online photo store
Reduction to Kodak’s revenue share (currently 25%):
1st year 20%; second and subsequent years 15%
10% reduction in media costs
Equipment/software/support to add photo concessions to the Olympic Center
Annual maintenance to all systems done on premises by EIS technicians
Upgrades/revisions to EPX software as they become available
Replacement of camera equipment as technology develops within the industry
Additional system for Gore Mountain at Kids’ Klub
Additional camera for Whiteface to cover expansion into Lookout Mtn.
Additional 8x10 printers for Bob run and Kids Kampus
“Trip” (thrill ride interactive platform) Camera installed at curve 14 in combo track
The inclusions and additions to the program listed above will allow for greater revenue potential. It is estimated
that incorporating the youth sporting events held at the Olympic Center could generate well over $400,000
gross sales. Youth sports photography is the fastest growing and most profitable business opportunity in the
photographic market.
Discussions are also taking place regarding:
· System located at the Ski Jumps dedicated to the Zip Line
· Cash and/or in-kind sponsorship program with Corporate Marketing
· Trial Marketing a “Trip” Camera on a ORDA designated chair lift at Whiteface
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
69
Marketing
The ORDA Marketing Department develops and implements marketing and advertising strategies to increase
visitation and revenues at ORDA venues and events. This increased visitation results in a positive economic
impact to the greater Lake Placid region. Each season’s marketing plan includes strategies for advertising,
pricing and promotion development, creating a consistent look for collateral, implementing a distribution plan,
attending trade and consumer shows, and generating new programs and activities to increase our guests’
enjoyment. The marketing strategies implemented each year are based on industry travel trends, a SWOT
analysis and visitation data collected at our venues from previous years.
Summer 2007
People choose to summer vacation in the Adirondacks for many reasons – the mountain & lake environment
with its multitude of available outdoor activities, the annual events such as the Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse
Shows, Ironman, USA, and the unique alpine village ambiance, all of which continue to draw visitors from
around the globe. Hotel occupancy numbers confirm that summer is this region’s busiest season by far.
According to the LPECVB, 64% of the county’s occupancy tax is collected from May to October and 36%
from November to April. ORDA’s marketing plan for the summer months continues to focus on maximizing
revenues by promoting all of the opportunities that are available at the Olympic venues during the non-winter
months to both those visiting the Olympic region and to residents within a three hour drive. The Lake Placid
Essex County Visitors Bureau (LPECVB) and the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council (ARTC) take the lead
on destination marketing of the Adirondack region during the summer months.
Summer Collateral & Distribution Plan
The summer venue guide was designed in-house to include ORDA summer venue information, a venue map and
photos, and the summer events and rates schedule. This brochure (180,000 were printed) was distributed by
key distribution companies throughout the Capital Region and northern New York, at key Burlington information
spots, at travel plazas on the NYS Thruway and in the Cornwall / Ottawa region from late May through midOctober. Our in-house distribution person covered the Northway Information areas and the lodging, businesses,
and campgrounds within the tri-lakes region on a weekly basis with the venue guide as well as the weekly
schedule and event posters, thereby assuring that our guests had immediate access to the most up-to-date venue
information.
Programs
Summer 2007 saw no significant changes in the program line up at the venues. Wet & Wild Wednesdays and
Soaring Saturdays were the featured weekly events at the Olympic Jumping Complex. The summer bobsled
ride, venue tour, and “Be a Biathlete” were the featured programs at the Olympic Sports Complex. At
Whiteface, Yoga on the Mountain proved to be a successful addition to the Gondola Ride, Nature Treks and
Veterans Memorial Highway offerings.
Indoor public skating on the Lussi Rink, Freaky Fridays, and the Citizen’s Bank Saturday Night Ice Shows
were the Olympic Center weekly public offerings. In addition, the Olympic Center Skating office continues to
maximize its national exposure as a top training center for figure skaters by hosting world class events, such as
The Grand Prix, an International Competition with top skaters from around world, the Free Skating
Championships, and the top dance event in the country, the Lake Placid Summer Dance Championships.
Through new advertising methods, and more diverse programming such as Synchronized Skating Week,
participation in the summer figure skating program has increased substantially.
70
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Olympic Sites Passports
New this year, the marketing department initiated an “all season” passport to replace the summer and winter
seasonal passport programs. The price was raised to $29 ($25 previously) to reflect the increased admissions
cost at the venues. The one passport program has the following advantages:
More efficient use of staff creative time in developing ads and collateral
Savings on printing costs of passport books
More value to the customer as unused passport admissions can be used in the winter season
Cross marketing winter and summer seasons
Selling passports through the RTP ticketing system as well as tracking venue entry and the passport activity
discounts streamlined the sales and fulfillment process for front line staff at the venues.
Media Buys
Summer media buys are primarily executed in support of venue activities and special events targeting customers
within a two hour driving radius of Lake Placid. Through our in-house ad agency, Excelsior, ORDA’s
Advertising Manager uses regional television, radio and newsprint to promote these venue activities as well as
the year-round Olympic Sites Passport product and the ORDA Store. Television, radio air time and print were
also purchased to promote weekly summer Saturday Night Ice Shows, two major figure skating competitions,
annual Festival of Cars Show & Auction, Whiteface Oktoberfest, Flaming Leaves Festival, Harlem
Globetrotters, annual Stars on Ice Show, as well as many other consumer events. See charts pages 84-85.
Summer Revenue and Visitation Observations
Visitation at the venues was over 191,000, down approximately 3,000 visits or 1.54% from the previous year.
Revenues, however, were up by 14.54% due to the increase in cost of admission tickets and venue activities.
The Lake Placid Summer Figure Skating Program is showing an upward trend with 27% more participants than
in 2006. Passport sales were down by 3.5%, approximately 300 people less than the previous year. Passport
revenues were up by 7%, however, again due to the $4.00 increase in the price of the passport. Approximately
4% of the summer venue admissions are due to passport sales. The trend continues to be that visitors are more
often choosing to experience one or two venues instead of the complete tour. According to the Travel Industry
Association, the average length of a vacation has dropped to less than 3.5 days leading to time constrains in
activity choices. Our challenge continues to be developing programs that can maximize venue revenue in shorter
amounts of time.
Winter 2007-08
Whiteface is the major revenue generator of the Lake Placid Region Olympic Venues and as such is the primary
focus of the winter marketing plan. Generating additional skier visits at Whiteface increases ORDA revenue and
positively impacts the business communities in the Tri-Lakes Region. Increasing the visitation at Whiteface also
overflows to additional visits and revenue at the other venues.
New Advertising Agency on Record
In response to an RFP submitted through NYS Contract Reporter in March of 2007, four agencies were
subsequently interviewed to be our agency on record for Whiteface winter destination marketing. Ad Workshop
of Lake Placid was the chosen agency and commenced a two year contract beginning July 15, 2007. The media
services contracted include research, planning, pre-buy analysis, and negotiation, monitoring of schedules and
post-buy analysis. In addition, specific creative projects such as print and broadcast would be assigned as
needed.
71
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
SWOT Analysis
As a preliminary tool to creating the marketing plan, it was important to understand ORDA’s strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as they relate to ski vacation travel trends.
Ad Workshop assisted in the development of a message map which in turn helped in creating an overall sales
and marketing plan for the 2007-08 winter season.
Strengths
Þ Our Olympic heritage is a key strength of the Whiteface / Lake Placid region. Being one of only three
locations in the world that has hosted two Olympic Winter Games is definitely a differentiator in the ski
industry. This is a place where aspirations are nurtured, an appealing feature for parents of young
children.
