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(Rick Miller/Olean Star file photo) Holiday Valley has announced it will open Friday for the 2025-26 skiing and snowboarding season. It is the Ellicottville resort's 68th season.

Holiday Valley readies for Friday opening of its 68th skiing and snowboarding season

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ELLICOTTVILLE — Holiday Valley will open Friday morning for its 68th ski and snowboard season. 

Thanks to sustained snowmaking efforts and favorable temperatures, guests can look forward to a strong start to winter with both day and night skiing and riding available on opening day.

Lifts will operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday.

Four lifts will be running — Creekside, Mardi Gras, Yodeler and Tannenbaum — providing access to School Haus

West, Mardi Gras, Yodeler, Tannenbaum and the Rail Fun Park, which means that there will be terrain available for all levels of ability.

“We’ve had almost perfect weather to get our 68th winter season rolling with about 20 inches of natural snow and ideal snowmaking temperatures,” said Dennis Eshbaugh, Holiday Valley president and general manager.  “Conditions should be great, our staff is excited, and skiers and riders have waited all summer and fall for opening day!”

Holiday Valley plans to add additional lifts and terrain on Saturday, expanding access across the mountain. Weekend operating hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Holiday Valley also plans to set a cross-country track around the golf course for guests interested n Nordic skiing.

Holiday Valley Snowsports will offer private lessons at Creekside for all ages and skill levels. To book, call

(716) 699-3506.

The Customer Service building will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting on Friday and running through the

weekend. A resort shuttle will operate for lodging guests throughout opening weekend.

(Rick Miller/Olean Star file photo) Holiday Valley will open Friday with a mix on man-made and natural snow.

The Holiday Valley Tubing Park, located just 4 miles away from the resort on Rt. 242, is scheduled to open for the season on Dec. 19. For more information, go to

holidayvalley.com/activities/tubing.

All opening plans are anticipated and subject to change based on weather conditions, snowmaking progress, and mountain operations. Guests are encouraged to check holidayvalley.com and Holiday

Valley’s social channels @holidayvalley for the latest updates.

As winter kicks off, Holiday Valley reminds visitors to stay clear of closed terrain and respect all mountain operations. Uphill hiking is prohibited during snowmaking and grooming activities to ensure the safety of both guests and staff.

Marketing director Dash Hedgeman noted Holiday Valley is ranked #4 in the East in the 2025 Ski Magazine Readers Resort Rankings.

Holiday Valley is Western New York’s largest year ‘round resort. 

Besides 60 slopes and trails, 13 lifts, three base lodges, and slope side lodging and dining during winter, it features  conference facilities, an 18 hole golf course, a tree top aerial adventure park, a mountain coaster and a summer  pool complex.

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