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Hochul announces 'Ski for Free' COVID-19 booster and ages 5-11 vaccine incentive sweepstakes

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Fri, Dec 3rd 2021 10:25 am

Random drawing for lift tickets at participating ski mountains

√ Children ages 5-11 who receive their first vaccine dose or anyone who has received a COVID-19 booster eligible

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the new “Ski for Free” COVID-19 vaccine incentive sweepstakes for children ages 5 to 11 and booster shot recipients. The six-week sweepstakes – the beginning of which will be announced in the coming days – is intended to bolster vaccination rates among children ages 5-11, as well as individuals eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster dose. Eligible New Yorkers will be able to enter a random drawing for free lift tickets to participating mountains, thanks to Ski Areas of New York and the Olympic Regional Development Authority.

"Our new 'Ski for Free' incentive for children and booster recipients allows New Yorkers to take full advantage of our state's incredible mountains while protecting themselves and their loved ones from this pandemic," Hochul said. "The vaccine is our best weapon in the fight against COVID-19, and we need to encourage every eligible New Yorker to get their shot, whether it be a first dose, second dose, or booster."

Tickets awarded through the “Ski for Free” sweepstakes can be used any time during the 2021-22 winter season and will contain information on any holiday blackout dates that may apply. Entrants will be able to select their region of choice, in either the east or west of the state. Participating mountains in each region are:

West

  • Holiday Valley
  • Bristol
  • Woods Valley
  • Greek Peak

East

  • Whiteface
  • Gore
  • Belleayre
  • Windham
  • West

The “Ski for Free' sweepstakes includes the following prizes:

Children ages 5-11: Winners for a total of 240 two-packs of tickets (one adult pass and one child pass) will be selected over the six-week sweepstakes period. 40 two-packs of tickets will be awarded per week, divided evenly between the two regions. Children ages 5 to 11 who received their first vaccine dose after Nov. 3 are eligible to enter the sweepstakes. Entries must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, and the winners will receive an adult/child pair of ski tickets.

Booster recipients: Winners for a total of 120 single tickets (one adult pass) will be selected over the six-week sweepstakes period. Twenty single tickets will be awarded per week, divided evenly between the two regions. Individuals ages 18 and older who received their booster dose after Nov. 3 are eligible to enter the sweepstakes. Entries must be completed by the individual who received the booster dose, and the winner will receive one adult ski ticket.

Olympic Regional Development Authority CEO Mike Pratt said, "Ski resorts in New York state are open, and we're excited to welcome guests for outdoor recreation and adventure at our mountains this winter. We're fortunate to have many outdoor recreational opportunities in New York state and the ski areas appreciate working together with state health officials to promote healthy lifestyles."

SKI NY President Scott Brandi said, "We are proud to partner with Gov. Hochul's administration for the 'Ski for Free' COVID vaccine sweepstakes. Many of our ski areas have opened, others are getting ready, and all are making snow when the temperature drops! We urge you to get your vaccine, enter the sweepstakes, and come join us at one of our ski areas!"

Information about the “Ski for Free” sweepstakes is available here. When announced, instructions on how to enter the sweepstakes will be posted on the website.

Eligible children ages 5 to 11 must be a resident of New York state (though they do not need to be U.S. citizens), be between the ages of 5 and 11 on the date of their first vaccination, and have received at least their first dose of an immunization against the virus that causes COVID-19 authorized for emergency use for their age group by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as of the date of entry. Eligible booster recipients must be a resident of New York (they do not need to be U.S. citizens).

Neither booster shot recipients nor parent, step-parent or legal guardian, spouse, sibling, grandparent or residing household member of the 5 to 11 entrant can be an employee of the New York State Department of Health, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, Office of Information Technology Services, or the New York State Executive Chamber.

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority was created by the state of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.

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