Is Holiday Valley a Good Ski Resort?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you looking for a great ski resort to hit the slopes this winter? If so, you may have heard of Holiday Valley.

But is it a good ski resort? Let’s break down what makes Holiday Valley stand out and whether or not it’s worth your time and money.

Location and Terrain

Located in western New York, Holiday Valley boasts over 290 acres of skiable terrain with 60 slopes and trails. The resort offers something for everyone with beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.

Additionally, there are seven terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers to enjoy. The resort is easily accessible from major cities such as Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.

Accommodations

Holiday Valley has several lodging options available ranging from hotel rooms to condos. The Tamarack Club is the most luxurious option with upscale amenities such as an indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. However, there are also more affordable options that still offer comfortable accommodations.

Lifts

Holiday Valley has 13 lifts including 3 high-speed quads and one quad chairlift. This means less time waiting in line and more time on the slopes.

Snowmaking

One of the biggest advantages of Holiday Valley is their extensive snowmaking capabilities. They have over 600 snow guns which cover 95% of the resort’s terrain. This ensures that even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, there will still be plenty of snow for skiing and snowboarding.

Pricing

Holiday Valley offers a variety of ticket options including full-day tickets, half-day tickets, multi-day tickets, night skiing tickets, and season passes. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and time of year but are generally reasonable compared to other ski resorts.

Pros:

  • Excellent location and terrain
  • A variety of lodging options to fit any budget
  • Fast lifts and minimal wait times
  • Extensive snowmaking capabilities

Cons:

  • The resort can get crowded during peak times such as holidays and weekends
  • The ski school can be pricey for those looking to take lessons
  • The food options at the resort can be limited and expensive

Conclusion:

Overall, Holiday Valley is a great ski resort that offers a lot of value for your money. With excellent terrain, comfortable accommodations, fast lifts, and extensive snowmaking capabilities, it’s easy to see why so many skiers and snowboarders choose to visit this resort each year.

While there are some downsides such as crowds during peak times and limited food options, these are minor issues compared to the overall experience. So if you’re looking for a fun and affordable ski vacation this winter, consider heading to Holiday Valley!