Þ Whiteface is a big mountain, boasting the greatest vertical drop in the East and the highest elevation of
any northeastern ski resort. There are trails to accommodate all levels of expertise from novice to
expert; it’s a mountain that you will never outgrow. With an uphill capacity of 13,200 skiers per hour,
there are minimal lift lines even on the busiest of days. This translates to lots more time on the slopes for
the time-starved vacationer.
Þ The scenery is spectacular. The beauty of the natural environment is not obstructed by slope-side
accommodations. As environmental issues are becoming increasingly evident, environmental stewardship
is becoming more of a factor in choosing a vacation destination.
Þ Off-hill activities – Voted by the readers of SKI Magazine as #1 for off-hill activities for 15 years, there
is plenty to do to occupy all family members when not on the slopes. Activities such as skating on the
Olympic Oval, cross country skiing and bobsled rides at the Olympic Sports Complex, visiting the
Olympic Jumping Complex and taking in the Olympic history at the Olympic Center and the museum
provide an educational and diverse experience for family members.
Þ Authentic alpine village – The village of Lake Placid is not a prefabricated village but a real town
surrounded by the beauty of the Adirondack High Peaks. It’s a walking village with its own movie
theater and an array of charming restaurants, lodging choices and boutiques.
SEE WHITEFACE LAKE PLACID MESSAGE MAP ON PAGE 86
Weaknesses
Þ The perception among vacationers in our target markets who are not familiar with the Lake Placid
region is that we are just too far away. Vermont still holds the greatest name recognition as a ski
destination even though it is actually harder to get to.
Þ Ice Face - The perception among skiers who have not been here in years is that we are still “Ice Face”
providing limited snowmaking and grooming. This of course could not be further from the truth but the
name still sticks.
Þ No slope side accommodations – We are unable to accommodate the families that insist on ski-in and
ski-out convenience.
Þ A minimal marketing budget – It is difficult to adequately reach our target markets with the Whiteface/
Lake Placid message in the frequency that is needed in order to change negative perceptions.
Opportunities
Þ Canadian Market – The Canadian dollar is now equal to or stronger than the U.S. dollar and this is
creating a great opportunity for ski resorts in the U.S. Whiteface is only two hours from Montreal and
two and a half hours from Ottawa; 2.7 million Canadians are active skiers or boarders, or about 9
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
72
percent of the population. This is triple the participation rate of the U.S., which averages only about 3
percent participation. The opportunity is ripe to grow this market. The weakened U.S dollar also may
attract additional international visitors from overseas.
Þ Family Friendly- Whiteface offers a separate mountain area for children’s programs and families with a
new base lodge and convenient parking that strives to provide a hassle free experience.
Þ Lookout Mountain, an area now under development at Whiteface will expand the terrain for
intermediate and advanced skiers for the 2008-09 season. This expansion has been long awaited by
Whiteface fans who are already spreading the news via web blogs and word of mouth throughout the
industry.
Þ Environmental Stewardship is becoming increasingly important to the consumer. Whiteface staff has
worked with ENCON to protect the habitat of the Bicknell’s Thrush. In addition, the resort is continuing
its conversion to more efficient, oil-free air compressors, and low-energy, tower-mounted snow guns.
Threats
Þ A soft economy, the result of the sub prime mortgage crisis, rising gas prices and frustration over the war
in Iraq are underlying factors that may affect the consumer’s travel plans.
Þ Global warming is affecting weather patterns. Although weather is always unpredictable, a warm
December could drastically affect revenue during the Christmas holiday week.
Þ Our competition with bigger marketing budgets and expanding mountain services and amenities may
affect our market share. For example, Spruce Peak at Stowe is developing a new base lodge, ice
skating area, performing arts center, luxury lodging and an eco-friendly village. With all of the
northeastern ski areas trying to attract the same skier demographic, the one that speaks loudest may
win.
Overall Plan Strategies
Utilizing the SWOT analysis and the resulting message map that was developed, the following marketing
strategies were chosen for the 2007-08 winter season
Positioning
The core message is that Whiteface is a BIG mountain with BIG off-hill activities set in an authentic Alpine resort
community. This is what differentiates us from the competition.
Þ Whiteface is a real “skiers” mountain. “If you can ski here, you can ski anywhere”.
Þ 3430 vertical feet, the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies.
Þ 76 trails from novice to expert, exhilarating slides and glades.
Þ It’s the mountain that played host to the Olympics and continues to host world class alpine, freestyle and
snowboard events.
Þ Voted #1 for off-hill activities by the readers of SKI Magazine for 15 years. You can skate on the
Olympic Speed Skating Oval, cross country ski on 50km of groomed trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg,
take a bobsled ride at the Olympic Sports Complex, visit the 1932& 1980 Winter Olympic Museum at
the Olympic Center, and the ski jumps at the Olympic Jumping Complex.
Þ Elite athletes are training and/or competing at the venues throughout the winter.
Þ Tagline developed: Whiteface Lake Placid. For those Who Take Their Fun Seriously
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
73
Target Markets
Geographic Profiles
Front line staff at ORDA venues collects zip codes from visitors during ticketing transactions whenever possible.
This information is critical in understanding where our guests are coming from and which markets to target with
our media dollars. Year after year, reports show our top three winter destination markets to be: 1) New York
Metro, Long Island, and Westchester County; 2) Northern New Jersey; and 3) Albany / Capital District
Region. We have also seen growth in the Philadelphia area and Canadian markets.
Demographic Profiles
The following two demographic profiles were chosen for the 2007-08 traditional destination media campaign
(print, TV and radio) in our target markets:
#1 Couples with children ages 10+. The parents are college educated with high household incomes and all
family members are skiers or riders. Family time is especially important for these time-starved parents. Mom is
attuned to her kids’ wishes and wants to provide the experience of a “skier’s mountain”, at a place where
aspirations are nurtured at every level.
#2 Couples with no children in the household who enjoy an active lifestyle, a high household income and a more
flexible schedule. This group is interested in the challenge and thrill of the sport and earning the “boasting rights”
that comes with skiing at the Olympic Mountain.
Olympic-inspired venues and diverse off-hill activities are a definite trip plus for both of these groups.
The younger demographic, ages 18-28, relies almost exclusively on word of mouth and social networking
websites for their information. Non-traditional marketing methods such as inserting information on
newschoolers.com, facebook.com, myspace.com, and youtube.com were chosen to reach this group.
Marketing Tools
Pricing
The 2007-08 Whiteface lift ticket rates reflect a 4% increase in all categories. We anticipate the same increase
to be implemented each year moving forward. A small increase was also made in broker and group rates this
year. These rates are competitive with most Vermont resorts.
Products
Whiteface is only part of the overall Lake Placid resort destination experience. We are not only attracting
traveling skiers, but also non-skiing or partial-skiing families. Whiteface is one of four Olympic Venues in the
Lake Placid Region. In addition to lift tickets, we sell admission to the museum, ski jumping complex, and sports
complex, cross country skiing and bobsled rides, all of which drive revenue. The Summer/Winter Passport is a
combination ticket that includes admission to all non-ski venues and a healthy discount for a bobsled ride and
gondola ride. The passport product is a revenue driver that also engages the visitor in the total winter
experience. Additional products include event tickets that range from pure entertainment like “Target Stars on
Ice” and “Harlem Globetrotters” to World Cup Competitions in luge, bobsled, ski jumping, snowboarding and
free style skiing.
74
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
The Lake Placid Bobsled Experience
The passenger bobsled ride program at the Olympic Sports Complex ranks third in revenue producing products
for ORDA after Whiteface and Gore Mountain. This year a major effort was undertaken to rebrand the
product, improve the experience, and raise revenue.
The rebranding of the Lake Placid Bobsled program focused on the following key elements that differentiate Lake
Placid from other resorts and other tracks.
