Plan Your Winter Getaway at iloveny.com/winter

Albany, N.Y. - With the cold weather upon us and fresh snow falling in blissful abundance, the stage is set for an incredible second half of winter skiing in New York State. Over the past year, many Empire State ski areas have been busy making significant changes to their winter destinations including: updating equipment, expanding operations, trails and activities, and completing extensive renovations.

With more ski areas than any other state, New York’s 50 world-class ski resorts have added even more incentive to enjoy the great outdoors this winter. From a new 400-foot Magic Carpet ski lift and hi-tech GPS systems to North America’s longest and highest zipline course and state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy New York’s downhill ski centers. Read more »

Non-Residents Can Obtain Temporary Registration and Immediately Begin Riding

Albany, N.Y. - In an effort to make it easier for snowmobile riders from other states to operate their sleds in New York, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has developed a new online transaction that will allow out-of-state snowmobilers to print temporary New York State registrations for snowmobiles that are currently registered in their home states. The temporary certificate, combined with their home state registration document, will allow snowmobilers from out-of state to begin riding immediately in New York. Read more »

Cayuga Tourism Promotes Things to See & Do, Places to Stay

Cayuga County, N.Y. -  The Cayuga County Office of Tourism has published the 2012 Official Visitors’ Guide to Cayuga County to help visitors and residents find their way to the great things to see and do in the area.  The 64-page guide was designed by local design firm, Coburn Design, based in Auburn, NY, with cover photography by Aurora photographer Jacqueline Conderacci.

The new guide contains information on attractions, entertainment, recreation , shopping, wineries and a variety of places to stay from cozy B&Bs to full-service hotels.  New features this year include ‘the inside scoop’ with tips from local residents on where to view public art, the best place to walk your dog and even the best place to get an ice cream cone.  Read more »

Buffalo, N.Y. - This Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, romance will be in the air at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens for “Hearts in the Gardens,” a new event to benefit the National Garden Festival.
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, beer and wine; bid on silent auction items; and explore “NIGHT LIGHTS in the Gardens,” a gorgeous light show that will encompass the entire glass-domed Botanical Gardens.

During the course of the evening, National Garden Festival officials will announce the location of the 2012 Front Yard Competition, in which local professional landscapers will donate their time and materials to completely transform each front yard on a Buffalo block. Read more »

Wilmington, N.Y. — Before Sunday’s big game, get your game face on at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y.  It’s Super Football Sunday, Feb. 5, presented by Bud Light, at the Olympic mountain, where skiing and riding is just $35 for adults, $30 for teens and $25 for juniors.

While at Whiteface join in on the slope-style competition for your chance to win a pair of K2 Revival skis. Plus, follow Whiteface on Facebook and vote for your favorite feature.

At the end of day, there’s a tailgate party in the Cloudspin Lounge complete with Bud Light specials and live music with the Blind Owl Band. Read more »

Syracuse, N.Y. - The US Coast Guard Auxiliary and New York Sea Grant are partnering to offer young boater safety training as part of the February 15-19, 2012 Central New York Boat Show at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY.

The two-part course will be taught on Thursday, February 16 from 6pm to 8:30pm AND Saturday, February 18 from 9am to 2:30pm in the Horticulture Building Seminar Room. Pre-registration is required. Contact New York Sea Grant at 315-312-3042, slm22@cornell.edu. Read more »

Watkins Glen, N.Y. — The official Watkins Glen and Schuyler County Travel Guide produced annually by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is here! In past years, the Travel Guide has been printed and released in the spring; but this year, it will be available beginning today - from January to December 2012.

In addition to providing detailed information about the Schuyler County tourism community, the 2012 travel guide also follows the format of the Chamber’s website theme, features people known throughout the community, and displays a brighter look. The chapter-like format corresponds to the Chamber’s tourism and marketing brand, revealing themed sections such as: Recreation & Attraction; Arts, Culture & Experience; Hospitality; and Four Lakes Four-Season Fun. Read more »