Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, donates free skiing and riding to individuals who donate non-perishable food items.

In their continuing effort to benefit the local food bank and community, Greek Peak has dedicated December 24th as Ski Free Day. Any individual who brings one non-perishable food item on December 24th will receive a lift ticket good for that day (Rentals, Lessons, Programs, Tubing not included). “The event is an opportunity for individuals to come out and have fun at Greek Peak while benefiting the Local Food Banks and the local community”, states Kevin Morrin , Director of Sales. “I couldn’t think of a better scenario”.

NOTE: NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS WILL BE EXCHANGED FOR ONE LIFT TICKET PER PERSON. WHILE MULTIPLE ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED, TICKETS WILL BE LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON. RENTALS, LESSONS, PROGRAMS AND TUBING ARE NOT INCLUDED.

About Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Greek Peak Mountain Resort, the largest Central New York ski resort was founded in 1958 and has remained at the leading edge of the ski industry with thirty-two trails, six aerial lifts, two surface lifts, beginners’ slope, three Terrain Parks, and a Progression Park. Additionally, Greek Peak Mountain Resort operates a full service Nordic Center with groomed Cross Country and Snowshoe Trails with an average annual snowfall of 122 plus inches. Hope Lake Lodge & Indoor Waterpark at Greek Peak Mountain Resort was first conceived as part of a Master Plan for development in 1975 with the intention of creating a destination resort and recreation community. The four season resort is located in New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region, conveniently just minutes from I-81. Amenities include three restaurants, a world-class customized spa, fitness center, and a 41,000 square foot indoor waterpark. The Resort is positioned within 7,000 acres of State protected land that is accessible by all residents and guests for cross country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding.

Snowshoes, Skis Strongly Recommended For All Trails

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today advised visitors to the backcountry of the Adirondacks to be prepared for snow, ice and cold, and to be sure to use the proper equipment. “While winter is an opportune time to take advantage of all that the Adirondack Park has to offer, the season can also present troublesome — even perilous — conditions to the unprepared,”

Commissioner Grannis said. “The snow cover in the Adirondacks is more than three feet deep in the higher elevations. At this time, we require visitors to the Eastern High Peaks to use snowshoes or cross-country skis for their safety and we strongly recommend that visitors to other parts of the Adirondacks do the same.”

DEC Forest Rangers recently rescued two people in separate incidents in the High Peaks Wilderness. Neither of them were fully prepared or equipped for the winter conditions they faced. One man spent two nights in the wilderness in sub-freezing temperatures before being located and taken to get medical treatment.

Snowshoes or skis prevent sudden falls or “post-holing,” avoids injuries, and eases travel on snow. Ice crampons should be carried for use on icy mountaintops and other exposed areas.

In addition, backcountry visitors should follow these safety guidelines:

• Dress properly with layers of wool and fleece (NOT COTTON!) clothing: a wool or fleece hat, gloves or mittens, wind/rain resistant outer wear, and winter boots.
• Carry a day pack with the following contents: Ice axe, plenty of food and water, extra clothing, map and compass, first-aid kit, flashlight/headlamp, sun glasses, sun-block protection, ensolite pads, stove and extra fuel, and bivy sack or space blankets.
• Drink plenty of water — dehydration can lead to hypothermia.
• Eat plenty of food to maintain energy levels and warmth.
• Check weather before entering the woods — if the weather is poor, postpone your trip. The mountains will always be there.
• Be aware of weather conditions at all times — if weather worsens, head out of the woods.

Contact the DEC at (518) 897-1200 to determine trail conditions in the area you plan to visit.  Adirondack Trail Information can be found on the DEC web site at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html. The web pages provide general information and seasonal conditions, specific notices on closures and other situations involving trails, roads, foot bridges, etc., and links to rules & regulations, hiker and camper safety, low impact recreation, weather and more.

Swift. Silent. Deep is a new documentary ski film. But, it’s not your typical ski film, with random people skiing random peaks, this is a story of a cadre of renegade skiers in Wyoming. Check out the trailer at www.swiftsilentdeep.com. Then order a copy for the skier on your gift list – or as a present to yourself.

“Signatures”, a Backcountry Ski Movie, will air on Dec 19th at 7pm at the Mountaineer on Route 73 in Keene Valley, NY.

This backcountry ski film, shot from deep in the coastal mountains of Niseko, Hokkaido, is full of remote freeride lines, deep powder and mountain culture. Amongst Japan’s northern hardwoods, along a misty coastline, Signatures tells a story of seasonal shifts and the snowy brushstrokes of renowned alpine athletes. With breathtaking cinematography, Signatures documents the relationships of local snowsurfers, photographers and riders to mountain, sea and season. Recent winner of Best Cinematography at the International Freeski Film Festival.

The event is being sponsored by Dynafit, manufacturer of mountaineering and ski touring equipment, and raffles will include a pair of Dynafit bindings.