- Lake Placid is the only authentic public bobsled ride complete with driver and brakeman
- Lake Placid is the official home of the United States Bobsled and Skeleton teams
- Lake Placid has the official ride of the United States Bobsled Team
- Lake Placid has over 75 years of Bobsled History
- When you leave Lake Placid you are a Bobsled Fan for Life
- The Bobsled Ride is the ultimate “off-hill” activity. It differentiates Lake Placid from other winter
resorts
To make the public aware of these key components ORDA and the OSC created a unique partnership with the
United States Bobsled and Skeleton (USBSF) team. The Lake Placid Bobsled Experience became the official
ride of the United States Bobsled Team and all passengers received a year long membership to the USBSF, and
an official tee shirt.
This connection to the USBSF created instant credibility for the program changing it from an amusement park
ride to a true athletic experience.
Upon completion of the ride, Lake Placid Bobsled Experience pins were awarded a finisher prize, replacing the
old practice of handing them out when the ticket was purchased. Passengers continued to be photographed with
their driver and brakeman.
The ORDA Store
Located conveniently on Main Street, the ORDA store is branded as the place to get the most up to date
information on venue events and schedules. The store sells admission tickets, passports, select event tickets, and
Whiteface lift tickets. A variety of logoed merchandise is also for sale which additionally helps in the promotion
of the venues and Lake Placid.
Guest Service Training
The sales and guest service area was identified as one of five strategic initiatives during ongoing ORDA strategic
planning sessions. Providing exemplary service to our guests will result in increased sales and thus increased
revenue for the organization. The challenge has been in providing a consistent experience from one venue to
another. Fall training focused on building consistency within the organization through buy-in from venue
managers and supervisors. An outside professional was engaged to facilitate this process.
Packaging
Aggressive packaging with lodging partners during non-holiday periods is attractive to the ski vacationer
planning a trip. The packages are presented as one price for lift ticket and lodging. This year packages could be
accessed and booked through the LPECVB directly from the Whiteface website. Discounting both the lift ticket
and the room rate in one package simplifies the reservation process and also provides the best price for those
planning ahead. “Hot Deals” are promoted early and late season and mid week.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
75
Ski three days for all-inclusive fun. The Ultimate Winter Passport is a three day lift ticket that packages ORDA
off hill activities into the price of the lift ticket. It provides a hassle-free experience for the time-starved
consumer. The 3 day, any time ticket includes an adult group lesson, and a run on the NASTAR race course at
Whiteface, an afternoon cross country trail pass at the Olympic Sports Complex, ice skating on the Olympic
Oval, entry to the Olympic Museum, the Olympic Jumping Complex and a 20% discount off a passenger
bobsled ride at the sliding tracks. This experience differentiates us from all the competition, provides a buzz in
the market place, and a reason to stay an extra day.
Whiteface 50th Celebration
Whiteface celebrated its 50th birthday in January with a bevy of fun events that extended throughout the winter
season celebrating five decades of winter fun. These events enhanced the experience for both loyal Whiteface
skiers and new visitors to the area.
Promotions
Promotions are targeted to the consumer who is not loyal to a specific brand and looking for the best deal. We
offer lift ticket promotions to the day trip market during low visitation periods in order to maximize revenue with
an in increase ticket sales. Promotions are also offered in secondary markets where we see the potential of
gaining incremental new revenue.
See Promotion List on Pages 87-95
Sales Objectives
As previously stated, Whiteface is the primary revenue generator for the Lake Placid Olympic Venues during the
winter season. Increased visitor and lift ticket sales at Whiteface deliver additional visits and ticket sales
throughout ORDA. The sales objective for the 2007-08 winter season was to increase both skier visits and
revenue per skier visit by 8%. The secondary sales goal was to increase lead generation through our advertising
campaigns by 8,000 names in order to continue to build upon a qualified contact database for email sales
campaigns.
Marketing Strategies
An analysis of zip codes gathered from previous Whiteface visitors led to a targeted media mix that was
implemented for the 2007-08 season. We continued to market to the regions that produce our greatest skier
visits: Metro New York including New Jersey, Westchester County, and Albany. We would increase our market
efforts in the growing Canadian markets, specifically Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The core advertising
methods used were cable television, radio, and popular ski/ride web sites.
The Media mix consisted of radio in Albany, New York, Montreal, and Ottawa; print in ski related magazines,
special winter travel sections in targeted areas, and a direct mail piece to Montreal skiers; MTA Platform
Signage in Bergen and Westchester Counties; an internet presence on the most viewed ski related internet sites
plus the Ottawa Citizen.com and MontrealGazette.com. On cable TV the new technology of VOD (video on
demand) allowed for a targeted message-in-a-message to Albany subscribers, enabling a direct response
capability that permitted ORDA to capture and utilize customer email addresses. This, along with campaigns on
radio, and banners on web sites were designed to increase new customer data bases and open new
opportunities to communicate special offers and stimulate future visits.
76
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Cooperative Marketing Initiatives
ORDA continues to collaborate with the LPECVB and lodging properties to promote the Lake Placid Region
.In 2007-08 two initiatives were developed that brought cooperative efforts to a higher level.
The Motivation Show
Held at the McCormick Center in Chicago each September, this is the largest show of its kind, targeting
corporate decision makers looking for destinations, programs and ideas to motivate or reward their employees
or clientele. Close to 2000 exhibiting companies from destinations such as New York City, Arizona, Australia,
Greece and Mexico were in attendance. Attending this trade show brought Lake Placid to a level of
sophistication not achieved previously.
The objective was to market the Lake Placid destination, ORDA’s Corporate Programs, and Lake Placid’s
proposed new conference center to the 15,000 attendees representing national and international corporations. A
professionally developed island booth, collateral materials, and web enhancements were created. Four full
service lodging properties committed to participate with the LPECVB and ORDA.
Through the Explore New York Grant Program, an $18,000 matching funds grant was obtained with remaining
costs shared by the ORDA, LPECVB and the four attending properties. Eighty solid leads were obtained from
this important cooperative effort reinforcing the need to maximize the community’s resources for greater success
in the market place.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
77
Lake Placid Hotels Marketing Initiative
The need for a joint Lake Placid winter marketing campaign was discussed at a meeting initiated in late summer
of 2007 by the marketing director at the Mirror Lake Inn. Lodging properties, the LPECVB and ORDA were
invited to collaborate and develop a marketing initiative to promote Lake Placid as a winter vacation destination.
The discussion centered on having one inclusive and cohesive message in the competitive ski resort market
place promoting a “Lake Placid Winter Fun” message. Ad Workshop worked with the group to create a media
plan targeting the Metro NY and Albany Capital region through print, web, and direct mail with ORDA,
LPECVB and the participating properties sharing in the cost.
Combining marketing efforts with other community stakeholders is a cost effective way to increase the brand
message penetration in our target markets.
Budget & Execution
In the 2007-08 a portion of the marketing budget was distributed from the central marketing budget directly to
the venues and allocated as marketing dollars under the discretion of venue marketing managers. The monies
allocated to the venues was budgeted for ski reporting services, trade shows, ski shop distribution, specific
venue collateral such as trail maps, special event posters, venue brochures, web site enhancements, venue
“look” improvements and program development.
The central marketing office budget was dedicated to Whiteface/Lake Placid destination media buys. Additional
dollars are allocated to ORDA’s internal agency, Excelsior, for regional advertising needs.
78
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Excelsior Advertising
Acting as ORDA’s in-house advertising agency, Excelsior Advertising plans and executes media production and
placement for all ORDA venues to attract visitors from the local and regional markets. Having an internal agency
achieves two objectives. First, a fifteen percent savings on all advertising placed by ORDA and secondly, the
ability to determine the target markets and the brand message that the marketing team wants to project to the
visiting public.
