SAM Magazine—Lake Placid, N.Y., Feb. 25, 2026—The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) board of directors approved $15.9 million in capital investments across Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre mountains, continuing a multi-year run of infrastructure upgrades at the state-owned ski areas.

At its Feb. 20 meeting, the board passed three resolutions committing capital for snowmaking, trail, and electrical improvements: $6 million at Whiteface, $5.43 million at Gore, and $4 million at Belleayre.

In addition, the board approved approximately $1.6 million for conveyor lift upgrades at Gore and Belleayre, including new conveyor systems at both ski areas and the relocation of an existing conveyor at Gore to the North Creek Ski Bowl.

Each project is subject to the enacted New York State budget for fiscal year 2026–27.

The $15.9 million commitment builds on a sustained capital push by ORDA in recent years. In 2022, the authority approved more than $91.7 million in capital projects across its venues, including major lift replacements at Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre, a new lodge at Gore’s North Creek Ski Bowl, and more than $11 million in snowmaking and trail improvements.

In 2023, ORDA released an amended Unit Management Plan for Belleayre outlining additional lift projects, lodge expansion, snowmaking reservoir relocation, EV charging infrastructure, and expanded mountain biking trails—further signaling the state’s long-term modernization strategy for its Catskills and Adirondack ski operations.