People& Places

ABOVE: Adalina Weibrecht, Andrew Weibrecht, Ethan Weibrecht, Ed Weibrecht, Lisa Weibrecht, Jay Rand, Gun Rand, Denja Weibrecht and Silje Weibrecht. ABOVE: Andrew with his family.

The state Olympic Regional Development Authority Sunday, Jan. 2 recognized two-time Olympic medalist Andrew Weibrecht, of Lake Placid, with the name of Whiteface Mountain’s new chairlift and with the

Weibrecht is a three-time Olympian, a native of Lake Placid, and a lifelong skier of Whiteface. He won a silver medal in Sochi in 2014 and a bronze medal in Vancouver in 2010, both in super-G.

The bottom of the downhill course features a historic scoreboard that has been wrapped in signage celebrating Weibrecht. The updated scoreboard also includes an announcement of the upcoming FISU World University Games, which will begin at several venues including Whiteface Mountain in one year.

The new quad out of the Base Area that services the arena is named “Warhorse,” which is Weibrecht’s nickname because of his reputation for skillfully attacking the mountain when he races.

To commemorate the designation of the lift and arena, Weibrecht foreran the annual Hovey Memorial Race on Jan. 2.

A brief ceremony with several speakers including Weibrecht, New York Ski Educational Foundation Director John Norton, and Whiteface Mountain General Manager Aaron Kellett followed at the Finish Arena.

The Hovey brought teenage athletes from New York state together to kick off the racing season with a supportive, team-oriented event. Weibrecht won the race in 2001.

Signage highlighting Weibrecht’s career is also on display in the Base Lodge.

“I’m incredibly proud of growing up here and for having the privilege to represent Lake Placid and Whiteface throughout my ski career,” Weibrecht said in a statement. “Whiteface, NYSEF and Lake Placid provided an environment where I had the opportunity to grow as an athlete and test the boundaries of possibility. It’s an honor to be part of the ongoing Lake Placid Olympic legacy and I am incredibly grateful for everyone who supported me. Thank you for this recognition, I am honored.”

“Andrew Weibrecht sets an outstanding example for athletes of all ability levels,” ORDA CEO Michael Pratt said in a statement. “He combines his impressive skills with humility and an inspiring work ethic. ORDA and the staff at Whiteface are thrilled to honor him.”

Weibrecht started skiing at the age of two, chasing his brothers on the trails at Whiteface. He joined NYSEF’s race program where he developed his speed career, progressing to three Olympic Games. Weibrecht was inducted into US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2018, and the Lake Placid Hall of Fame in 2017. Whiteface is proud to designate the Andrew Weibrecht Finish Arena, serviced by the Warhorse Quad. Photos courtesy of ORDA/Elise Ruocco