Background:

The marvelous ski area of Holiday Valley in south Ellicottville was first opened commercially in 1957-58, fulfilling the dream of Dick Congdon, John Fisher and Bill Northrup to open a modern ski area in Ellicottville in New York in the USA. The ski area began operating with 4 slopes and a T-bar that descended down to Yodeler, Champagne, Holiday Run and Edelweiss. Organised skiing at Ellicottville dates back to 1935 when Fish Hill was opened. In 1938, Ellicottville Ski Club was formed which drew people from Buffalo, Rochester and Cleveland.  Holiday Valley, however, has come a far distance from where it had started. Today, with 13 lifts, 56 slopes and trails, 3 base lodges, two hotels, pools, a golf course and several other amenities, Holiday Valley is one of the favourite skiing destinations in eastern USA.

About Ellicottville:

Ellicottville Village is located in Cattaraugus County, New York, the USA. It has been named after Joseph Ellicott, a principal land agent of the Holland Land Company. It lies to the southwest of the Ellicottville town and to the north of the city of Salamanca.

Ellicottville Activities/ attractions Holiday Valley:

• WINTER
• Tubing:
  A perfect place for family fun. The Tubing Park here is located at about 4 miles from the resort and 3 miles northeast of Ellicottville Village. The park is open from Thursday to Sunday every week.
• Mountain touring:
  The mountain tours begin on weekends and holidays from the clock tower in front of Clubhouse Chalet. It is a free guided tour organized on nursery and intermediate terrain. One must have intermediate skills and lift ticket for undertaking the tour.
• NASTAR Racing:
  NASTAR races are organized on Cindy’s Run every Wednesday through Sunday at around 12:30 pm. Charges are $5 for kids and $6 for adults (for two runs). One can also buy an unlimited pass for a whole day for $10.

• Snowshoing and Cross Country Skiing:
  Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are two of the biggest draws of the resort. Wearing comfortable, waterproof shoes and water repellent pants is necessary.
• Massage:
  A great way to relax and rejuvenate the tired muscles after a demanding day of skiing. Therapeutic massage is available at Falling Waters Spa at the Tamarack Club (prior appointment is required). Hot stone massage, body wraps and face treatments are other facilities available.
• Shopping:
  Holiday Valley Mountain Shops offer great marketing opportunities. There are also varieties of shops in downtown Ellicottville. Kazoo II, Alexandra, Aardvark, Ask Design Jewelers, Few of a Kind, Earth’s Arts, Godo-Godo, Nature’s Remedy, Shhhh are some of the well known shopping outlets here. Goggles, Ski and snowboarding gears, toys, home furnishing, fine jewellery, healthcare products-Holiday Valley and Ellicottville have them all.
• SUMMER
• Sightseeing:
  The beauty of Ellicottville and its countryside is truly reflected during the summer months.
• Golfing:
  Double Black Diamond is a unique golf course located in Holiday Valley. Hiking and mountain biking are common to the trails of Holiday Valley except those crossing the golf course.
• Mountain biking on trails linking NYS Forest land comprising logging roads and a single track. Topographical map of the trails is also available at Holiday Valley or Ellicottville Bike Shop. Continue hiking or biking to the top of Spruce Lake chairlift.

Ellicottville Attractions

• Nannen Arboretum botanical garden
• Griffis Sculpture Park to see giant sculptures in a natural setting.

• Horseback riding at Gentle Thunder Farm
• Finger Lakes Trail or Allegany State Park.

Others:

• Seneca Iroquois National Museum in neighboring Salamanca.
• Niagara Falls (a 1 and half hour drive towards north)
• Chautauqua Lake.

How to reach:

Holiday Valley’s address is 6557 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville, New York. The resort is located at the intersection of NY Rt. 219 and Holiday Valley Road, a mile south of Ellicottville. It can be reached from Buffalo Airport. Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Cleveland are other nearby cities.