Excelsior works closely with the Director of Marketing, the Venue Marketing Managers and the Events
Marketing Manager to strategize, produce and place messages on regional television, radio, newsprint,
brochure and web that will drive customers to events and activities at the ORDA venues on a year-round basis.
This past year these programs and events have included: Olympic Center ice shows, hockey games, concert/
shows like Stars on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters and NCAA Men’s Hockey Championships. At Whiteface,
promoting Oktoberfest, season pass sales, promotions such as Coca Cola Wednesdays, numerous World Cup
events, the 50th Anniversary Ski Sweater Gala, and summer activities; at the Ski Jump Complex, promoting Wet
& Wild Wednesdays, Soaring Saturdays and Flaming Leaves Festival, and at the Olympic Sports Complex,
promoting the summer and winter bobsled ride program, cross country skiing, world cup sliding events and
summer mountain biking.
Evaluation
Whiteface Visitation and Revenue
Revenue generally shows an upward trend as a direct result of raising season pass and lift ticket rates. Skier visit
numbers, however, fluctuate and are directly related to weather and ski conditions. The sales objective for the
2007-08 winter season was to increase skier visits and revenue per skier visit by 8%.
As can be seen in the chart above, skier visits and revenue exceeded sales goals, actually increasing by close to
30% over the 06-07 season. Great conditions during the holiday weeks and a strong late winter season certainly
contributed to this success. The revenue per skier visit, however, was flat. This could be due to a number of
new promotions in the marketplace as well as decreased spending per person.
Additional analysis of lift tickets and revenue can be found in the Whiteface report.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
79
Zip Code Reports
An analysis of the zip codes that were collected at ORDA ticket sales points confirms that our designated target
markets for media buys and trade shows continue to be the top revenue generating markets for ORDA. Visitors
from New York metro region, Long Island, Westchester County, and Northern New Jersey generate the largest
percentage of revenue, the Albany/Capital District area continues to rank high and Pennsylvania continues to
grow. International visits showed a substantial growth with a 34% – 56% increase in Canadian zip codes
collected.
Lead Generation
The secondary marketing sales goal was to increase lead generation through our advertising campaigns by
8,000 names in order to continue to build upon a qualified contact database for email sales campaigns moving
forward. In November, 2007, the existing database consisted of 29,200 leads. Our current subscriber list is
over 36,000. This is a respectable 20% increase although 1200 names short of our goal. New leads were
generated from the direct mail piece to Montreal skiers, the Spring Ski Break Canadian email, the Lake Placid
Fun co-op campaign, VOD targeted to Albany cable viewers, and a number of banner ads on ski web sites.
Multi-Day Tickets
One day and two day lift tickets continue to generate the most revenue at Whiteface. There was, however, more
than a 35% increase in the number of three or more day lift tickets sold. This was the second year that any one
purchasing a three or more day lift ticket was given an Olympic Sites Passport, a $29 value, plus a free ski
lesson and a NASTAR run. This program will be reevaluated for the 2008-09 season.
Packaging and On-Line Reservations
Due to “time poverty” people have less time and energy planning vacation getaways. We have had great success
working with our lodging partners in offering convenient ski and stay packages through their properties. This
year visitors to www.whiteface.com could also book their ski and stay packages online. The LPECVB
reservation system was incorporated into the Whiteface web site to make this happen. Online reservations and
room nights more than doubled from the 2006-07 season when the process was only available through the
www.lakeplacid.com site. In 2006-07 winter, 724 room nights were booked compared to 1793 room nights
booked in 2007-08. Revenue increased by 150% in online hotel sales.
Advertising
Two distinct messages and looks were developed with Ad Workshop for the 2007-08 winter advertising
campaign:
1) “All our Fun Can’t Fit on the Mountain”
This “serious fun” campaign focused on all the activities available in the Lake Placid region playing on the #1
rating for off-hill activities and appealing to the vacationing family.
2) “Our Blues are their Blacks”
This campaign focused on Whiteface as a “real skiers” mountain with the greatest vertical drop in the East and
the challenging terrain appealing to the hard core skier/rider or those aspiring to be.
An appropriate mix of the two concepts was used in TV, radio, outdoor and print media. Anecdotally, the
response to the “Blues are Black “campaign struck a cord with the loyal Whiteface skier/rider and MTA
commuters. This is also the campaign that was used to attract new Canadian business.
80
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
81
Sison’s Clip Service
The number of articles that appear in newspapers and publications about the Whiteface/Lake Placid experience
is another indication of the success of the marketing and communications plans. Over 2,100 news clips were
reported with a circulation of 106,000,000.
Web Site Reports
“Google Analytics” is a tool that allows us to look at the traffic coming to our web sites and evaluate the
success in reaching our target markets. A look at the www.whiteface.com traffic from September 2007 through
April 2008 reveals over 660,000 visits with over 315,000 being unique visitors. Of these visits, 47% were new.
Over 300,000 visits originated from the NY Metro area and 130,000 from combined NJ, PA, MA and CT
visitors. Visits from Canada numbered over 100,000 to our web site with the highest number from the Ottawa
area and the second highest from Montreal. The average time spent on the site was approximately 3 minutes
with 4 pages viewed.
The Lake Placid Bobsled Experience
The rebranding of the passenger ride program, including a partnership with USBSF, was successful in providing
a greatly enhanced customer experience that mitigated the potentially negative effect of raising the cost of a ride
from $40 to $75. Despite an almost 90% increase in the passenger ride cost, there was only a 9% reduction in
the number of passenger rides with a 15 % increase in ride revenue.
Additional information on the ride program as well as the cross country ski center is included in the Olympic
Sports Complex report.
The ORDA Store
The ORDA Store had another successful year for the Olympic Regional Development Authority in sales and
information shared with
our Olympic Region
visitors. Throughout the
year the ORDA Store
was present at numerous
events including the I
Love BBQ Festival,
Ironman, Flaming
Leaves, World Cup
Freestyle, World Cup
Snowboard, and several
Can/Am and CHE
tournaments. The Store
also relocated on Main
St., closer to the center
of town. This move was
mandatory as the Hilton
developed its remodeling
plans. The ORDA store
staff worked very
efficiently to complete
82
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
this move while not loosing a single day of sales. The new location has increased the merchandising space which
will hopefully allow us the opportunity to increase sales in the future.
Despite the economic concerns, the ORDA Store surprisingly surpassed last year’s total revenue ($298,000)
and was able to capture $302,300 in overall merchandise and passport sales. As seen in the chart below, the
last three months of our winter season was positively affected by plentiful snowfall and good weather.
Next Steps
We will continue to focus marketing initiatives on our chosen target markets, increasing our efforts in Canada as
long as the exchange rate continues to be favorable for Canadian skiers. Although, we will continue to use
traditional marketing avenues such as TV, print and radio, we will focus these efforts on more defined
demographic targets and implement programs that will make it possible to measure ROI. We will expand our
efforts in non-traditional interactive marketing and explore the use of blogs, on-line video, and customer content
on our web sites.
We will continue to focus on customer service excellence and guest service convenience
at all ORDA venues. We will explore investing in additional modules for the RTP ticketing system that will
provide convenience for our guests as well as additional avenues to sell products and raise revenue. Our
marketing decisions will be based on an understanding of the ski industry, the present economic situation, fiscal
responsibility and of course, the creative energy of the staff.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
83
84
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
85
86
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
87
Liftopia.com
Image
NOT VALID
Intense Milk
Liftopia.com
Plattsburgh
Commerce
Card
Confirmation
Customer
printed
Free Empire Card
1
Any Day
Available
anytime
Group Rate 1 Fri. Sat. Sun.
