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SAM Magazine-New York, June 23, 2009-New York State surpassed four million skier visits over the 2008-09 season, a record-breaking number for the state that made it the fourth most popular ski state last winter, behind Colorado, California, and Vermont.

To support the state's resorts last winter, New York State's Division of Tourism partnered with Ski Areas of New York (SANY) to market the state as a nearby and accessible option for winter travel. "We were able to help New Yorkers and travelers up and down the East Coast see that they could stay at home or hop in the car and travel a short distance for a fantastic ski getaway," said Thomas Ranese, chief marketing officer of Empire State Development and the I LOVE NEW YORK campaign.

Scott Brandi, president of SANY, cited the state's broad mix of ski areas, outstanding conditions and value-minded incentives. "Breaking the four million skier visit threshold in New York State is a major accomplishment and a testimony to the excellent job our resorts have done," he said. "Infrastructure upgrades, a focus on customer service, and the enhanced ski and ride learning programs all helped to grow the sport." One example: Governor David A. Paterson designated January as "Learn a Snow-sport Month," which boosted visitation throughout the state.

New York State ski areas are already gearing up to build on the past winter's success. Gore Mountain in North Creek continues to work on connecting to the historic North Creek Ski Bowl where Gore has been open for tubing since December 2002 and skiing/snowboarding since December 2007. The Interconnect is scheduled to open for the 2010/2011 season. Holiday Valley in Ellicottville is building the Tamarack Hotel and rebuilding the Champagne Mountain Top Warming Hut, with additional snowmaking improvements and plans for rebuilding the main lodge.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland is set to open the Hope Lake Lodge & Indoor Water Park in October, 2009 as a four-star expansion of the popular ski area. The indoor water park will be the first of its kind at any ski resort in New York State. Bristol Mountain Winter Resort in Canandaigua recently broke ground for a new base to summit "Galaxy Express" quad scheduled for completion for the 2009-10 winter season.