Utica, New York — Operating a ski area without snowmaking in New York is not easy. One example of this is the Val Bialas Ski Center. Named after speed skater and three-time Olympian Val Bialas, it first opened back in 1965. While it has a decent setup, its lift operating schedule was limited due to the lack of snowmaking. However, that is about to change.
The Observer-Dispatch reports that last week, a groundbreaking was held for a new snowmaking system at the Val Bialas Ski Center. The event was hosted by various local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Utica (Michael Galime) and New York Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
For Mayor Galine, a priority from his prior campaign was reviving the ski center. He secured state funding for the snowmaking addition with the help of Assemblywoman Buttenschon. Work is underway on the project, and the plan is to have the snowmaking system be usable for the 2025-26 season.
Another issue with the operations was mechanical problems with the chairlift. Thanks to the work of Joe and Josh Amodio from New Age Hot Rods (an auto performance shop in NY), they were able to fix up the auxiliary engine by installing new plugs. If the chairlift runs this season, it would be the first time since 2017.
Val Bialas is becoming more active thanks to the opening of an ice skating rink and pickleball courts. Other offseason activities are being considered, such as biking and hiking trails.
Image Credits: City of Utica, NY
