WILMINGTON, NY (January 27, 2023) – The annual Hovey Memorial Ski Race will take place on February 12 at Whiteface Mountain. Hosted by the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF), 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of this legendary event named for Lake Placid resident William A. Hovey.

The inaugural Hovey Memorial Ski Race was organized by the Lake Placid Ski Club and Sno Birds and held at Mount Whitney in 1963 in Hovey’s honor after he passed away. Tracey Hovey, William’s daughter, continues to honor her father’s legacy by handing out awards to the winners yearly. When her daughter Haley Hovey Johnson won in 1996, it was an incredibly proud moment for Tracey.

“I don’t know of any other races that actually have this kind of history,” said Tracey Hovey. “For some reason, it had a lot of momentum from the beginning and it means the world to all of us Hovey’s!”

Tracey adds that all of her kids share the same middle name, Hovey.

“I’ve always had a strong feeling about my name, it was my only real connection to my dad, so I always wanted to keep it and ensure that it won’t be forgotten,” she said.

Open to U12 and U14 ski racers, “the Hovey” as it is known, gathers young racers from across the Northeast to compete and the desire to win is a defining moment in any young racer’s career. Known for launching the ski careers of many young athletes, including two-time Olympic medalist Andrew Weibrecht, the race is an exciting rite of passage for young NYSEF racers.

New this year will be the Hovey Family Fun Race on Saturday, February 11, at the Bear Den area of Whiteface Mountain. From 2:30 pm – 4 pm, guests are welcome to compete in a fun race, which will be followed by a cocktail reception hosted by NYSEF and the Hovey Family at Bear Den Lodge’s Growlers Grill from 3:30-6 pm. Join us for camaraderie, a cash bar, and complimentary snacks.