WILMINGTON, N.Y. — Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., may be best known for having the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies and for hosting the 1980 winter Olympic Alpine events, but it’s also recognized as one of the nation’s top ski resorts for families.

According to About.Com, Whiteface is one of the country’s top family ski destinations, one of only three eastern resorts to make the list. The on-line article touts the mountain as “an ideal venue for a family ski vacation,” and also describes many of the off-hill activities found in Wilmington and in Lake Placid including a tour of the Olympic sites, ice skating and partaking in the full schedule of winter events for the family.

“This is another tremendous recognition not only for the mountain, but also for the two communities and the entire region,” noted New York State Olympic Regional Development president/CEO Ted Blazer. “Our vertical drop is an important message, but it’s also equally important that the mountain and the region be recognized as a great family destination. This, combined with being ranked the number-one ski resort in the eastern United States by both SKI Magazine and SnowEast Magazine, continues to show that we’re a destination for everyone.”

Whiteface recently completed a 10-year, $20-million capitalization project that also included renovation of Kids Kampus. With nearby parking and one-stop shopping for lift tickets, lessons and rentals, Kids Kampus offers a safe and fun environment for young skiers. The Bunny Hutch chair lift connects Kids Kampus to the rest of the mountain, and a shuttle service runs to and from the newly constructed, state-of-the-art Kids Kampus Lodge all day.

Whiteface also boasts 283 skiable acres and 86 trails. The mountain also received high marks from SKI Magazine readers for its Après-Ski (#2), Dining (#2), Family Programs (#2), Scenery (#2), Terrain/Challenge (#2), Lodging (#4) and Overall Satisfaction (#5). And for the 18th consecutive year, Whiteface/Lake Placid was chosen number-one for its Off-Hill Activities, thanks to its array of Olympic-style sports including bobsledding, ice skating, cross country skiing, ski jumping, as well as events such as World Cup racing, shows and concerts.

Whiteface was also chosen by SnowEast Magazine readers as the East’s favorite resort. Whiteface topped such resorts as Sugarloaf and Sunday River, both in Maine, and even Killington, in Vermont. More than 3,500 readers took part in the poll and they also tabbed Whiteface as the most scenic resort and their favorite destination village.

For more information about Whiteface, log on to www.whiteface.com.