The Skiers' Guide to Holiday Valley

Holiday Valley sits in the charming town of Ellicottville in western New York state, offering a brilliant skiing experience with an overall rating of 4.44/5 from our users. Despite modest elevation (685.8m at the top, 457.2m at the base), this resort punches well above its weight by making the most of what nature provides.

With 60 diverse runs spread across the mountain and an efficient network of 11 chairlifts, Holiday Valley has created a comprehensive ski experience that caters to all abilities. One Snomad community member liked that "the resort is well laid out with something for everyone" and many praise the modern lift system that keeps queues manageable.

What makes Holiday Valley stand out is its perfect balance of skiing and village atmosphere. The town of Ellicottville complements the ski experience beautifully, with users frequently commenting on its quaint charm and range of amenities. The resort particularly shines for family friendliness (4.77/5) and beginner-friendly terrain (4.17/5).

Holiday Valley's 60 runs break down nicely with 22 beginner slopes, 15 intermediate pistes, and 22 advanced runs. This balanced terrain mix helps explain why it scores well for intermediates (4.59/5) and advanced skiers (4.39/5) alike.

The resort's lift efficiency (4.66/5) is one of its strongest assets, with multiple high-speed chairlifts keeping wait times down. Jessica, an advanced skier, notes that "the lift system keeps being improved year after year," which reflects the resort's commitment to enhancing the skier experience.

Holiday Valley's groomed runs (4.45/5) are consistently well maintained. The resort also offers decent tree skiing (4.11/5), with Alexandra, an intermediate skier, highlighting "the runs through the beautiful trees" as her favourites.

For freestylers, the resort provides two terrain parks, scoring 3.80/5 for snow parks. Some users mention these could benefit from more attention, but they provide decent options for those looking to practice their tricks. Powder hunters might find limited opportunities with a 3.45/5 rating for powder zones, though the resort does a stellar job of snowmaking to combat variable conditions.

Holiday Valley scores 4.00/5 for eating out, offering multiple dining locations throughout the resort. The main lodges house cafeterias with standard ski resort fare. Grady, an intermediate skier, mentions "many options for food and dining areas" across the mountain.

Several users note that prices can be steep, with Jazmin, an intermediate snowboarder, commenting that "the only downside has been the price of food." However, many appreciate that you can bring your own food into the lodges, with Jinnie noting "there are many tables where you can sit to eat."

The real culinary highlight seems to be in Ellicottville itself, where users mention a variety of restaurants. Jovica, an advanced skier, describes Ellicottville as a "beautiful village, great shopping and restaurants," suggesting it's worth exploring off-mountain dining options.

With an après-ski rating of 3.96/5, Holiday Valley offers a friendly, laid-back atmosphere rather than wild partying. The resort has several bars and social spaces spread across its lodges where skiers can unwind after a day on the slopes.

The majority of users think the real après action happens in Ellicottville town, which has developed a reputation for its welcoming, fun vibe. Julia, an advanced skier, specifically recommends the "college daze in January" event: "The events are so fun and the free stuff just makes everything better. You will not be bored."

Several users mention the town's proximity to the resort as a major benefit, with Alex noting the "perfect location close to places to stay, shop, and eat." This seamless connection between slope and social life creates a complete experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Holiday Valley shines brightest when it comes to family friendliness (4.77/5), receiving our highest category rating. Caitlin, an advanced skier, calls it "our family's home mountain" and highlights the "amazing ski school with wonderful instructors," a sentiment echoed by many users.

The resort's 4.41/5 rating for ski school quality is backed up by Jessica, who praises the "absolutely phenomenal" ski school that employs "men and women who have skied and coached skiing for decades." This professional instruction helps families develop their skills together in a supportive environment.

Tammy, an intermediate skier, sums it up well: "Holiday Valley is the best family-oriented ski resort in Ellicottville NY. They make sure safety is first whatever your ski level is." The resort also offers adaptive skiing programs, with one non-skier parent sharing how meaningful this was: "I went up here for my kid to do adaptive skiing and she had such a blast having this opportunity. I think it's wonderful they give wheelchair users this fun."

Holiday Valley scores 4.33/5 for accommodation options, with a variety of choices both on and off the mountain. Caitlin mentions having "stayed many times at the resort's ski-in ski-out hotel rooms," which provide convenient slope access.

The town of Ellicottville significantly expands the accommodation offerings. Devin, an intermediate snowboarder, notes "lots of accommodation options as the town of Ellicottville is built around 2 ski resorts." This range of options allows visitors to find lodging that suits their budget and preferences.

Our reviewers mention that the proximity of accommodations to the slopes is a major plus. The compact nature of both the resort and town means that most lodging options provide easy access to the lifts, even if they're not strictly ski-in/ski-out, enhancing the overall convenience of a Holiday Valley ski trip.

Holiday Valley demonstrates commitment to environmental stewardship through its snowmaking operations. Several users commend the resort's ability to maintain good skiing conditions despite climate challenges. Brian, an advanced skier, notes they "do a great job of making snow so we have a fighting chance of skiing during this global warming."

The resort has invested in efficient snowmaking technology that maximises coverage while minimising resource use. This focus on technical solutions helps extend the season in an area that can face variable natural snowfall.

While specific sustainability initiatives aren't widely mentioned in user reviews, the resort's integration with the natural environment, particularly its tree-lined runs, suggests respect for the existing landscape. Further details about renewable energy use or waste reduction programs would provide a clearer picture of Holiday Valley's broader sustainability efforts.