UTICA, N.Y. — A $2 million renovation project has started at the Val Bialas Ski Center in Utica. New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–Marcy), Utica Mayor Michael Galime (R), and the Amodio family were among those participating in the Nov. 24 event. “Today, I am excited to attend the groundbreaking on the renovations that […]
UTICA, N.Y. — A $2 million renovation project has started at the Val Bialas Ski Center in Utica.
New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–Marcy), Utica Mayor Michael Galime (R), and the Amodio family were among those participating in the Nov. 24 event.
“Today, I am excited to attend the groundbreaking on the renovations that are being completed before our recreational winter season,” Buttenschon said in the announcement. “I want to thank the mayor, city administration, Utica DPW for their preparation and hard work to make the Val Bialas Ski Center operational for the Mohawk Valley residents. I would also like to thank Joe and Josh Amodio of New Age Hotrods, who generously donated their time and expertise to the city in repairing and restoring the facility’s chair lifts, ensuring Val Bialas’s operations.”
Val Bialas will use the state funding to establish a snowmaking system at the ski center, enabling consistent snow production. It will be part of ongoing renovations at the ski center, which include the restoration of the ski-lift system.
The City of Utica also plans to transform Val Bialas into a “year-round destination,” using the new upgrades to attract hikers, bikers, and snowshoers, Buttenschon’s office said.
“Watching the progress being made at the Val Bialas Center is truly exciting. I skied here, I taught my children to ski here, and I look forward to returning to watch the community enjoy this wonderful location within the City of Utica,” Buttenschon noted.
Her office says Buttenschon secured the funding for the project during a 2023 tour of the district with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D–Bronx). He had travelled to the district for a news conference with Buttenschon, overseeing the distribution of $1 million she secured for local first-responder recruitment and retention efforts. The assemblywoman used the opportunity to advocate for funding for the municipal-owned ski center, per her office.
