Those born under the sign of the snake get a great deal of pleasure out of just being lazy while on vacation. They enjoy great food, embrace educational opportunities to expand their knowledge, and they love to spend money on luxurious things. So embrace your inner “snake” and plan your 2013 travel now.
Is chicken boring? It can be one of the most versatile meats out there, so my answer is “no.” Being the most popular protein source of Americans, it easily could become lackluster. Well folks, I’m here to change that. This classic-style dish with the side accompaniments and beer pairing that I’ve elected will definitely hit the spot after a long day on the slopes. Indulge in the January "Snowed-In Special of the Month" at John Harvard's Brew House, Holiday Valley.
I, along with Snowed-In creator Brenda Perks, decided to do a little local product testing for you and yours, to delight your wish lists right before the holiday season. We stopped by The City Garage and met up with Trey Clauss, longtime General Manager, to see what was happening with the latest loot for Christmas. Here are the hottest, most unique items on the shelves … other than their fantastic selection of skis and accessories. Remember, every product tested is exclusive to The City Garage, and can’t be found anywhere else in town.
Can it be assumed that the general population partakes in some sort of recycling and sustainability practices these days? Perhaps it’s single stream recycling in your home or office. Maybe you donate and purchase your clothes at the Salvation Army? Whatever way you choose to recycle, 686 Clothing Company is embarking on their third year of a darn cool concept.
Buying something new can be a tricky endeavor for even the most experienced consumer. Advertisements will tell you all the things you want to hear and none of the things you don’t. Reviews can be skewed, biased or just flat-out wrong. The notion of ‘try before you buy’ has become a common phrase in our society. An investment unto itself, buying ski and snowboard equipment can be some of the toughest items to pinpoint. But fear no more, buyer! Holiday Valley (@holidayvalley) and the major ski and snowboard companies are here to help. On Saturday, Dec. 15, the Valley will host its annual ‘Demo Day,’ where reps will set up tents outside of the (brand new!) Main Lodge. From 9am-3pm, visitors are welcomed to test new product that each company has to offer.
J Nuzzo, a rep for Mervin Manufacturing, loves coming out to the annual ‘Demo Day’ at Holiday Valley. “Ellicottville’s proximity to several big metro areas gives you a very diverse group of riders,” he said. “The uphill capacity is awesome because it keeps the flow of riders (and skiers) moving, all the while allowing the people taking product out to try a bunch of different stuff. It’s also super family-friendly, which is why I bring my kids up here near the end of the season.” Nuzzo is excited about the upcoming season. Although busy with the hustle and bustle of ski season kick-off, he took some time out to talk with Snowed-In.
Known for its stellar instructional ski programs, Holiday Valley Resort (@holidayvalley) has produced some serious talent - including multiple Olympians. The ski racing, snowboarding and freestyle ski teams all run ‘Christmas Camps’ during the holidays, which allows kids uninterrupted instruction to help improve their skills on the hills.
If you take into account all of the resorts (and their terrain parks) on the East Coast, it’s pretty impressive that Holiday Valley (@holidayvalley) scored 3rd in ‘Favorite Terrain Parks’ in Snow East Magazine. It takes extraordinary teamwork to build a good park; the vision of the builder, the snowmakers dragging the guns around at 2:30am, and the park crew smoothing the landing out to perfection. Luckily, cohesiveness is a common entity.
Introduced in last season’s Snowed-In publication, the Young Gun Spotlight Series focuses on kids who come to Ellicottville and develop legitimate talent on skis or a snowboard. Thanks to the progression of the terrain parks and racing programs at Holiday Valley and HoliMont, these kids have opportunities to become namestays in the East Coast and National competition circuits. This month, Snowed-In caught up with Young Gun Zach Penton, who had plenty to say ...
Is winter a season you fully look forward to rather than dread? Does the prospect of putting snow tires on your vehicle put a smile on your face? Would a new set of skis or a snowboard deck be your idea of the perfect holiday gift? Do you daydream about the perfect powder day with no lift lines and no crowds? If so, then HoliMont Ski Area might just be the place for you.
Throw determination, character, a commitment to excellence together with skill, motivation and a heart for the sport, and that's all you need for a team to take FLITE. The FLITE Team, run by former U.S. Ski Team members Corey and Kelly Hacker, is a group of skiers, ages 8 to 17, dedicated to developing and improving their abilities all while meeting new friends, learning life-long lessons and making memories to last a lifetime.
The art of ski racing runs deep in HoliMont's blood. What started as a low-key organization back in the 60's has evolved over the years into one of the strongest racing programs in NYS. The 2012'-13 season promises to be an exciting one for the Racing Program. Many of the athletes have been participating in rigorous off-season training activities with Coach Travis Widger and are now primed to show off their racing skills.
