Holiday Valley Ski Resort

Terrain

Holiday Valley has 60 trails nearly evenly broken out by the different ability levels over its 290 acres. It receives 180 inches of snow, which is enhanced by snowmaking on 95% of the terrain with over 600 snowguns, including over 230 automated snowguns. It has five terrain parks, including the beginner-intermediate Mardi Gras Rail Park and the main terrain park, Fiddler’s Elbow. There’s also a boardercross course on Moonshadow.

The resort offers a summit of 2,250 feet (base elevation 1,500) with a vertical rise of 750 feet. Thirty-nine trails are open for night skiing, and all areas are serviced by a total of 13 lifts, moving up 23,850 per hour.

Beginners should stick to the Creekside Lodge beginner center, which is near the Holiday Valley Lodge. You can also rent equipment or take lessons here. The other beginner area is near the Tannenbaum Lodge. If you’re interested in cross-country skiing or snowboarding, you can take advantage of the trails near the golf course or the ridge line. Photographers often take photos near the top of Mardi Gras if you want some action shots of your day. Day lockers and overnight equipment storage is available at the Holiday Valley Lodge.

If you are looking to get away from the slopes for a while, the Town of Ellicottville has a lot to offer, from antiquing to historical walking tours of the town to galleries and artist studios. Less than an hour and a half from the town is Niagara Falls, which is well worth a day trip. The area is also home to many different events, including a Beer and Wine Festival, live music, half marathons and more.

Breakfast

• With its exposed-brick interior and quality, hearty breakfast, you won’t regret stopping by Dina’s before taking your first run. 15 Washington Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731

Lunch

• Located close to the slopes, Slopeside Bar & BBQ offers good food at decent prices for a resort. 6089 US-219, Ellicottville, NY 14731

Dinner

• Monroe St. Brick & Brew offers hungry patrons hand-made, brick-oven pizzas as well as comfort food favorites like bread sticks and wings. 21 Monroe Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731

Après/Nightlife

• The Gin Mill is a local institution, having been open since 1976. There’s often live music during the afternoon and evenings. 20 Washington Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731