Ski Whiteface
Ski Whiteface
Finally we have snow and plenty of it.  Though Whiteface has been making it on the mountain this whole season, it is a nice treat to be getting this late dumping of fresh snow. So for those that will be at Whiteface this weekend, February 24th will be the start of the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) Alpine J1 and J2 State Championship and I will be there to help.

If you're skiing at Whiteface drop by the start house and watch these talented racers give it their all. There will a Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom. This is just one of many events that NYSEF hosts at Whiteface that showcases the talents of the next generation of Olympic and World Cup skiers.

Silver and Gold Olympic Biathlon Medalist Bill Demong and Lake Placid native and Olympic Bronze Medalist Andrew Weibrecht are NYSEF alumni as well as Sophie Clarke, the Survivor: One World winner.

Watching these races won't be the only reason to be at Whiteface this weekend. We will be getting snow and lots of it. Whiteface has received 12" of new snow and more is on the way with 90% of the mountain open.

Of course if you aren't planning on skiing perhaps you'll want to catch the end of the Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships. Over 20 countries are participating in this event at the Lake Placid Olympic Sports Complex with the Women's Skeleton event concluding on Friday February 24th with 1:15 p.m. awards. The Men's Skeleton starts that evening with new nighttime sliding at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Saturday is the beginning of the Four-Man Bobsled. A day pass is just $15/Adults, $9/Juniors/Seniors or multiday passes are also available.

Whiteface SG races
NYSEF SG races at Whiteface
So my family will be spending our time outside and enjoying all this fresh snow! How will you spend your day? Diane Chase is a freelance writer and author of Adirondack Family Time:Tri-Lakes and High Peaks Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities. Her next book about the Adirondack Champlain Valley will be out summer 2012.