Holiday Valley

Western NY’s biggest resort, beside Ellicottville.

Holiday Valley is the largest resort in western New York: 60 trails, 13 lifts and three base areas a mile from Ellicottville, a walkable village known for its bars and live music. Lake-effect snow and heavy snowmaking keep it reliable, and the Tamarack Club puts you ski-in, ski-out. Best for families and groups who want a full weekend.

The mountain

Vertical drop

750 ft

Summit

2,250 ft

Skiable terrain

290 acres

Trails

60

Lifts

13

Average snowfall

180″ a year

Longest run

1 mi

Snowmaking

95% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 37%
• Intermediate 25%
• Advanced 38%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Mountain coaster
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Spa
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 25, noon–10 pm (recent seasons)Usually

  Christmas Day skiing

  Lifts, tubing and the coaster open at noon on Christmas Day, with skiing into the night.

• New Year’sThu Dec 31, 9 pm–12:30 am

  New Year’s Eve party, torchlight parade and fireworks

  Family-friendly party in the Main Lodge with a DJ, a torchlight parade down Cindy’s, fireworks and a midnight champagne toast for guests 21+.

• FestivalNov 7

  Beer & Wine Festival

  Local beer and wine tastings with live music, the last big party before ski season.

• Opening dayFri Nov 27 (weather permitting)

  Opening day

  Holiday Valley’s 69th season kicks off, with lifts running 9 am–4:30 pm.

• FestivalA mid-March weekend (Mar 14–15 last season)Usually

  Winter Carnival and Mardi Gras Parade

  Costume parade, beer slalom, Dummy Downhill, a Yodeler snow bar and the Mardi Gras parade through the village.

Where to stay

• ski-in/ski-outTamarack Club

  Hotel rooms to three-bedroom condos at the main base area, with Edna’s restaurant and the Oasis spa.

  Ski-in, ski-out
• slopesideThe Inn at Holiday Valley

  Hotel on the slopes and golf course with a pool, lobby bar and some fireplace suites.

  Slopeside
• hotelWingate by Wyndham Ellicottville

  Chain hotel in Ellicottville, close to the village bars and restaurants.

  5 min drive
• condoHoliday Valley Rental Management

  More than 200 condos, townhouses and chalets on the slopes and around town.

  Slopeside to 5 min

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Holiday Valley Tubing Company · 10 min drive

  Up to 20 lanes, 900 feet long, with an LED light show on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster · On site

  A six-minute, 4,800-foot coaster that runs in winter too.

• Ellicottville Oasis Spa · On site

  Massage and facials inside the Tamarack Club.

• Cross-country and snowshoe trails · On site

  Packed trails along the summit ridge and around the golf course.

• Ellicottville Brewing Company · 5 min drive

  The village brewpub and a local institution.

• Ellicottville Distillery · 5 min drive

  Craft distillery with a tasting room.

• Seneca Allegany Casino · 25 min drive

  Casino, restaurants and shows in Salamanca.

Après and nightlife

• Yodeler Lodge

  Lodge at the base of the Yodeler lift with live music on busy weekends.

• Cabana Bar

  Covered outdoor bar in the base area with mountain views and live entertainment.

• Ellicottville Brewing Company

  Packed village brewpub after the lifts close.

• Balloons

  Ellicottville’s long-running bar and live-music club.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) · about 1 hr 5 min drive
• Verona, NY · about 4 hr
• Buffalo · about 1 hr
• Rochester · about 1.9 hr

Directions in Google Maps