Albany, NY (December 3, 2024) – Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the official start of the 2024-25 winter season with the daily opening of New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) ski mountains. Gore, Whiteface and Belleayre Mountains are the three largest of the 52 operating ski areas in New York State, providing a wide variety of opportunities for snowsports enthusiasts. With ski areas located across the state, nearly every major New York metro area is within 90 minutes of top-tier winter recreation. The distribution makes skiing and riding an important contributor to employment and quality of life for residents throughout the state.