Second Acts in the Mountains: Inside NewVida Preserve’s Bold Revival

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 episodeThe surprising history of Pale Face Ski Area, once a family-friendly counterpoint to Whiteface MountainWhat it was like to take ownership of a dormant 2,000-acre property with no maps, no systems, and a literal bucket of keysHow NewVida balances preservation with reinvention, from vintage ski chairs to repurposed runs turned into trailsWhy opening 45 miles of trails to the public was non-negotiableThe challenge of building trust as newcomers and what the Adirondack spirit really looks like in practiceBringing bold, global cuisine to the High Peaks region and raising the bar for dining in the North CountryHosting weddings, retreats, wellness programs, and community events in a former ski lodgeThe uphill climb of attracting investors to the Adirondacks and why regional branding still mattersA friendly ghost story hiding in the old gymRick’s favorite local gem: the growing Hardy Mountain Bike Trails near Wilmington and JayPlaces and organizations mentionedNewVida Preserve – Lodging, dining, wellness programs, events, and public trail access in Jay, NYWhiteface MountainJay, New YorkWilmington, New YorkAdirondack Park AgencyAdirondack Park Paranormal SocietyHardy Road Mountain Bike TrailsThis 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 websiteProduced by NOVA