Second Acts in The Adirondacks: A Bold Revival in Jay, NY
ADK Talks Podcast speaks with Rick Vidal, Co-Owner of NewVida Preserve in Jay, NY
Photo courtesy NewVida Preserve.
A former Adirondack ski resort with panoramic views of Whiteface. A 25,000-square-foot A-frame lodge helicopter-built with massive beams. A property that sat quietly outside community reach for decades — and then reopened as a gathering place with bold food, public trails, and a new vision for what “Adirondack hospitality” can mean.
In this episode of ADK Talks, Jane and co-host Steve sit down with Rick Vidal, co-owner of NewVida Preserve in Jay, NY, for a conversation about reinvention — of place, of career, and of the Adirondack experience itself.
This isn’t a “top 10 things to do” episode. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to revive a landmark property with history, complexity, and serious scale — while keeping the spirit of the Adirondacks intact.
Painting by Boylan Fitz-Gerald of PaleFace Mountain. Courtesy ADKX.
The Paleface story — and what came next.
Before it was NewVida Preserve, this property lived a very different life. Rick walks listeners through its origins as Paleface Ski Resort, founded in 1961 by a skier known locally as “Doc,” who modeled the vision on A-frame ski resorts out West.
At its peak, Paleface operated with multiple lifts and dozens of runs — a family-friendly complement to Whiteface.
Then came the shift: the property changed hands, became private, and for years the community could no longer access it. When Rick and his husband purchased the property at the end of 2022, the opportunity was enormous — and so was the work.
Photo courtesy NewVida.
A tech executive’s leap into the North Country.
Rick’s professional background includes leadership roles at Google, McKinsey, and the World Health Organization — not exactly the typical route to running an Adirondack resort. In the episode, he shares the throughline that connects those worlds: a love of building, of “dusting off” potential, and bringing new life to places (and ideas) that need structure and stewardship.
But he also shares the reality: the leap was exhilarating, and it was daunting.
One of the most vivid moments in the episode happens early in the timeline, just after closing. Rick describes arriving to a massive property, in winter, with a “bucket of keys” and very little documentation — and then a snowstorm hit. That story alone sets the tone for the episode: ambitious, human, and very Adirondack.
The hero’s journey of revival.
NewVida didn’t reopen because someone slapped on new paint and called it “rustic luxe.” Rick describes the year-plus of renovations and the problem-solving required to stabilize a property that hadn’t operated commercially in decades.
NewVida guest suite.
You’ll hear what it means to rebuild systems, document what never had maps, and clear out rooms that still held the previous family’s belongings.
You’ll also hear why Rick and his husband intentionally preserved the property’s vintage character — from architectural touches to details like reclaimed elements woven into the bar itself.
Even listeners who have never visited NewVida will recognize the emotional arc: the “what did we do?” moments, the breakthroughs, and the small affirmations that mean you’re building the right thing.
The Adirondack spirit — tested and affirmed.
One of the most meaningful sections of the episode explores belonging, community, and what it feels like to take a leap in a rural place where you’re new — and highly visible.
NewVida’s beautiful terrain.
Rick shares a candid story about an early interaction that was painful and isolating — and then a second interaction, just days later, that restored his faith in the community.
The contrast becomes a powerful reminder of what many people love about the Adirondacks: toughness, yes — but also a willingness to show up for someone who’s investing in the region with the right intentions.
Bold flavors, real craft: the NewVida dining story.
If NewVida has a signature, it’s this: the experience doesn’t stop at the view.
Rick explains why he wanted the food program to be more than classic tavern fare — and why he chose to lean into bold, global flavors, inspired in part by his Cuban roots and extensive travel. He talks openly about the experimentation, the learning curve, and what it took to build consistency.
Then the episode turns to a key chapter: the arrival of Chef Vicky Breyette.
Bold flavors on the menu at NewVida.
Chef Vicky trained in London at Le Gavroche (a Roux brothers institution long known for Michelin-star standards), and she brings deep Adirondack credibility from The Point, Lake Placid Lodge, and Paul Smith’s College.
Rick shares what changed when Vicky came aboard: stability, stronger execution, and a guest experience that consistently matches the setting.
(And yes — Jane makes the point many listeners will want to hear: the dining room lives inside that iconic A-frame. It’s dramatic. It’s memorable. And the menu aims to earn its place there.)
More than a stay: trails, wellness, events, and what’s next.
NewVida is designed as a destination for overnight guests — but Rick is equally clear about opening parts of it to the community.
In the episode, he discusses:
45 miles of trails, now open to the public year-round (including former ski runs and new routes)
A gym membership program for locals, with 24/7 access and new equipment
Wellness services like massage, yoga, Pilates, and fitness instruction
A growing events program, from gatherings to retreats to weddings
Plans and aspirations tied to future development, including expanded lodging and a more complete wellness facility
Wellness classes at NewVida include yoga and meditation.
Rick also shares the most candid part of future-building in the Adirondacks: attracting investment is hard—even with a profitable business and an extraordinary asset. His comments offer insight into why Adirondack branding and regional coordination matter more than people realize.
The hidden gem (don’t skip it).
We won’t spoil Rick’s answer — but if you love biking, trail culture, and community-built recreation, you’ll want to hear what he chose as his must-visit “hidden gem” near Jay and Wilmington.
Listen to the full episode to hear the full arc — the history, the leap, the hard moments, the vision, and the future.
Where to listen:
ADK Talks can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Mentioned in this podcast.
NewVida Preserve – Lodging, dining, wellness programs, events, and public trail access in Jay, NY
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ADK Talks Podcast
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