'New York's Playground For Outdoor Fun' Is An Eclectic, Overlooked Village To Ski And Shop

New York may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of outdoor recreation and ski adventures, but tucked away in just underneath the Allegheny Mountains lies Ellicottville, a charming village that has long been a haven for adventure seekers. Ellicottville is an easy getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City, and a self-proclaimed "playground for outdoor fun and adventure" in western New York. Travelers can reach this picturesque destination by flying into the Jamestown County Airport, about a 45-minute drive away or the Buffalo Niagara International Airport about an hour away. By car, Ellicottville is a six-hour drive from New York City and just an hour from Buffalo, making it an accessible retreat for weekend adventures and a perfect winter getaway.

Originally founded in 1820 and named after surveyor Joseph Ellicott, this village was once a thriving lumber mill community. Before the rise of the commercial ski resorts, dedicated skiers established the Ellicottville Ski Club in 1935, setting up a rudimentary rope tow system to traverse the hills. It wasn't until the opening of ski resorts in the 1950s that the town transformed into a premier ski destination. This enthusiasm for skiing paved the way for the development of the modern resorts that now define the area. Today, Ellicottville is home to Holiday Valley and HoliMont, some of the region's top ski resorts, making it the pulse of western New York's ski country.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Ellicottville offers some of the best skiing in the eastern U.S. and definitely within New York. The two main resorts, Holiday Valley and HoliMont, provide incredible slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities that attract visitors from around the region.

Holiday Valley, the first resort established in the area in 1957, has grown into a premier destination for skiers of all levels, offering 13 different lifts and 60 winding hills with various trails and terrain. Speedsters can also try the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster. Yes, a rollercoaster that you can control to wind down the snowy mountainside while you admire the views. Consistently ranked among the best ski resorts in the eastern United States, Holiday Valley has built a reputation for its excellent facilities and well-groomed runs.

On the other side of the mountain, HoliMont Ski Club is America's largest private ski club, known for its pristine trails and family-friendly atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination for both kids and parents. The resort is beloved for its patented snowmaking system, which complements the average 180 inches of natural snowfall each year, ensuring optimal ski conditions. HoliMont features 56 ski trails and runs, seven chairlifts, and a well-known 700-foot vertical drop, making it a favorite among skiers in search of a mix of scenic beauty and a challenge. Visitors can also enjoy activities like cross-country skiing, improve their skills with a lesson, or join one of the many seasonal camp programs.

The village's appeal extends well beyond the winter months. As the snow melts, the area transforms into a vibrant outdoor playground, offering hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and a variety of unique attractions that make it a year-round destination — not to mention the great boutique shops in town. There are several mountain biking trails, with rentals available whether you're looking for e-bikes, hard tails, cruisers, or bikes for the little ones. 

For golf enthusiasts, Holiday Valley's Double Black Diamond Golf Course provides a gorgeous natural setting for hitting that hole-in-one — but make sure you brush up on your swing, this is a notoriously challenging course! Thrill seekers can test their skills at the Sky High Aerial Adventure Park, the largest of its kind in New York and the third largest in the United States. Suspended high in the trees, this outdoor obstacle course features swinging logs, hanging wooden bridges, and elements reminiscent of an outdoor ninja warrior course, providing a thrilling experience for both adults and kiddos.

Ellicottville itself is a charming and walkable village spanning just 1 square mile. Despite its small size, it boasts a lively atmosphere with a rich selection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and galleries. Visitors can browse boutique stores, antique shops, ski and snowboard outfitters, artisanal markets, cigar lounges and more. The village is also home to over 20 different bars and restaurants, offering a diverse range of dining experiences, from cozy bakeries with sweet treats to brewpubs serving traditional bar fare and upscale steakhouses with craft cocktails.