Holiday Valley
Ellicottville, NY
Terrain Breakdown
About Holiday Valley
Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY is one of western New York's premier ski destinations with 750 ft of vertical, 290 skiable acres, and 60 trails served by 13 lifts including three high-speed detachable chairs. Its balanced terrain split of 44% beginner, 25% intermediate, and 29% advanced makes it accessible for all ability levels. Extensive snowmaking covers 98% of terrain, and the resort is well-known for its night skiing operations.
Lift System
Chair Lifts & Gondolas
Surface Lifts & Carpets
Learn to Ski
Holiday Valley is one of the strongest learn-to-ski programs in the region. The dedicated beginner area with magic carpet lifts and gentle progression terrain, combined with the resort's Snowsports School, makes it an excellent choice for first-timers. The 44% beginner terrain allocation means new skiers won't feel crowded onto a single bunny slope.
Lodging
The Inn at Holiday Valley and the Tamarack Club provide ski-in/ski-out convenience. Ellicottville village, just minutes away, has a wide range of inns, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and condos. The town has a genuine village atmosphere that makes it a popular weekend destination for Buffalo, Rochester, and Pittsburgh skiers.
Apres-Ski
Ellicottville is one of the best après-ski towns in the Northeast. The village has numerous bars, restaurants, and breweries within walking distance. The Cabana Bar at the base area and Ellicottville Brewing Company are local favorites.
Best Time to Visit
January through mid-March offers the most consistent conditions. Holiday Valley's aggressive snowmaking means reliable coverage even in lean snow years. Weekdays are uncrowded; weekends draw large Buffalo and Pittsburgh crowds. Holiday periods and February school breaks are the busiest.
Night Skiing
Nightly — to 9pm Mon–Wed and 10pm Thu–Sun on 39 lit trails.
Schedules change through the season — confirm on the official site before you go.