December, 2019Skiers Can Enter for a Chance to Win Custom Skis or Snowboard, and Alpine and Nordic PassesAdirondacks, USA - In it’s third year, the SkiADK marketing campaign promoting the Adirondacks as an alpine and cross-country ski destination is now underway. Gore Mountain, North Creek Representatives from Adirondack ski areas, along with the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the destination marketing organization for Franklin, Essex, and Hamilton counties, is using #SkiADK to promote the seven ski areas land many cross country locations located within the Adirondacks — from big mountain terrain with glades and steep verticals to hometown ski centers with loads of tubing fun. The digital and print campaign highlights the attributes, diverse terrain and amenities offered throughout the Adirondacks unifying all the ski centers under one common brand and message — #SkiADK. Skiers and riders are encouraged to share their epic Adirondack mountain adventures on social media by using the hashtag #SkiADK. The seven resorts and ROOST are promoting the use of the hashtag to increase awareness, engagement and garner new social media followers. Oak Mountain, Speculator The campaign includes digital ads in national publications, including Powder Magazine and Ski Canada, as well as native advertising and social media ads. Working with individual ski centers, it highlights not only the abundant and varied trails, but also the off-mountain experiences unique to each region which differentiate the Adirondacks from key competitors. The centerpiece of the campaign is a drawing in March for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind pair of custom #SkiADK skis (or snowboard) made by Parlor, a progressive ski manufacturer headquartered in the Northeast. The winner will be cruising the slopes in style with these beautifully designed shredders. Sporting a slick black topsheet cut with our unique topo line graphic and our #SkiADK moniker, everyone will know you come from world class east coast skiing. “We see this as an effort to bring more skiers from elsewhere to see the Adirondacks as an alpine ski destination. They will discover challenging terrain parks, glades, tubing hills, stellar views, and plenty of amenities for refueling between runs," said Michelle Clement, ROOST’s director of marketing. The seven alpine ski areas included in the campaign are: Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington — the steepest vertical drop in the East; 86 trails, new lodge to service Bear Den Mountain, which is dedicated to beginners. Oak Mountain, Speculator — Oak offers an affordable ski school and lift tickets, and great on-mountain dining. Increased snowmaking this year. Gore Mountain, North Creek — New York’s biggest mountain with four peaks and 110 trails. Titus Mountain Family Ski Center, Malone — rated #1 beginner-friendly ski center in North America by Liftopia; night skiing, new tubing park with added lanes, warming lodge and magic carpet lift. McCauley Mountain, Old Forge — from long cruisers to steep bumps and glades; expansive views from the summit. West Mountain, Queensbury — gentle learning slopes to expert terrain; new quad chairlift, major snowmaking upgrades, and 10 lanes of tubing. Mount Pisgah, Saranac Lake — classic hometown ski hill, close to downtown; night skiing and tubing. Glide through the Adirondacks on Nordic skis Cold winters, deep snowpack, and picturesque forests make the Adirondacks a great place for Nordic skiing. From groomed trails to backcountry thrills, there is something for skiers of all ages and abilities across the region.Click here to view ROOST's cross country skiing video. Cross country skiers can enter to win a nordic ski center mega pack. ###

December, 2020Adirondacks, USA - Snowmobilers in the Adirondacks will now have access to an interactive trail map on their phone to better plan their outdoor riding adventures in one of the largest trail networks in New York state. The new, free Adirondacks, USA snowmobile app contains information about the trails in Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties, and nearby gas stations, stores, restaurants and lodging properties that welcome sledders. More trails in neighboring counties will eventually be added to provide a more comprehensive map.The interactive map gives the sledder’s location with real-time GPS. Plug in a destination and the route will appear, tap on the trails near you to identify your route, or use the search feature to find the trail you are looking for. Backcountry riders will be glad to know that the app was designed with offline functionality, and its new mapping engine was specially created to work in areas with little to no cell service once it has been downloaded. Created by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the destination marketing organization for Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties, the app is available for both iPhone and Android and can be downloaded at the app store. "Our landscape is criss-crossed with hundreds of miles of well-maintained, professionally-groomed and natural trails that are perfect for snowmobile enthusiasts,” said ROOST’s Director of Digital Services Jasen Lawrence. "We want to make it easier for riders to plan their excursions through our beautiful trail network and connect them with the full range of amenities available in our Adirondack communities.”This is the first phase of the ADK Snowmobile app. ROOST is looking to add other features in the future including weather and turn-by-turn directions.###

