As the flakes hit the forecast, many in Western New York are tuning up their machines and gearing up for snowmobile season, one of the region’s largest employers is doing the same.
Officials from Seneca Gaming Corporation (SGC), the Seneca Nation of Indians, and Snow Bounders, Inc., met with members of the community and media Wednesday to unveil a new part of the vast snowmobile trails that cross our area.
The new mile-and-a-half section from the casino parking lot joining into the trail system in Allegany State Park was made possible through a partnership and $66,850 sponsorship from the SGC.
“We are located in one of the premier outdoor winter recreation areas in the country and we want to embrace the unique aspects that make the Southern Tier a wonderful year-round destination while at the same time adding a new amenity for our current and future patrons,” Karen Karsten, chairman of the SGC board of director said.
The newest addition to the Seneca Allegany Casino and Hotel makes the facility one of just a handful of stops along the current snowmobile trails to offer lodging for weary sledders. Timing could not have been better. According to SGC officials, construction of 200 new rooms is slated to resume in short order.
Snowmobiling isn’t just a bunch of people out on a weekend riding around, Snow Bounders, Inc. representative, Tom Hill said.
“Snowmobiling is more than a hobby. It is a $1 billion industry in New York State, with more than 10,000 miles of trails serving more than 100,000 registered snowmobiles across the state,” he said. “Western New York is a prime snowmobile area. Thanks to the partnership of the Seneca Gaming Corporation and the Seneca Nation, we will be able to enhance the snowmobile experience for riders in this area starting this season.”
Trail expansion to the casino is one more piece in the winter wonderland in Cattaraugus County, according to Gus Tsivikis, general manager of the Seneca Allegany Casino and Hotel.
“We know our guests enjoy the outdoors, from skiing at nearby Holiday Valley and HoliMont, to hiking in Allegany State Park, to hunting and fishing in the surrounding area,” he said. “Our goal is to provide visitors the opportunity to enjoy all of the great outdoor activities this region has to offer combined with the unmatched service and excitement that comes with each visit to Seneca Allegany Casino and Hotel.”
To celebrate the new trail extension, casino patrons will have a chance to win two new Polaris snowmobiles and a tandem trailer in the “Take Two Giveaway.” The contest will begin Nov. 1 and continue until Nov. 27.
“Just in time for the snowmobiling season,” Tsivikis said.
