Ellicottville, NY has been called “a drinking town with a skiing problem.” Which, to be honest, isn’t exactly false. While the party scene in Ellicottville is top-notch, there is also so many other things to do year round! Ellicottville is an easy drive from nearby cities, and draws those crowds year round. Buffalo, Toronto, and Cleveland locals have been flocking to this charming ski town for years. This is my all-season guide to Ellicottville, NY!
Read More: 101 Things To Do in Western New York
Winter
While all seasons in Ellicottville have something special to offer, winter is the shining star! This town bursts to life once the temperatures start to fall and the slopes are covered in fresh powder.
Among everything else that attracts visitors to Ellicottville are the slopes at Holiday Valley and Holimont! Both resorts are top-notch and offer high-speed lifts, unbeatable snowmaking, expert grooming, and tons of slope variety. Whether you are a seasoned skier or just starting out, there is something for you here!
When choosing your Ellicottville resort, there are some factors to consider. While Holiday Valley is completely open to the public, Holimont is a private resort (it is actually the largest in the country!) that is only open to the public on weekdays. Holiday Valley also offers both day and night skiing, while Holimont is only open for day skiing (usually until 4:00 pm). You’ll get more crowds at Holiday Valley than at Holimont, but that also comes with more amenities. There are significantly more (and larger) lodges at HV and tons of dining and drinking options. If you’re looking for a “big ski resort” vibe, HV is the place for you. Whereas if you’re looking for something quieter, Holimont would be a good option.
For those who don’t ski or snowboard, there are plenty of other outdoor (and indoor!) activities to enjoy as well. Just a few miles outside of downtown is Holiday Valley Tubing, which offers some of the best tubing in the area. Tubing is truly for anyone, and no skills or athleticism are required. You simply hang on and enjoy the ride! If you want to get outside at the resorts, Holiday Valley also offers snowshoeing, which is a great (and affordable) way to enjoy the resort. For those looking to “après ski all day”, the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley is your key to success. Enjoy drinks and grub at John Harvard’s, relax at the Ellicottville Oasis Day Spa, or hit up downtown Ellicottville for some non-stop fun. More on that below!
Spring
After the snow starts to melt and the resorts close up shop, Ellicottville’s “shoulder season” begins. While spring is certainly slower than the preceding and forthcoming seasons, there are still plenty of things to do to enjoy your time in Ellicottville!
For those who have an intense dedication to skiing, consider hiking the hills at Holiday Valley to get in some turns even after the lifts close for the year! If you’re looking to take advantage of every bit of snow, this would be a fun (albeit, exhausting) way to round out your season. Personally, I’ve never done this but I know of lots of people who strap up their boots and lug their skis and poles to the top of the hill. The true definition of “earning your turns!” For best results, the slopes Yodeler and Champagne are likely your best bets to finding the last bit of snow. They are one of the most popular runs, they’re short (but steep), and there is a parking lot very close by.
If that is not your jam, this is the perfect time to start enjoying the warming temperatures by grabbing a bite downtown and eating outdoors. Many of Ellicottville’s restaurants have outdoor seating and after a long cold winter, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Summer
As the temperatures start to rise, Ellicottville shifts their focus from a winter wonderland to a summer paradise! The town bursts alive with tons of festivals, fun, and live music. My personal favorite? The Tase of Ellicottville which happens every August! Restaurants will set up a tent outside and offer bite-sized portions of their menu. It’s a great opportunity to try new things or sample on some old favorites. Another very popular attraction is to spend a morning or afternoon on the golf course at Holiday Valley. Choose from playing either 9 or 18 holes and then hit the town for some lunch, drinks, and good times after.
For those seeking adventure, Holiday Valley reopens their hills that were once covered with snow to mountain biking. New as of this past year, they also offered e-bikes, which is more my speed! Also at Holiday Valley is Sky High, their ropes adventure course. Sky High offers courses of all different levels, marked just like their ski runs from green circle (easy) to double black diamond (most difficult). Don’t worry- you are harnessed in so there is no chance of falling! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out their Mountain Coaster. The coaster is actually open year round (but in my opinion, most enjoyable in summer) and is a fun ride down the mountain.
Fall
Fall is truly a spectacular time to visit Ellicottville. The temperatures start getting cooler, the leaves are changing, and the town is starting to gear up for the winter. Everyone is excited and the town is abuzz!
Without a doubt, the highlight of fall is Ellicottville’s annual Fall Festival! The town bursts alive with fall fun that will keep you entertained all weekend. The festival is split into two locations: downtown and at Holiday Valley Resort. Downtown offers plenty of vendor tents to shop for some local goods, live music, and tons of food and drinks. The patio at Ellicottville Brewing Company and the deck at Madigan’s are two places you’ll be sure to find a good time.
Over at Holiday Valley, ride their Mardi Gras chairlift to the top of the mountain for even more live music, food, and drinks. This is where the money shot is- the view of the leaves are spectacular! From the top of neighboring slopes of Yodeler and Champagne, you can get picture-perfect leaf peeping photos just waiting to make an appearance on your Instagram feed. If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, they also offer rides up their Spruce Lake chairlift. There won’t be a festival at the top, but you’ll get the same spectacular views and can even hike back down a gentle slope. If you’re looking to get a deal on ski and snowboard gear, they also offer their annual ski swap where you can really get excited for the upcoming season!
If you don’t make it to town for the festival, fear not! Holiday Valley offers regular rides on their chairlift throughout the season, so you can get the same spectacular views without the crowds.
Eat, Drink, and Relax
Washington Street, which is Ellicottville’s main street is filled with shops, restaurants, and even breweries. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. For casual dining, my favorite places are The Gin Mill and Balloons. Both places have some of the best wings around- grab an order and thank me later! For a casual – but quirky – vibe, head slightly outside of downtown to The Depot. This place is sensory overload, but always a good time. For a more elevated dining experience, Dina’s and The Banq are two solid options. After dinner, make sure to stop by the Ellicottville Brewing Company and lounge in their outdoor beer garden, and make sure to give in to your sweet tooth by getting some sponge candy at Watson’s Chocolates.
When it’s time to unwind with a little apres-ski (or just a “treat yourself” day), I can think of no better place than the Ellicottville Salt Cave & Spa. As the name would suggest, there is a real salt cave that you can book some time in. It’s unbelievably relaxing and actually is proven to help breathing, clear congestion, and help your skin. They also offer massages, facials, and a sauna. This is one of my favorite spots in Ellicottville!
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