For immediate release Contacts: Michelle Clement, Director of Marketingmclement@roostadk.com; 518.621.3689 Carrie Gentile, communications coordinatorcgentile@roostadk.com; 518.621.3665 Franklin County celebrates new brand for Malone Region MALONE, NY -- Franklin County and the Malone Region are happy to announce a comprehensive brand that will help promote the area as one of New York’s finest destinations. A brand is a unique image and message that increases awareness of the community for both tourism and for economic development when adopted and integrated consistently. The Malone brand was developed by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) in conjunction with stakeholders, which include community representatives, elected officials, county representatives, the Malone Chamber of Commerce, and business owners. The Malone Region logo consists of a custom typography encased in an oval badge design. Above the typography is a gently rolling mountain silhouette to represent the more mountainous areas of the region. The starry sky represents the dark sky opportunities unique to the Malone area. It also gives a nod to Malone’s nickname of “The Star of the North,” with one big star centrally positioned in the sky. The other stars represent the many diverse communities that make up the region. Below the typography is a graphical representation of agricultural fields and a winding river. This represents the Malone Region’s agricultural heritage and the waterways that tie the area together. The brand materials include variations for each of the towns that comprise the Malone region, including Bangor, Bellmont, Bombay, Brainardsville, Brandon, Brushton, Burke, Chateaugay, Constable, Dickinson, Duane, Fort Covington, Moira, Mountain View, Owls Head, Paul Smiths, Waverly, St. Regis Falls, and Westville. The brand materials also include a number of color variations that can be used to convey the sense of each of the seasons. “The Malone Region is home to a unique mix of people, places, and attractions, and the new brand captures the most notable aspects of the area,” ROOST CEO Jim McKenna said. “The brand will help draw people into the many communities that make up the Malone Region. From the stars to the fields, the brand creates a consistent but unique way for the communities of the Malone Region and northern Franklin County to identify themselves.” “The Malone Region includes great communities, a beautiful and diverse natural landscape, and amazing people,” Franklin County Local Development Corporation CEO Jeremy Evans said. “By combining the marketing efforts for the entire region we're able to promote all of the tourism assets under one brand with one consistent message resulting in greater awareness of the Malone Region as a tourism destination." The typography used in the new brand is based on the original, hand-designed font on the cover of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s famed tome Farmer Boy. Farmer Boy was based on the life of the region’s own Almanzo Wilder, husband of Laura, whose inspirational homestead in Burke is still a draw for fans of the Little House on the Prairie books. Businesses and towns are encouraged to utilize the new brand, and as consistency is key in developing a successful brand, examples and guidelines for use of the brand materials can be found at www.visitmalone.com/brand. For more information, contact ROOST Director of Marketing Michelle Clement at mclement@roostadk.com or 518-621-3689.

All are welcome to the celebration January, 2020 - The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is pleased to announce that long-serving state Senator Betty Little will be honored and celebrated at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Annual Meeting and Winter Social on Thursday, January 23. Senator Little will be recognized for all her work in championing the North County during her 25-year tenure in the New York state legislature, which includes serving in both the Assembly and Senate. The event is open to all. Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and mingle with ROOST staff and community members from throughout the region. WHERE: Hotel Saranac, 100 Main Street, Saranac Lake WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23 TICKETS: $10 per person in advance; $15 at the door Book tickets online here, or by emailing reservations@adirondacksusa.com, or call 518-523-2445.

New events added, more Olympic athletes, more winter fun! For Immediate Release: January 17, 2020 Contact: Carrie Gentile, Tel: 518-524-7126, Email: cgentile@roostadk.com, & Jon Lundin, Tel: 518-302-5313, Email: Jlundin@orda.org40th Lake Placid Olympic Anniversary Organizing Committee LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- In less than 30 days, Lake Placid celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Olympic Winter Games that brought this nation together like never before. From Feb. 13-23, 2020, this two-time Olympic village, nestled in the Adirondack High Peaks, will roll out the welcome mat and offer up a full slate of activities to revel in its unmatched Olympic legacy – past, present and future. The 10-day event celebrates the Games that have long been remembered for the heroics of the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team’s improbable win over the Russians, known as the “Miracle on Ice,” speed skater Eric Heiden’s five gold medals, in world or Olympic record time; the Opening Ceremony and the United States figure skating team, dubbed the “Dream Team.” The entire village including the Olympic venues will be on full display during this community-wide celebration and more than 20 Olympians will participate in events available to the public. Courtesy of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum Recently Added Events: Dream On, The 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Figure Skating Reunion Gala Join Scott Hamilton and several members of 1980 U.S. figure skating team as they celebrate 40 years since they skated in the Lake Placid Winter Games. Dream On, The 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Figure Skating Reunion Gala will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. Dinner takes place on the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena ice, followed by the show. The show includes performances by current U.S. pair champions Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy Leduc, U.S. men’s champion Ryan Bradley and U.S. ice dance champions of Madison Chock and Evan Bates. Along with their performances, there will