Sports

Thank heaven for snowmakers

A wintry mix from Mother Nature should hit the Northeast ski areas just in time for the holiday weekend.

When you go skiing this weekend, give a hug to the snowmakers, because without them we would have no ski season.

Martin Luther weekend is a ski-getaway tradition and Stratton Mountain is offering up some fun starting Saturday with a Rail Jam at 2:30 p.m. on Tyrolienne.

The Magic Mountain Tube Park is officially open for the season. In a snow-starved winter so far, people are more anxious to get outside and do something. And, besides skiing and riding, one of those things is sledding, which is pretty tough to do if there’s no snow in the backyard.

First Tracks returns to Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., this Saturday and Sunday. This is your chance to carve the day’s first turns on the Olympic mountain.

First Tracks is available to the first 14 skiers and riders who are intermediate or above with a valid lift ticket. Participants can register at the mountain’s guest services desk and be dressed, with boots on, and ready to go by 8 a.m.

While you’re at the Olympic mountain Saturday, check out the latest alpine gear during the Eastern Mountain Sports Demo Day. This is a chance to try out some of the top brands including Black Diamond, Dynafit, Scarpa, and G3.

It’s also Safety Awareness Week at all ski areas and skiers and boarder who purchase a helmet at the Pico Sports Shop from Jan. 14-22 will get a voucher for a free lift ticket valid starting Jan. 23.

Belleayre will be having its traditional Winter Festival Week Jan. 21-29. The highlight of Festival Week will be the traditional $20 midweek lift tickets from Jan. 23-27. The week will conclude with the 26th Annual Snowball on Jan. 28 at the Overlook Lodge. The Guest of Honor will be the Honorable Michael A. L. Balboni, former New York State Senator and Deputy Director for Public Affairs for New York State who will be presented with the Spirit of the Catskills Award.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, in conjunction with its partner Sugarbush Resort and the Red Sox Foundation will offer a free day of skiing and snowboarding for military service members, veterans and families on Jan. 22 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

ken.moran@nypost.com