The weather is warming up but the water is still cold for those that are crazy enough to ski/board over the small pond built for a day at the base of the Yodeler Lodge at Holiday Valley at 1:00pm.  If you don’t want to join in on the biggest splash, it is just as fun to watch the participates attempt to safely glide over the icy cold water.

Prizes will be awarded to all pondskimmers. The top prizes will be awarded for best outfit, best skimmer, best crash and best child (register at 11:00, starts at 1:00), music, cookout and a Margarita bar!

If you havent’ made it to Ellicottville to enjoy the great conditions at HoliMont or Holiday Valley this year, I can’t think of a better time than the next few days.  I’m beginning to believe its never going to stop snowing, over 130 inches so far this year, which is making the ski conditions perfect.  It is a winter wonderland here at the Wingate in Ellicottville and the forecast is not predicting no end in sight, at least not for the next 10 days.

Mardi Gras 2010 is just around the corner!  Its never to early to book your room in downtown Ellicottville, NY where you are right in the Heart of all the fun.  Get your costumes and your beads ready for the Parade on Saturday Night.  Don’t forget about the Costume Parade down Mardi Gras and the Dummy Downhill at the Yodler Lodge at Holiday Valley on Sunday.   Look on line for great discounts www.wingatehotels.com

What great news for all us Winter Sports Fanatics.  Yes, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Tuesday and is predicting 6 more weeks of SNOW.  We have been getting new snowfall all week and the sun is shinning brightly, bringing beautiful slope conditions!  If you haven’t booked your room at the Wingate in Ellicottville, we have rooms available all weekend.

Contractor’s Day at HoliMont - January 29. In 1981, Eleven men met on the slopes and mixed a little business with a lot of pleasure. 28 years later it has grown to over 700 participates, and is one of HoliMonts most successful ski days.  Enjoy a full day of skiing, fun, and an apres ski party for $50.00.  For more information and registration 716-699-2320

Gary Allan at the Seneca Allegany Casino - January 29. Country Music Sensation performing Live at the Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center this Friday at 8:00pm.  For more information and tickets. click here

January 22 at 6:30, $564.00

The Silver Fox Steakhouse and the Wingate have teamed up for this unbelievable package for two:

Your Bourbon Package Includes:
Deluxe accommodations for two
Deluxe Continental Breakfast
Indoor Heated Pool & Whirlpool Spa
Fitness Center
Free High speed Wireless Internet

The Bourbon Tasting Dinner for two:
     5 Course Dinner Featuring 9 Distinct Bourbons
          Bourbon Flight 1:
Rock Hill Farms * Kentucky Spirit * Blanton’s
     *Grilled Prawns with Bourbon and Lemon 
     *Tomato Broth with Goat Cheese Dumplings
          Bourbon Flight 2:
Jefferson’s * Wild Turkey Rare Breed * Elijah, 18 year
     *Bluegrass Salad
     *Bourbonnaised Filet Mignon
     *Four Roses Apple Kuchen
          Bourbon Flight 3:
Old Rip Van WInkle 107, 10 year * Van Winkle, 12 year * Van Winkle, 20 year

This package is priced per package, based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and gratuities, and is subject to availability.  Please contact the Wingate direct to book this great package.  716-699-6000

For more information on the Bourbon Menu or to make reservations only please call the Silver Fox Steakhouse at 716-699-4672

January 4 - 10, 2010, Is our yearly appreciation for our Canadian Friends when Holiday Valley offers the gift of Canadian Cash at Par for lift tickets, rentals and tubing passes.  If that’s not enough incentive to head to Ellicottville, NY this week, lets talk about the live music all around Ellicottville weekly.  Then to top of the weekend you can enjoy Great Blues Music Friday and Saturday Night, Winter Blues Weekend January 8th - 9th in the village hot spots.  Click here for the full schedule.

The snow has finally arrived in Ellicottville.  Holiday Valley and HoliMont are helping mother nature with its great snow making abilities for all are winter enthusiasts.  The New Year is just around the corner, why not bring in 2010 in Ellicottville, New York with great snow and fun for everyone.

Holiday Valley to open for Ski Season 2009/2010 on Thursday December 10.  The snowguns are in action on Yodeler, Mardi Gras, the Candy Cane loop and School Haus.  With a little help from Mother Nature this week, we will have a great opening day.  Think Snow!

The snow is falling again on Ellicottville.  The best thing about staying in one of Ellicottville’s Hotels is being in the thick of everything happening in the area.  The Wingate with its great location in the Heart of the Village is the place to be with your friends and family.  Holiday Valley is open daily along with all our great restaurants and boutique shops.