be a multi-media presentation and discussion with members of the 1980 Olympic Figure Skating team. On-ice gala dinner tickets are available for $980 per table or $125 per person. Corporate sponsorship tables are also available. Call 518-302-5397. General admission tickets for the skating show are available at Tickets.com, by phone at 518-523-3330 and at the Olympic Center Box Office. Olympian Dan Jansen: Perseverance and Perspective - A memorable story of inspiration and triumph Meet and Greet - Hear four-time Olympian and 1994 speed skating gold medalist, Dan Jansen’s heart-wrenching story, in his own words, from missing his chance at 1988 Olympic medal hours after hearing of his beloved sister’s passing to triumphing in the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer. Jansen will speak and participate in a meet and greet at the High Peaks Resort on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public. For younger fans, Dan will also be appearing at the Lake Placid Public Library during their crafts event on Saturday morning from 10 a.m.-noon. Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer™ At 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton will lead community members in a Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer™ event, held on the Olympic speed skating oval. This “Frozen 5K” skate-a-thon is the signature fundraiser of the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, a not-for-profit 501 c (3) dedicated to changing the future of cancer funding, research and patient care. A portion of the proceeds raised goes to Adirondack Health. The Foundation’s event website is www.mysk8.org/LakePlacidNY2020. Lake Placid’s Olympic Legacy: An Athlete’s PerspectiveThis event features conversations with past, present, and future Olympians to understand their perspective on Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy and how it has and will impact future Olympic careers. The free event features Buzz Schneider (member of the Miracle on Ice team); Gordy Sheer (1992 Olympic silver medalist, doubles luge and Lake Placid resident); Erin Hamlin (four-time Olympian and the first American female luge athlete to medal at the Winter Olympics; Tim Burke (Four-time Olympic Biathlete from nearby Paul Smith’s, N.Y.); Van Ledger (Jr. Olympian in 2020 in Biathlon and Lake Placid native); Maddy Cohen (Jr. Olympian in 2020 in Mono-Bobsled) Monobob is a new sliding sport and Maddy is currently the only female member of the U.S. team and resides in Lake Placid. Hosted by the Lake Placid Center for the Arts on Monday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. Miracle on Ice, Courtesy of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum The Celebration The following highlights just some more of the events planned. For more information, schedule, and updates, visit LakePlacid40.com. Torch run with 1980 Olympic Winter Games torchbearers and local athletes, followed by lighting of the 1980 Olympic Cauldron on the grounds of the Opening Ceremonies. State and local officials and past, present and future Olympians will be part of the ceremony. Evening ends in fireworks. Be a Biathlete! Experience the sport of biathlon with Olympic biathletes Screening of the Disney movie Miracle at Lake Placid’s Palace Movie Theatre. Admission and popcorn are free New York Times Best Seller Boys of Winter (an account of the Miracle on Ice) book signing by Wayne Coffey. A Long Shot to Glory and Keeper of the Olympic Flame book signing by Mike Burgess 80s Family Fun Party at the Olympic Ski Jumps, 80s themed trivia night, and much more. The Legacy Lake Placid is one of only three cities world-wide to have hosted two Olympic Winter Games, 1932 and 1980. Since then, it has played host to annual World Cup events and other large-scale sporting competitions. The village’s Olympic legacy is unmatched. Lake Placid has sent at least one athlete to every winter Games, and in total, has sent over 100 athletes to compete, since the first modern winter Games in 1924. Several area athletes have claimed Olympic glory, including Andrew Weibrecht (Lake Placid), a two-time Olympic medalist in Super-G; Billy Demong (Vermontville), a two-time Olympic medalist and Olympic champion in Nordic Combined and Chris Mazdzer (Saranac Lake), an Olympic silver medalist in men’s singles luge. This is accomplished through Lake Placid’s commitment and support of its Olympic sports development programs. Since taking office, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has committed nearly $240-million in funding to support the Olympic Regional Development Authority properties. These unprecedented investments in capital projects are improving the infrastructure of Olympic venues to ensure they can continue to attract and support large-scale, global events, while transforming these areas facilities into year-round attractions. opening ceremonies, courtesy of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum Lake Placid as a winter destination Along with these special events, guests can experience Olympic-themed activities such as skating on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval or sliding down the Mt. Van Hoevenberg bobsled/luge/skeleton track. Adventurous guests can ride a toboggan down a 30-foot high slide that’s specifically designed to launch riders across Mirror Lake’s icy surface. Situated between two lakes and ringed by Adirondack mountain peaks, Lake Placid beckons travelers to play outside all winter long with pursuits such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, pond hockey, dogsled rides, sledding and ice fishing. In addition, visitors can also ski and ride the greatest vertical in the east at iconic Whiteface Mountain. For more information about all of the events and activities, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Winter Games, visit www.LakePlacid40.com. Thank you to all of the anniversary’s participating sponsors. They include: Silver: Adirondack Health Bronze: Lake Placid Family Dental Pines Inn High Peaks Resort Elderwood at Uihlein###