Utica plans improvements to Val Bialas Ski Hill

UTICA, N.Y. — Utica is making ski-lift upgrades and adding snowmaking equipment to its Val Bialas Ski Hill in Roscoe Conkling Park, aided by grant funding obtained by New York Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–Marcy) and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D–Bronx).

“This is a tremendous gift to our city and all of our residents,” Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said in a news release announcing the funding and work at Val Bialas. “There are so many memories that have been made at these historic hills in the middle of our city. Speaker Heastie and Assemblywoman Buttenschon have ensured that there will be even more memories to come.”

The city did not disclose the grant amount.

The snowmaking system, currently being designed, will allow for more consistent winter recreational activities. The chair-lift upgrades will allow for year-round operation, allowing mountain bikes and other accessories to be carried up the hill during non-skiing seasons.

Some work has already begun, but the bulk of the improvements will happen next spring and be completed by the end of 2024.

“Once the upgrades are complete, I look forward to hearing how families, friends, and visitors came together to create memories for generations to come,” Buttenschon said.

 The ski-hill improvements join a growing list of projects completed or underway along the Memorial Parkway. The city recently completed upgrades to the Mott tennis courts at the foot of the ski hill including landscaping, walking paths, new fencing, and seating for up to 500 spectators.

Utica is also building an ice-skating rink and pickleball courts with a concession stand, pavilions, and lighting near the ski hill and recently opened a disc golf course along the Parkway.

“From the switchbacks to this state-of-the-art dual-purpose ice rink and pickleball court, Roscoe Conkling Park is going to be the place to go for family recreation, education and entertainment,” Palmieri said. “We want to make a sustainable city that is fun to live in and fun to visit, and this helps us achieve that goal.”

Val Bialas once included ski hills, sledding areas, ice skating, and a ski chalet, and the planned work will bring some of those features back. Utica says it has spent more than $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (or ARPA) funding on its park system.

“Val Bialas is only one of two ski hills in America that exists within city limits,” Utica Parks Commissioner Dave Short said. “We’re blessed to have this asset in the city of Utica, and we’re going to make sure it’s put to good use.”