Escaping The Winter Blues

While Buffalo continually lands the reputation of being the snow capital of the East,  we haven't yet landed the reputation for our great ski destinations, even amongst locals much less the rest of the country.

     The fact is we do, on a normal winter, get our fair share of the winter flurries but with the snow we also have a variety of options (namely skiing in this article) to get out and enjoy the snow and the cold rather than just shovel it. And for the winters when we don't necessarily get all the snow we had expected, our resorts are equipped with the equipment to make it and keep it as long as the temperatures remain cold.

     Pre-historic Nordic people and Sami skied to assist in hunting, military maneuvers, and as a practical means of transportation. The main purpose one could fairly say was the survival of winter. In modern times skiing is still serving the same purpose if you think about it. It continues to serve as a survival of sorts for the long winter months. Now we may not think about it like that on the forefront but it’s true, Buffalonians and any area sustaining 3-4 months of cold needs something to escape the routine and drudgery of the winter months and skiing has been doing that since its inception.  The sport has since of course progressed into a popular recreational and athletic hobby for those with the means and at times dare to enjoy it.  Tim Fancher of Lockport has been enjoying the winter months this year with his 6-year old twins at Kissing Bridge. He stated, "Skiing is definitely a life sport and the perception of future winters with my wife and kids includes enjoying this as a family!  It’s hard to describe the awesome feeling of cruising down a nicely groomed slope but it’s something I would encourage everyone to try at least once.

    We’re fortunate to have multiple ski areas in WNY and it really  is a fun way to embrace the “white gold” that may come off of Lake Erie by the foot!”  In this spirit of enjoying the white gold we have uncovered some of the destinations that make Western New York a destination ski town. While we don't have the mountains of Colorado or Vermont, collectively our region has plenty of ways to get out and break the winter blues. Skiing is one of those sports that once you learn, you're pretty much good for life. While life throws the curves at you where you miss a season or two, once you strap the skies back on, it's like you never left. Here's a quick look at what Western New York has to offer from beginner to advanced.

Holiday Valley

Holiday Valley is known as the Aspen of the East because of the  similar quaint towns with shops, boutiques, quality restaurants and entertainment options that surround both resorts. The resort has garnered an incredible reputation for its ability to deliver a great ski experience time and again with great amenities surrounding the resort. Holiday Valley includes fifty-eight slopes and 13 lifts (including three high speed quads) that are spread over four distinct faces that offer challenging steeps, gentle cruisers, glades and fun terrain parks.  A mountain coaster ride adds to the wintertime thrills.  Three beautiful base lodges provide full service dining, marketplaces and coffee bars as well as ski and snowboard rentals and repair.  Fantastic children’s ski programs and on-site day care means convenience and flexibility for families.  Comfortable lodging is available on the slopes and in nearby Ellicottville, a quaint ski town with shops, restaurants and après-ski fun.

     The amenities provided attract regular skiers from Canada, Pennsylvania and Ohio on a regular basis. New for this year, in January the resort opened SnowPine Quad Chairlift, a $650,000 chairlift and Holiday Valley’s tenth quad chairlift. The lift was constructed over the summer by the resort’s Mountain Crew and has a capacity of 1,600 skiers per hour almost doubling the capacity of a double chair and enhancing the ski-in, ski-out access to the SnowPine Village condominiums.  Holiday Valley is recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers and is approximately 32 miles from Buffalo.

Kissing Bridge

Kissing Bridge located in Glenwood, NY prides itself on creating a fun and stimulating ski experience for the whole family. The 36 slopes measure a full 1-1/4 miles wide, encompass 700 acres of terrain and are served by nine lifts. The slopes are divided into the North, Central, and South areas, and are serviced by two base lodges, a ski and snowboard shop and full rental facilities. With snow making capabilities and plenty of kids programs to get the whole family on skis, Kissing Bridge has become the premier ski resort in Erie County. The 700 acres that make up Kissing Bridge are south of Orchard Park past Colden located in the country setting of Glenwood, approximately 15 miles from Buffalo. The difficulty level is beginner to intermediate with each slope offering a different experience.

Holimont

A private ski resort started in 1961 in Ellicottville, Holimont has been serving families and sports enthusiasts for over 50 years. Touted as North America’s largest private ski area devoted to family skiing adventures (without the normal crowds because it is private), Holimont offers over 50 slopes and trails and 8 lifts to get you out and about. Located 32 miles from Buffalo, weekday visits are open to non-members.

Peek-N-Peak

Roughly 80 miles from Buffalo, Peek-N-Peak offers 7 days a week skiing on 27 slopes and trails serviced by eight chairlifts and an extensive snow making system. Ski/snowboard equipment and helmet rentals are available as well as lessons for all levels given by trained, professional instructors. Turn a trip to Peek-N-Peak into a mini vacation with a visit to nearby Splash Lagoon, a fun family experience. At Peek-N-Peak you'll enjoy miles of terrain for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, snow tubing for all ages, three progression terrain parks and half pipe and direct access to the Chautauqua Lake snowmobile trail system

Emery Park

Emery Park located just past East Aurora in South Wales is the ideal spot for children to learn the sport of skiing. With the T-Bar operating from 11 AM- 7:30 PM on weekends and holidays, and from 3 PM- 8 PM on weekdays (weather permitting)  and the cozy fireplaces at the ski lodge make Emery Park ideal for the beginner skier.