Mon.
Day Tickets
NonHoliday
$20.00 off
Adult/Teen/Senio
r lift ticket $10.00
off Junior Lift
Ticket
Can - Am
Discount
Wed.
Only
$35.00
Wednesday
Coke
Must show Valid Can-Am
Passport for each ticket
cap artwork
must state " A product of CocaCola"
Confirmation
Letter
Collect
RTP
Seller
Procedure
6/29/2008
Record the Ticket Number
Shown on the Guest's
Confirmation letter as the
Document Number needed for
A/R processing.
Guest
does not see Price!
Marketing to Provide
daily list of valid
vouchers. Issue
Broker 1 day ticket to
Liftopia. Pay with A/R
to Customer #6957
Sell Empire Card Enter Customer in
RTP and Use
Discount " $
Commerce Card
Discount"
Sell Product
from Hockey
Passports \
WF Hockey
Passport Used\
"…."
Sell 1 Day Ticket
and Use Discount
"Intense Milk Cap"
Wednesdays January 2,nd through
closing except 2/20/08 ANY
PRODUCT OF COCA-COLA WILL BE Sell Adult 1 day and
use Discount "Coke
ACCEPTED. Item being redeemed
Can $35 Wednesday"
OTHER
This customer does not get the
Guest recieves free
Complete
free Day with the Card. Please
Empire Card Only.
Customer
They do not receive
Punch out the Free Day before
Information in
the free day.
giving out the Card
Requires
Look at
passport
Collect
Milk Cap
Collect
Can
Not valid Wednesday
February 20th, 2008
Limit one ticket per
can. Cannot be
combined with any
other product,
promotion, program,
discount or
frequent skier
product.
NOT VALID
12/22/07 - 1/1/08
1/19/08 - 1/21/08
2/16/08-2/24/08
Collect
Coupon
Restrictions
Valid
dates
Ticket
Promotion
Name
Promotions 2007-08
88
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
4th graders ski
and ride free
when
accompanied
by a paying
adult
1 Day
4th grade ski
& ride
passport
Working Advantage
$10.00 off Adult 1
day Lift ticket
Maximum 4
Any Day
1 Day
Gore
Promotion
Greek Peak, Toggenberg, & Swain Pass Holders
Whiteface
Mountain
American
Express
Any Day
50% OFF
Mountains of
Fun Pass
Holders
2
NonHoliday
NonHoliday
NonHoliday
50% off lift ticket
Valid
dates
Mountains of
Fun
Image
Ticket
NOT VALID
12/24/07 - 1/1/08
1/19/08 - 1/21/08
2/16/08-2/24/08
Must purchasse
adult ticket and
comp 4th grade
ticket in same
transaction
One Ticket per
Pass Holder
Limit one per person
per day
Restrictions
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
Maximum 4 tickets per coupon. Must
use American Express Card when
purchasing. Distributed as the
COSTCO Northeast Ski guide to
25,000 households that are both
American Express canrmembers and
Costco cardmembers. Local hotels
have also added promotions in the
guide
4th Graders from anywhere, must
send in their 4th grade report card to
SANY www.44free.com
Address to Send Application With
Proof Of Grade & $19 payment to:
4th Graders Ski and Ride Passport
2144 Currie Rd. Tully, NY 13159 Fax
Number:315-696-6567
Questions? Call: 315-696-6550
Allow 2 weeks for delivery.
Applications must be postmarked no
later than 3/1/2008.
If you pay by check please make
payable to Ski Areas of New York, Inc.
This is a Gore Voucher and
Does not have Barcode.
Sell Adult 1 Day Ticket
and use Discount
"Amex Discount
Coupon"
Issue Special
Ticket listed under
Comp Tickets General Comps -"4
Th Grade
Passport"
Issue Comp Ticket
listed in WF Comp
Tickets \ General
Comps\ "Working
Advantage 1 Day"
Sell Ticket and Use
Discount "Mts. of Fun
Gr.Peak,Swain.,
Togg.Pass Holder"
Enter Pass Holder
name and Ski Area.
Requires
Complete Each Person getting the
Customer discount must have a Pass.
Information in Check Photo!
RTP
Seller
Procedure
Sell 1 Day Ticket and
Use Discount "Mts. of
Fun LTS Certif. 50%
Off" Enter Certif.
Number and Ski Area
OTHER
6/29/2008
Collect Coupon,
be sure
Coupons are distributed to graduates
information on
of Learn to Ski Programs at
Certif. is
Toggenburg, Greek Peak, and Swain.
complete
Collect
Coupon
Promotions 2007-08
Promotion
Name
NOT VALID
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
89
TBD
Image
NOT VALID
NOT VALID
12/24/07 - 1/1/08
1/19/08 - 1/21/08
2/16/08-2/24/08
Collect
Coupon from
Passbook
Must present
certicficate
Collect
Coupon
Not Valid on
Saturdays or 12/24/07 1/1/08
1/19/08 1/21/08 2/16/082/24/08
None
Collect
Coupon
Restrictions
Seller
Procedure
Back Side of Coupon must be
completed, and be readable.
Special Ticket Listed under WF
Comp Tickets / PrePaid Vouchers /
"Price Chopper
Coupon"
Each time a guest fills up until March 31st
at any participating Mobil location with a
Sell Adult 1 day ticket.
minimum of 8 gallon gasoline or diesel fuel
- Sell a 2nd Adult 1
purchase a sales associate will stamp a
day ticket and Use
promotion form. One stamp and one
Discount "Mobil 2nd
original proof of purchase receipt for each
Ticket Free".
fill up must be attached to the form.
When guests have obtained 3 Mobil Gas
Stamps and have 3 original proofs of
purchase receipts attached to the form,
they then may receive a Ski Free 2 for 1
lift ticket coupon at any one of the
participating Mobil’s. That coupon is then
redeemed at Whiteface.
OTHER
6/29/2008
3
Not-Valid on 12/24/07 1/1/08
1/19/08 1/21/08 2/16/082/24/08
Sell Adult 1 Day
Ticket and Use
Discount "Price
Chopper $20 Off
Midweek"
Sell Adult 1 Day
Ticket and Use
Discount "Price
Chopper World
Cup Friday"
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
Redeem Full Day
$15 off adult 1
Coupon as Listed
Coupon Must be presented with Full Above. - Sell Adult
Collect
Day lift ticket Mid Week Not valid 12/24/07 Day Coupon above. Back of both
1/1/08
1/19/08 1 Day Ticket and
Coupon from
or Learn to Ski
Noncoupons must be completed
1/21/08 2/16/08Use Discount
Passbook
or Snowboarrd Holiday
(Readable).
