WILMINGTON, N.Y. --- It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y.

On Sunday, Dec. 11, more than 300 skiers and riders dressed as Mr. or Mrs. Claus, participated in the group photo and received a free lift ticket during the second annual Santa Ski Free Day at the Olympic mountain.

For those who didn’t have a Santa costume hanging in the closet, they still saved 50% off a lift ticket by donating a gently worn coat or a new toy (valued over $10).

Sixty-seven items were collected by Boy Scouts of America volunteers and given to the New York State Troop B troopers, Ray Brook, N.Y., to be distributed throughout the north country.

Snow continues to fall on Whiteface. To date, the resort has received more than 65-inches of natural snowfall. Eighteen trails, with packed powder conditions, were open during Sunday’s Santa Ski Free Day.

Video of Santa Day at Whiteface Mountain, courtesy of ORDA/Whiteface Lake Placid, can be found HERE.

Photo images, courtesy of ORDA/ Whiteface Lake Placid, can be found HERE.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.