By Carol Fisher-Linn
If you want to know the history about something, the best approach is to find someone who experienced it, if possible. In a book written by Ellicottville’s beloved Edna Northrup and her dear friend, Lillian Congdon, For the Love of Skiing, on page 100, they tell us, “The Ski Patrol was the first to carry the torches down Yodeler in the winter of 1958-59 to celebrate the New Year…” Then this, “The parade moved down Holiday Run led by Al Kohler in top hat and tails. Today the torch parade winds down Cindy’s slope and can be viewed from the Club House Chalet.” In speaking with an “old timer” Ski Patroller now Western New York Ski Patrol Alumni Advisor Joany Reynolds, who led many-a-downhill torchlight parade, she agreed that the swaying fires on Cindy’s were, by far, best seen on the ground than from any other the previous locations. In 2008, the parade was temporarily moved to Yodeler in celebration of Holiday Valley’s 50th anniversary. Now it’s back at Cindy’s. Jane Eshbaugh, Holiday Valley Marketing Advisor, relates that one year the weather was so bad she led the parade down Schoolhouse, so if you are remembering that, you are correct.
The “torches” are always roadside flares. In the “old days” each patroller carried one in each hand with their arms extended. In Reynolds’ day in the mid-sixties, there were only about 30 Ski Patrollers so two flares each made for a brighter parade. What she remembers most was everyone heading to the maintenance garage before the parade to put on the blue maintenance workers coveralls. Remember, the torches were flares, and the skiers quickly discovered that the flares spit fire bits everywhere leaving their ski clothing filled with tiny burn holes.
These days, with more people participating, everyone carries a single flare. Stories regarding the flares are mixed. I’ve also been told by some old time participants that, over time, the flares were taped to the handles of ski poles. Imagine this: a torchlight parade on a very dark hill with moguls here and there – skiing with your arms straight out, (think flying) flares in hand or on poles, skis in snowplow position and following each other, zigzagging down the hill to create a snake or S pattern. These days, the Holiday Valley mountain crew goes down first with a few pieces of grooming equipment, making the trip down less hazardous for the skiers.
Asked for some funny stories about the parade, Jane shared this: The bartenders gave the ski school skiers three pitchers of Alabama Slammers (surely for the sole purpose of warming them up!) but somehow things got out of hand and some of the skiers didn’t follow instructions and ended up in a pile. Alas, a formal complaint was registered and it never happened again. But truly, they found other ways (and other concoctions like Sugar Shack Slings, etc.) to stay warm as they celebrated the end of a year and welcoming in a new.
The skiing public (intermediate or better) is welcome to participate in the torchlight parade. Suggestion: leave the Alabama Slammers and Sugar Shack Slings until AFTER the parade. There are only 100 flares, so show up early, by 11pm at the base of Cindy’s and tell the attendants you wish to participate. Skiers are cautioned to wear old jackets and gloves so your duds don’t end up holey or melted. At the end of the parade, add your flare to the flare bonfire and then go into the main chalet and enjoy the fireworks and party. For skiers, rejoice in the fact that over 77 inches of snow have already fallen leaving them with a groomed base varying from 16” to 46.”
The parade is part of the free-to-guests, family-friendly party (must show your ski pass) that begins at 9pm featuring DJ entertainment from 9-12:30am, photo area set up, late night food offered 10pm-12:30am and complimentary champagne toast ages 21+ at midnight.
Enjoy the parade and the fireworks immediately after, whether at HV, or on the back roads where they can be easily seen.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!