By Kate Bartlett
Holiday Valley continues to offer year-round activities to enjoy the best of the great outdoors in Ellicottville. Just because the lifts have stopped spinning and the ski and snowboard season is over, doesn’t mean that there’s not plenty to do at Holiday Valley.
Dash Hegeman, Director of Marketing at Holiday Valley, is happy to announce that the Front 9 of the Double Black Diamond Golf Course opened on Friday, April 4th, and the Practice Facility, across the street from The Inn at Holiday Valley, opened on Thursday the 3rd. “The Practice Facility, with its driving range and putting area, is a great opportunity for people to get out work on their game before taking their game to the greens,” says Dash.
The Holiday Valley Double Black Diamond Golf Course is one of the most unique courses in the region. With its more traditional Front 9 layout, the course appeals to golfers from all walks of life. “When the Back 9 opens after the snow melts off it, it adds a totally different, rolling-hills challenge to the course that isn’t typically seen in most courses, says Dash. “It’s also a great way to enjoy a day of golf while also feeling totally emersed in nature.”
Sky High Adventure Park will open on May 9, starting with a Friday – Sunday schedule. On June 23 the park will be open daily for the summer through Sept. 1. After that it will go back down to a shortened schedule through the end of October. Check out holidayvalley.com for a complete schedule. Between the Aerial Park, the Climbing Forest for younger guests, the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster, the Gem Mining operation, mountain bike rentals, and scenic lift rides there is something for just about every age group to enjoy, and offers a great way to spend the day in the great outdoors.
Holiday Valley is also hosting a Wedding Expo this upcoming spring season on May 17 at the Main Lodge from 10am-2pm. “We will host at least 20 different vendors set up for guests to talk with and get ideas for the wedding of your dreams,” says Dash. Plus, one lucky couple will win a romantic, private, three-course dinner hosted by the Holiday Valley Food & Beverage Team.
on June 14.
The annual Mudslide will take place at Holiday Valley on June 14. “This event is always a fan favorite and brings out people of all ages.” Participants can run in either the 4.2-mile short course or the longer 6-mile course. There’s even a little kids race around the base area of Yodeler.
The Summer Musical Festival will take place in Ellicottville July 4-6, with two back-to-back concert nights on the 5th and 6th at Holiday Valley. Country star Hailey Whitters headlines the show on Saturday the 5th. Then on Sunday, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing music from the world of Harry Potter, followed by a big, festive fireworks display.
On July 26, the HillTAP Festival returns for its fifth year up at Spruce Lake, followed by even more music in the evening at the base of the Tannenbaum Lodge. The Leroy Townes Band will be playing at Spruce Lake that day from 1-4pm. Then the music will shift to the Tannenbaum stage for a showing by Kody & Herren from 4-5:30pm, followed by Uncle Ben’s Remedy from 6 – 8:30pm.
Holiday Valley continues to offer lodging packages available for people looking to make a getaway and watch as the hills of Ellicottville blossom their way back into summertime. “Spring is a special season here in Ellicottville,” says Dash. “It’s a great time to experience all the area has to offer.”
For more information visit holidayvalley.com and follow on social media for updates.