Rick Vidal left global boardrooms for a forgotten ski mountain and found something much bigger than a renovation project.

In this episode of ADK Talks, we head to Jay, New York, to explore the remarkable reinvention of the former Pale Face Ski Area, now reborn as NewVida Preserve. Rick shares the deeply personal story behind buying a long-closed resort, reopening land that had been private for decades, and rebuilding not just buildings, but trust and community.

What unfolds is a conversation about second acts, Adirondack resilience, and what it really takes to bring a place back to life without stripping away its soul.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• The surprising history of Pale Face Ski Area, once a family-friendly counterpoint to Whiteface Mountain
• What it was like to take ownership of a dormant 2,000-acre property with no maps, no systems, and a literal bucket of keys
• How NewVida balances preservation with reinvention, from vintage ski chairs to repurposed runs turned into trails
• Why opening 45 miles of trails to the public was non-negotiable
• The challenge of building trust as newcomers and what the Adirondack spirit really looks like in practice
• Bringing bold, global cuisine to the High Peaks region and raising the bar for dining in the North Country
• Hosting weddings, retreats, wellness programs, and community events in a former ski lodge
• The uphill climb of attracting investors to the Adirondacks and why regional branding still matters
• A friendly ghost story hiding in the old gym
• Rick’s favorite local gem: the growing Hardy Mountain Bike Trails near Wilmington and Jay

Places and organizations mentioned

• NewVida Preserve – Lodging, dining, wellness programs, events, and public trail access in Jay, NY
• Whiteface Mountain
• Jay, New York
• Wilmington, New York
• Adirondack Park Agency
• Adirondack Park Paranormal Society
• Hardy Road Mountain Bike Trails

This episode is a reminder that the Adirondacks are still a place for big ideas, careful stewardship, and bold second chances. Whether you come for the views, the trails, the food, or the stories, NewVida Preserve is writing a new chapter on old ground.

Resources:

• Check out the NewVida Preserve website

Produced by NOVA