Eastern Snowboarding
Holiday Valley Ski Resort: A Closer Look
Just got back from Holiday Valley in New York State, which is about three hours from Toronto. I must say, I had a great time and will be going back next year.
The location
Given the proximity to Toronto, I don’t know why people bother with Blue Mountain. Holiday Valley is a little over three hours by car via the Peace Bridge if the lines at the border are short (which they were both ways). If you’re familiar with Ontario or Western New York highways, the route looks something like this: 401 > QEW > Border > I-90 > 219. It’s a pretty easy drive (though we missed our hotel on the way in and had to double-back through town more than once).
The conditions
As I mentioned yesterday, day one featured warm temperatures and soft, slushy snow. Since it was mid-March, this was to be expected. We still had a great time, as our crew was just happy to be riding in March, and we were happy to pull off a last-minute trip.
On day two, things cooled down a bit, turned slightly icy, and some snow moved in. It made for a much speedier day than day one, but also meant we couldn’t pop into treed areas (of which there are many in Holiday Valley) because everything in the woods was frozen.
All in all, the conditions were good and the snow base was stable.
The resort
Holiday Valley features 750 feet or so of vertical rise, meaning it’s just a wee bit taller than some of the larger hills here in Ontario. Holiday Valley has places like Blue Mountain (and other resorts in Ontario) beat, though, in many many areas.
- Variety of runs: There are more than 50 runs at Holiday Valley, ranging from easy greens to truly double diamond (”The Wall” is a serious sheet of ice that is not to be taken lightly). There are few Ontario results with 50+ runs, if any. Moreover, there are several areas of the mountain that feel completely separate from the others, and each run ends at a relatively speedy lift. Bonus: no. lift. lines. at. all. There’s nothing like coming down a run at Blue Mountain to see a HUGE, 15-20 minute lineup for a lousy 700 feet. Never happened once this weekend.
- Ability to “wander”: As if 50+ runs wasn’t enough, most areas are separated by trees which are easy to explore. There are many glade runs as well.
- Excellent on-mountain facilities: There are plenty of areas to get food and beer, and the lodges have a warm, welcoming feeling (as opposed to the cafeterias that are predominant in major Ontario resorts).
- Five terrain parks: Need I say more?
Food and accommodations
We stayed at the local Wingate By Wyndham in Ellicottville which was reasonably priced, featured spacious rooms and were very clean. The staff can get a little ornery if you’re too loud at 2:30 in the morning, but we won’t get into that. While there is no bar or restaurant to speak of in the hotel, the location is great and the hotel offers a free hot breakfast every morning. The breakfast runs until 10am, and it’s outstanding.
The town of Ellicottville itself serves as an excellent ski resort village. There are several local bars and restaurants; we went to at least four. The Ellicottville Brewing Company has an excellent selection of beer and food, though it gets packed quick - go early. I recommend the Double Diamond for after-dinner/late-night drinking. I must say, I was extremely impressed with the Double Diamond, which apparently is a new-ish bar in the neighbourhood. When I walked in, there was a cool duo playing guitar and bongos while singing popular songs. In the back, a bunch of shredders had set up a rail and a box, carted in some snow, and were throwing themselves off a mini-ramp. Hopefully I’ll get some photos up of that experience.
Short but sweet
Okay, although I’m fawning over this place, the reality is that Holiday Valley features a mere 750 feet of vertical. As a result, the runs are still quick and you spend a lot of time on lifts. But for a resort in the east that’s nowhere near a real mountain, Holiday Valley is pretty darn good. In fact, check out their 2007 Ski Magazine rankings:
- Lifts - 2nd in the East, 9th in the Nation
- Dining - 4th in the East
- Grooming - 9th in the East
- Terrain Parks - 12th in the East
Not bad for 750 feet! I’m definitely going back.
Discussion
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Sounds like fun. I’ll be sure to join you next year.