1. Cities & Towns

Discuss in my forum

Holiday Valley Ski Resort - Ellicottville, New York

By , About.com Guide

Consistently rated by visitors as the best ski resort in Western NY, Holiday Valley is a small, charming resort with great skiing. The mountains may not rival those in the west or New England, but the terrain is challenging and offers quite a bit of variety. A large number of lifts keeps people moving smoothly, and the excellent grooming keeps the trails fun even when there isn't a lot of snow. Holiday Valley is ranked 4th in eastern North America by SKI Magazine.

Holiday Valley Ski Essentials:

  • Slopes/Trails: 56 (31% Beginner, 37% Intermediate, 32% Advanced)
  • Lifts: 2 High-Speed Quad, 8 Quads, 1 Double, 1 Surface Lift, 1 Magic Carpet
  • Snowmaking: 95%
  • Elevation: 2250 ft
  • Vertical: 750 ft
  • Longest Run: 0.80 miles
  • Equipment Rentals: YES
  • Night Skiing: YES
  • Ski School: YES

Holiday Valley Activities:

  • Half Pipe: YES
  • Terrain Park: YES
  • Snow Tubing: YES (at Bryant Hill in Ellicottville)
  • Cross Country: YES
  • Snowboarding: YES
  • Children's Program: YES

Best Features:

  • Terrain - Holiday Valley boasts a variety of terrain normally found only at much larger ski resorts. Combined with great lifts and excellent grooming, the variety makes a Holiday Valley a fun place to ski for people of all ages and levels.

  • A True Ski Town - the nearby village of Elicottville is packed with great restaurants, bars and shopping. A wonderful place to relax after a hard day of skiing!

Getting to Holiday Valley:


Located in Southwestern NY, about a 4 hours drive from Pittsburgh, PA.
Map and Driving Directions

For More Information:

Holiday Valley Mountain Resort:


Route 219 PO Box 370
Ellicottville, NY 14731-0370
(716) 699-2345
(814) 352-7777
http://www.holidayvalley.com

Snow Report: (800) 367-9691 (Toll Free WNY)

The Bottom Line:


Holiday Valley offers everything you would expect in a great family ski resort: daycare, children's ski programs, NASTAR racing, and three base lodges. Plus, the nearby village of Ellicottville offers a charming mix of great restaurants, boisterous bars, and unique shopping boutiques. Holiday Valley may not be the largest resort you have ever visited, but it is certain to make your 'most charming' list.

More Area Ski Resorts:

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.