2/24/08
"Price Chopper
package
Tag-A-Long"
Price
Chopper Ski $20 off Mid-Week Monday Friday
Non-Holiday Lift
Any 3 Big
Nonticket
Mountain
Holiday
Passbook
Price
Chopper Ski World Cup 1/18/2008,
2/29/2008,
Any 3 Big
$25.00
3/3/2008
Mountain
Lift Ticket ONLY
Passbook
Price
Chopper Ski
Any 3 Big
Mountain
Passbook
Price
Sunday Chopper Ski
Pre-Paid
Friday,
Voucher 1
Any 3 Big
NonDay
Mountain
Holiday
Passbook
Anytime
$20.00 Lift ticket
Willard
Mountain
Valid
dates
2 for 1 lift Sunday Friday,
ticket
1
Nonday
Holiday
Ticket
Mobil Gas
Promotion
Promotion
Name
Promotions 2007-08
90
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
TBD
No coupon, all day special for the 50th day exactly that marks the opening of Whiteface
Image
NOT VALID
Valid
dates
2 Pack of Adult
Lift Tickets Retail
$99.99 2 Pack of
No
Whiteface Lift
Restrictions
tickets for
Juniors ages 7-12
$68.00 retail
COSTCO.CA
4
2 Pack of Adult
Lift Tickets Retail
$89.00
COSTCO US
NonHoliday
Any Day
$30.00
Friday
WindowYtickets
January 25th
Firday January
ONLY
25th
50th
Anniversary
of Whiteface
2 pack of Adult
Lift Tickets Retail
$99.99
$30.00
Sunday
Adult/Teen/Junior February 2nd
Lift ticket
only
COSTCO
CANADA
Restrictions
Collect
Voucher
Collect
Voucher
Not valid during
holiday:
12/22/07
- 1/1/08
1/19/08
- 1/21/08 2/16/082/24/08
Valid anytime
Collect
Voucher
The entire day
will be just
$30.00
The entire day
will be just
$30.00
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
Valid anytime
Not valid any other
day of the season
Not valid any other
time of the season!
Free Teen of
Not Valid 12/24/07 Junior lift ticket Valid Sunday
1/1/08
1/19/08 with purchase of
- Friday
1/21/08 2/16/08an adult lift ticket Non-Holiday
2/24/08
ONE DAY
Ticket
Legislative
Gazette
CTM
Brochure
Display
Promotion
Name
Promotions 2007-08
Customer does not see
price charged to Costco.
Customer does not see
price charged to Costco.
Customer does not see
price charged to Costco.
Sell 1 Adult
Ticket. Then sell
1 Teen or 1
Junior ticket
Using the
Discount
"Celebrating 50
years"
These coupons are located on a CTM
Ski Map. The map showcases all
Eastern resorts and each resort has a
coupon along the side. Maps are
distributed at all ski shops in the
Northeast.
Scan Voucher and
issue the 1 Day
Ticket indicated.
Pay with A/R to
Customer # listed
on Voucher
Scan Voucher and
issue the 1 Day
Ticket indicated.
Pay with A/R to
Customer # listed
on Voucher
Scan Voucher and
issue the 1 Day
Ticket indicated.
Pay with A/R to
Customer # listed
on Voucher
Seller
Procedure
OTHER
6/29/2008
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
91
50% off an early
season
adult/teen/senior
or junior 1 day lift
ticket
Costco.com
Lisa G's
50- 2 -50
party
Ski Shows
Tremblant
NY/NJ/PA
Passholder
Reciprocal
Mt. Tremblant 3 Day Ticket
NY / NJ / PA Pass Holders
book
Entertainment
NonHoliday
2 Pack of Adult
Lift Tickets Retail
$99.99 2 Pack of
Whiteface Lift
tickets for
Juniors ages 7-12
$68.00 retail
Not valid during
holiday
dates:12/22/07 - 1/1/08
1/19/08 - 1/21/08
2/16/08-2/24/08
Restrictions
$10 off 1 Day
window ticket
anytime
5
Any Day
4th
Must show season
pass at ticket window
to receive discount
Available at Window.
Any 3 days of
Trembalnt season
December
Skiing for $99 26th thru Jan passholders. Not
Can Ski Any
Advance sales only,
Day except
This is a promotion
for hotel lodging
Anytime non- properties to
holiday if
encourage early
Free Junior lift hotel
bookings. This will
package is
not be available at
ticket
booked by
ticket windows. It is
Dec 2nd.
through a
prepurchase order
from hotels
not valid
2 for one adult lift
after
tickets Sunday
December
thru Friday
23rd.
This promotion has
been discontinued for
the 07-08 sesaon.
Coupons that are
valid early season
until December 23rd
only from the 2006-07
Ent. Book
valid opening
Not valid December
day until
15th, 2007 - end of the
December
sesaon
14th, 2007
Valid
dates
Ticket
Collect
coupon
Collect
Voucher
Collect
Coupon
Promotions 2007-08
Promotion
Name
Ski Shows - Junior Comps
Entertainment Book
Image
NOT VALID
Each Person getting the
discount must have a Pass.
Marketing Dept. will provide
a Tremblant Season Pass
list of eligible persons.
This Promotion is not
available at the ticket
window.
Only Valid Until Dec. 23rd.
Customer does not see
price charged to Costco.
OTHER
Sell Ticket and
Use Discount
"NY/NJ/PA Ski
Area Pass Holder"
When Person comes
to pick up 3 Day pass.
Confirm Identity, and
print deferred pass
Actual Tickets will be
printed ahead of time
by Office. Hotels will
provide names and
Dates by Dec 7th.
Sell One Ticket. Sell the second
ticket of the same
or lesser value and
use the discount
"Entertainment
Book 2nd Ticket
Free"
Sell 1 day Ticket
and use Discount
"50 Day Party
(50% Off)"
Scan Voucher and
issue the 1 Day
Ticket indicated.
Pay with A/R to
Customer # listed
on Voucher
Seller
Procedure
6/29/2008
92
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
$15. off
Nursery
Passport
Pass Holder Coupon
Passport
Sales
Winter
Passport
Not
Ultimate
Any
Nursery
Program
6
Any Day
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
Collect
Coupon
If an Upgrade do return of
May be upgraged
admission
from 1 other
ticket (Scan
prior venue
Barcode) and
admission
sell Passport
in same trans.
Must Show
Season Pass with
purchase of ticket.
Must Show
Season Pass with
purchase of ticket.
$25. off
NonPlay-N-Ski
Full Day
1 Full Day Holiday
Play and Ski
Pass Holder Coupon
NonHoliday
Must Show
Season Pass with
purchase of ticket.
Mid
Week,
NonHoliday
$20. off 1
Ski Mid Week and
Day Window
Save $20.
ticket
Pass Holder Cou[pon
Must show season
pass at ticket window
to receive discount
Any
Day
Ski & Save $15.
Pass Holder Coupon
$15 Off
Any 1 Day
Bring A Friend
Pass Holder Coupon
Restrictions
Must show season
pass at ticket window
to receive discount
Valid
dates
$20. Off Non1 Day Holiday
Ticket
Promotion
Name
Promotions 2007-08
Image
NOT VALID
Ticket with Barcode will be
produced with each
appropriate sale. At WF it
will be on a Ski Ticket. Note
that it does not say
"Ultimate"
Each Coupon is Good for 1
Ticket only
Each Coupon is Good for 1
Ticket only
Each Coupon is Good for 1
Ticket only
Each Coupon is Good for 1
Ticket only
Each Coupon is Good for 1
Ticket only
OTHER
Sell Ticket in Misc.
"Passport Sold at
Gondola" and
Staple ticket with
Barcode facing out
to back cover of
Passport Book
Sell Nursery Ticket,
and Attach to
Passholder. - use
discount "$15. Off
Nursery Coupon"
Sell Full Day P-N-Ski
Ticket, and Attach to
Passholder. - use
discount "$25. Off
Play-N-Ski Coupon"
Sell Ticket, and Attach
to Passholder. - use
discount "$20. Off
Midweek Coupon"
Sell Ticket, and Attach
to Passholder. - use
discount "$15. Off
AnyDay Coupon"
Sell Ticket, and Attach
to Passholder. - use
discount "$20. Off
Bring a Friend
Coupon"
Seller
Procedure
6/29/2008
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
93
Passport
Passport
Employee
Chit
Ultimate Passport - Sales
Passport or Ultimate Passport
Redemption
Employee Chit Card
$35.00 Day
Passport
Passport
Upgrades
Ski Council/Ski Club Appreciation
Days
Promotion
Name
Image
NOT VALID
-
Adult 1 Day
1 Day
Nastar Skating
Class Lesson
Any Ticket
Window
Must have
Passport Ticket
with Barcode
Automatically
Included with
Multi-Day
tickets and
Programs.
