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