All -

Just received this offical press release -


New York's first ski area to open Oct. 29: Verizon Sports Complex in
Lake Placid to offer cross country skiing, snow shoeing this weekend


LAKE PLACID, N.Y. - The cross country ski center at the Verizon
Sports Complex in Lake Placid will be the first to offer skiing of any
kind in New York State when it opens for the season Saturday and
Sunday, October 29-30.

This will also mark the earliest opening in the venue's
history. To note the occasion, the site, managed by the New York
Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), will offer skiers and
snow shoers complimentary access to the 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of
open trails.

It will be the second resort to open in the Northeast behind
Wildcat, N.H., which began turning its lifts and welcomed skiers and
riders today.

"Not only is this a good gesture to our season pass holders,
but if you happen to come into the area by chance, here's something
to do for free," said Greg Stratford, Operations Manager at the cross
country center.

Stratford and his crew took advantage of a one-foot snowstorm
Tuesday night and ensuing cool temperatures. Virtually all 10
kilometers have been packed and tracked.

"We are very appreciative of the early-season grooming,"
said Rick Costanza, Nordic and biathlon coach for the New York Ski
Educational Foundation, who had a group of student-athletes training
this week. "It looked like January out there. The trees were covered.
It's a real treat to ski this time of year."

The weekend forecast is for partly sunny conditions with highs
in the 40s. Current conditions are packed powder. However, with warming
temperatures, the surface could change to wet granular.

Patrons can expect Flatlander and Flatlander Extension to be
available as well as East Mountain Cutoff, Bobcat, Spruce and
Campground.

The lodge and restrooms will be open and a fire will be roaring.
A limited food and beverage menu will be offered and there will be no
ski rentals at the location.

Skiers in need of equipment should visit High Peaks Cyclery
Mountain Adventure on Main Street, the Cascade Ski Touring Center on
Rt. 73 or Cunningham's Ski Barn on Main Street, all in Lake Placid.

Season passes will be sold this weekend. A winter's worth of
skiing at the Verizon Sports Complex is $160 for adults; the super
season pass, with additional access to the Lake Placid Resort,
Whiteface Club and Cascade Ski Touring Center, is just $190. Junior,
senior and family rates are also available.

The cross country center will close during the week and look to
re-open Nov. 5-6, snow conditions and weather permitting.

For more information on ORDA venues and events and for the cross
country ski report and web cam, please log on to
www.verizonsportscomplex.com. Contact: Sandy Caligiore
), Stephanie Ryan )

518-523-1655