May Upgrade for
prior admission to
1 other venue. No
upgrade from
Skating Oval
Restrictions
7
12\9-10\07
Must Have Ski Council or
1\23\08 2\2\08
Ski Club ID as well as
3\24-25\08
Photo ID
4\7-8\08
Any Day
Any Day
Any Day
Included
with 3 Days
or more
Ticket
-Gondola -
Any Day
Valid
dates
Winter
Passport
Not
Ultimate
Ticket
Record The
Customer's
Name - Ski
Area & Pass
Numbers
per
prompts.
Punch
Chit Card
ONLY
For approved Clubs
on Lauren's List
Dec 9&10\ 2007
Jan 23\2008
Feb 2\2008
Mar 24 & 25, 2008
Apr 7 & 8, 2008
They Get 5 Comps (WF Comp
Tickets\Employee Comp\"Employee Chit")
also 5 Tickets for $10 (WF Special
Rate\Special Rate\"Employee $10 Chit")
Upper Left of Picture
Issue Adult 1 Day
ticket and use
Discount "Ski Club
Appreciation
Days"
Issue Ticket to
Employee account
and Punch Chit
Card
Discounts -When
asked for a
passport number Scan barcode into
the prompt field.
Gondola - Scan Barcode Class
Barcode lesson - Punch Lower Left of
Picture&use Discount Nastar Scanned Punch Lower Right of Picture
at Gondola Speed Skating - Punched at
Do RTP Return
of previous
admission
ticket, and sell
passport in the
same
transaction.
Seller
Procedure
Staple ticket
with Barcode
facing out to
back cover of
Passport Book
Use access code on
ticket to return products
OTHER
6/29/2008
Ticket with Barcode will be
produced with each
appropriate sale. At WF it
will be on a Ski Ticket. Note
that it says "Ultimate"
Collect
Ticket to
be used
for
upgrade
Collect
Coupon
Promotions 2007-08
94
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Ski Shop Employee
or Gore Courtesy Checks
Old Courtesy Checks
Not Scannable
Old Volunteer Vouchers
Ski Shop
No Barcode
Non-System
Vouchers
No Barcode
Non-System
Vouchers
Local
Reciprocal
Wednesday Reciprocal
With Titus, Gore, & McCauley,
Ski Pisgah Free Every Wednesday Night!
Promotion
Name
Image
NOT VALID
5th
12th
19th
26th
2nd
16th
March
April
1 Day
1 Day
8
6th
13th
20th
27th
February
ANY
Day
ANY
Day
ANY
Day
2nd
9th
16th
23rd
30th
January
1 Day
5th
12th
.
Only As
Listed
Wednesday
Valid
dates
December
Seasons Pass
Exchange with
these areas!
Ticket
Record The
Customer's
Name - Ski
Area & Pass
Numbers
per
prompts.
Collect
Coupon
Issued Only at
Guest Service
or Admin
Office
the current season.
Customer must be in RTP
Check For Valid
Dates!
4\2\08 WF (Free) - 4\16\08 WF(Free)
($20) - 1\16\08 Gore - 1\23\08
McCauley - 1\30\08 Titus
2\6\08 Gore - 2\13\08 WF ($20) 2\20\08 McCauley - 2\27\08 Titus 3\5\08 Titus - 3\12\08 WF (Free) 3\19\08 Gore - 3\26\08 McCauley
12\5\07 WF (Free) - 12\12\07 WF
(Free) - 1\2\08 Titus - 1\9\08 WF
OTHER
Collect Letter
with Photo, and show
from Shop and
See Photo ID relationship to Ski Shop for
Collect
Voucher
Collect
Voucher
Whiteface Conditions permitting (Free)
Whiteface, Gore, Titus, McCauley (Free)
Gore
McCauley
Whiteface (Free)
Titus
McCauley
Titus
Gore
Whiteface ($20 Adults, $15 Juniors)
McCauley
Titus
Whiteface ($20 Adults, $15 Juniors)
Gore
Titus
Whiteface (Free)
Whiteface (Free)
Restrictions
Promotions 2007-08
Issue Comp
Ticket "Ski
Shop
Employee"
Sell Comp Ticket
listed under Comp
Tickets - General
Comps-"OLD or
Gore Courtesy
Check 1 Day Red."
Sell Comp Ticket
listed under Comp
Tickets - General
Comps-"Old
Voulnteer Voucher
- ORDA"
Select Product
from WF Special
Rate Tickets, \
Special Rates \
"Wed. Reciprocal
Pass Prog. Adult
or Junior"
Seller
Procedure
6/29/2008
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
95
One Ride 1 Ride
Industry Rate
ONE RIDE Ticket
Add A Day
1/2 Day Tickets
Tours De Sport Vouchers
1 Day
Industry
Rate
9
Lifts
Tours Rentals
or
De Sport
Lessons
Lift or
Rental
Junior pm
Adult pm
Any
Day
ANY
Day
ANY
Day
1 Day
Gold Card
Collect Letter
from Ski Area,
or copy of
Card, and See
Photo ID
Issued Only at
Guest Service
or Admin
Office
Collect
Ticket
Only After 3 Used 3
Days
Day
Adult $50.
Junior $30
Voucher
Collect
Collect
Card
(Same Day Only)
May Be
Returned and
applied to full
Day ticket
Collect
Coupon
Restrictions
Only Available when
authorized by
Management.
ANY
Day
Valid
dates
Promotions 2007-08
ANY
Day
SANY
Ticket
Promotion
Name
Image
NOT VALID
Issue Special
Rate ticket
"Industry Rate 1
Day" $35.00
Seller
Procedure
Sell Adult 1 day
and use discount
"S.A.N.Y. Gold
Card"
Sell tickets
located in WF
Special Rates
Only Available after a Sell the "Extra
Day ticket" in
3 Day or More Ticket the appropriate
is used.
category.
Not to be sold
until 12:30
Sell Broker rate
Must be a separate voucher
tickets and
for Lifts - Rentals - Lessons.
payment is A/R
Cust. Name must be on
to Cust. #7650
each voucher with a
(Cust does not
confirmation number.
see Rate)
Enter Card Number as
Document Number.
Sell ticket listed in WF Special Rate
Tickets - Special Rate Tickets - "One
Ride Adult"
Must Have Original Letter from
Ski Area Management, or is a
member of National Ski Patrol.
Ski Area Letter must be dated..
OTHER
6/29/2008
Human Resources
For the fiscal year 2007–2008, the Human Resources Department, in addition to its normal day to day
responsibilities, engaged in a variety of significant endeavors. The major projects were as follows: (1)
Continuation of Strategic Planning; (2) Employee Appreciation; (3) Collective Bargaining; and (4) Examining
and Modification of Health Insurance Plans. An overview of each initiative is provided below.
Strategic Planning
Beginning in July of 2006, the HR Department began a process of collaboration with the other Departments and
Venues within ORDA to create a Strategic Plan for the future. This process included: initiating and agreeing on a
strategic planning process; clarifying organizational mandates; clarifying organizational mission and values;
assessing the external environment; assessing the internal environment; identifying the strategic issues facing
ORDA; formulating strategies to manage the issues; and establishing an effective vision for the future. As a
group, the committee has identified five areas of strategic initiatives which are as follows: Organizational
Development, Responsible Spending, World Class Facilities, Sales, and Partnering. Thereafter, subcommittees
were established to create an action plan to address each initiative. In addition, we recruited the Governor’s
Office of Employee Relations to assist in the implementation of certain aspects of our plan.
Employee Appreciation
The HR Department has also been intricately involved in maintaining an employee appreciation program.
Beginning in January of 2007, ORDA began naming an Employee of the Month. There is a perpetual plaque
that travels to the home venue of the Employee of the Month. For example, if the January Employee of the
Month (named at the end of January) is from Whiteface, the plaque is displayed at Whiteface until the February
winner is named. The plaque identifies the winner and also displays a picture of the current month’s winner.
96
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
In addition,
ORDA is beginning an
annual Employee
Appreciation luncheon,
the first of which was
held in May of 2007. At
the luncheon, all
Employees of the Month
were recognized; the
Employee of the Year
was named; and length
of service certificates
were awarded. This is
the second year of giving
out the Bobby Preston
Award, given to the
ORDA Employee of the
Year as nomitated by
fellow coworkers.
Collective Bargaining
The HR Director was the
Chief Spokesperson for
collective bargaining for a
successor agreement to the
CSEA/ORDA Collective
Bargaining Agreement which
expired on 3/31/07. ORDA
and the Civil Service
Employees’Association, Inc.
reached agreement on a 2
year collective bargaining
agreement in December
2007.
Examining and Modification of Health Insurance Plans
ORDA received its health insurance renewals for 2008 in December 2007. In an effort to control costs, the HR
Department was able to successfully effectuate a change in benefit provider for some retirees that qualified
ORDA for a federal subsidy. This resulted in premiums for this retiree group to be reduced by approximately
50%. The estimated annual recurring savings is $50,000
The above is an overview of the HR Department’s major initiatives for fiscal year 2007–2008.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
97
Board of Directors
Joe Martens, Chairman
Joe Martens was appointed Chairman of the ORDA Board of Directors in July of 2007. Martens, of Glenville, is
currently president of the Open Space Institute, based in New York City. Martens was previously state secretary
for energy and the environment under former Gov. Mario Cuomo. Martens, who has a second home in Lake
Placid, has also worked for the Adirondack Park Agency.
Serge Lussi, Vice Chairman
Serge Lussi is the Chairman of the Board of the Lake Placid Vacation Corporation. Lussi currently serves as a
trustee of the United States Ski Team, as well as a Director of the United States Olympic Committee where he
heads the Committee on Training Centers. He was on the Executive Committee of the Lake Placid Olympic
Organizing Committee, where he oversaw the alpine skiing events of the 1980 Games. He lives in Lake Placid
with his wife, Caroline. Their family operates the Placid Gold Resort Company.
Patrick Barrett (Chairman 2006-July 2007)
J. Patrick Barrett “Pat” is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CARPAT Investments, a private investment
company. In addition, he is Chairman of Syracuse Executive Air Service, Inc., an air charter service and fixed
base operator, and Bennington Iron Works, Ltd., located in Bennington, Vermont. He is also Chairman of the
Board of the Whiteface Club Companies. He was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avis, Inc. Barrett
serves as a Trustee of Siena College, and as a Trustee Emeritus of Syracuse University. He also serves as the
Lead Director of Lincoln National Corporation, a financial services company headquartered in Philadelphia, as
well as its New York subsidiary, Lincoln Life and Annuity of New York, where he is Chairman of its Independent
Directors Committee. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Coyne International Enterprises
Corporation, and the Syracuse SkyChiefs Baseball Club, Inc. Barrett is Chairman of the New York State Ad
Hoc Committee on the Future of Racing. Barrett has seven sons and lives with his wife Christine in Manlius.
Commissioner Carol Ash
Carol Ash is the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
and as the State Historic Preservation Officer. Prior to her nomination as State Parks Commissioner, Ash served
as Executive Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, which manages more than 100,000 acres in
New York and New Jersey. She was the first woman to hold the post in the 107 year history of the Park
Commission. Ash’s major accomplishments at the Commission include passage of the Highlands Conservation
Act in 2004; creation of the Highlands Environmental Research Institute; construction of the U.S. Senator Frank
R. Lautenberg Visitor Center in Sterling Forest and construction of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
Commissioner Pete Grannis
Pete Grannis was nominated by Governor Eliot Spitzer to serve as Commissioner of the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) and began his tenure in April 2007. His appointment marks a return to the
Department for Grannis, who began his career in public service at DEC in the early 1970’s as a Compliance
Counsel. Grannis served as a member of the Assembly representing the Upper East Side of Manhattan and
Roosevelt Island for more than 30 years. An avid outdoorsman and fly fisherman, Grannis lives with his family on
the Upper East Side of Manhattan. He was born in Chicago, Ill., grew up in Michigan, and is a graduate of the
Loomis School, Rutgers University and the University of Virginia Law School. Prior to entering the Assembly,
Mr. Grannis practiced law in New York City.
98
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
Commissioner Daniel C. Gundersen
Daniel Gundersen was the Upstate Chair of the Empire State Development Corporation. He oversaw the
Upstate Headquarters as well as eight regional economic development offices. Daniel Gundersen is a leading
economic development specialist with experience in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Since 2003, Mr. Gundersen
has served as Executive Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic
Development (DCED). From 2000 to 2003, Gundersen served as Assistant Secretary at the Maryland
Department of Business and Economic Development. Gundersen received his B.A. from Hope College and is a
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he earned a Masters Degree in Governmental Administration.
His wife of 21 years, Tamera is a native of Corning.
John J. Arehart
John Arehart grew up in the Warrensburg - Stony Creek area and after serving four years with the US Air
Force, returned home to manage the family-owned 1,000 Acres Ranch Resort and Golf Club in Stony Creek.
Arehart is a Director and Charter Member of the Lake George Adirondack Regional Convention and Visitors
Bureau. He was an active member of the Warrensburg Kiwanis Club for many years and served on the
Warrensburg Central School board for nine years. Arehart resides in Warrensburg with his wife Polly and their
grandson Matthew. His family includes eight children, seven of whom are living and 11 grandchildren.
Cliff Donaldson, Jr.
Cliff Donaldson has been the County Administrator of Essex County, New York, since 1996. He was appointed
to the ORDA Board of Directors by New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. From 1981-1994,
Donaldson served as a member of the Franklin County Legislature representing the Saranac Lake region. In
1984, Assemby Speaker Stanley Fink appointed Donaldson to the position of Director of the Speaker’s North
Country Regional Office. Donaldson received his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Ozarks in
Clarksville, Ark., and his Master of Education from Arkansas Tech University. He lives in Saranac Lake with his
wife Joan and his son Aaron.
Jerry Strack
Jerry Strack was born and raised in Lake Placid. He currently owns and operates Central Garage, a business
that he’s had for the past 48 years. He has been involved with the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department for
the past 45 years and is also a current member of the Lions Club. Strack has been involved with local
government for years, having served as a Town Councilman for 23 years for the Town of North Elba. Strack
was aslo on the Lake Placid Bank Board of Directors for many years. Strack still lives in Lake Placid with his
wife Judi and runs Central Garage with his children Jay and Missi.
Edwin Weibrecht
Edwin Weibrecht earned a BS-Mechanical Engineering degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology
from Newark College of Engineering in Newark, N.J., and has studied toward his MBA. He has been the
owner of the Mirror Lake Inn and Cold Lakes Contracting Corporation of Lake Placid since 1976. Weibrecht
has served on the ORDA Board since 1993. He has been and is currently involved with several local and state
organizations including Vice-Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show, New York Ski Education Foundation
Board, Lake Placid Institute Board, North Country Alliance Loan Commission Advisory Board, NYS Attorney
General’s Philanthropic Benefit Committee and New York State Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council. He is
married to Lisa Clune Weibrecht and has five children.
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
99
100
2007-2008 ORDA Annual Report
2007-08 ORDA Annual Report
101