There’s a new face working the floor this season at Dekdebruns Ski Shop ... although her name might ring a bell. Buffalo native Carly Harrington brings her knowledge of the winter sports industry to the ski/snowboard shop and its customers, offering her first-hand experiences in choosing the proper gear for on the slopes. Afterall, she has quite an impressive resume of snowboarding competitions and top rankings, and this park shredder that calls Holiday Valley her home mountain is excited to be back on the scene. Currently a Freshman studying Nursing at the University at Buffalo, Harrington started her sales position at the Ellicottville shop this past October, and so far is loving every minute of it.
Alright. Enough is enough. We've spent our last day at the pool, shanked our last golf ball, and retired our mountain bikes to the basements. It's time to embrace the quickly approaching winter and buckle up for what is sure to be a killer season. For those of us who live for windchill and lake effect squalls, nothing quite fosters the stoke of a season full of whiteouts like premiere season.
If listening to the nation’s top hits on the radio just isn’t enough, get ready to say hello to a band that’s bringing those favorites to you live at Madigan’s on Dec. 21. Goodbye Dawn, one of the area’s newest cover bands, has one mission, and it’s to rock. The group’s musicians include Joe Thompson on vocals and guitar, drummer Mike Franklin, bassist Brett Maybee, lead guitarist Alex Coustenis, and vocalist Rebekah Zariczny, who also plays the keyboard.
Known as the community’s hometown pizza and sub shop for the past 26 years, Hoagie’s is taking specialty pizza to the next level this winter. The café continues to stand true to its core, using only the freshest ingredients, cooking with homemade recipes and offering excellent customer service. Their convenient location, right smack dab in the middle of the action at 24 Monroe Street, makes for an easy pit stop for a slice or pick-up for a takeout order.
A weekend in the winter wonderland of Ellicottville leaves most with memories to last a lifetime. Are you on the quest to find your EVL sticker, hoodie or shot glass before you hit the road? At their new 28 Washington Street location, A Touch of Ellicottville brings a fresh array of Ellicottville-inspired gifts and high-quality keepsakes to life.
In its 7th year of business, Ellicottville’s Wingate By Wyndham Hotel continues to provide visitors with charm and class. Located conveniently in downtown Ellicottville, the Ellicott Development Hospitality branch opened the location in 2005. The hotel is within walking distance of village shops, restaurants and nightlife, and is equidistant from both ski resorts.
One thing is for certain: the times they are a changing here in our quaint little ski town. Whether it’s the annual improvements in facilities at Holiday Valley and HoliMont, or the addition and evolution of retailers in the village, it’s safe to say there is something new to see each and every time you venture here. One of the most notable changes to the landscape in the past year has been the relocation of one of the iconic ski/snowboard specialty shops in Ellicottville - Mud, Sweat ‘N Gears (MSG). Previously located at 21 Washington Street, this crew of dedicated lifelong winter sports enthusiasts has nestled into a newly reinvented location at 18 Monroe Street (previously known as the Ellicottville Marketplace) … so we dropped in to see what was on tap for the upcoming season.
The term, “The Blues,” refers to the blue devils, meaning melancholy and sadness. Just YouTube B.B. King’s How Blue Can You Get?, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Life Without You, or Etta James’ I’d Rather Go Blind and you will slowly shake your head from side to side saying, “Mmm. Oh yea.” Feel that? That’s you getting in touch with your “Blue” side. Mmm.
Winter can be an enchanting season, especially in the mountains of Western New York. With all there is to see and do, and with the holidays quickly approaching, there’s shopping to start, decorating to do, and parties to plan. Fortunately, help is on the way, and there are many little historic gems in towns across the county to help you fill your home with holiday cheer, stuff the stockings and, perhaps, stop for a breathe of fresh air.
Pick a different path during the holiday season - one that leads you away from crowded stores, heavy traffic, and long lines. Put the joy back into the holidays as you explore the “Treasures of the Forest Shopping Trail” in McKean County, Pennsylvania.
There are a lot of beautiful ski resorts on the East coast. From Killington and Stratton in Vermont to Mountain Creek in New Jersey, east coasters get it done. Consistently at the top of its game, Holiday Valley Resort is one of the gems of Western New York. Catering to a market that spends money solely on recreational purposes, the ski resort in Ellicottville makes the most out of what nature has given it. What it lacks in vertical, skiable terrain – just over 700 feet – it makes up with in customer service, lodging and other amenities.
In 1962 a small group of people embarked on a venture that would eventually change the lives of tens of thousands of people. These people, all skiing enthusiasts, loved skiing but were growing tired of waiting in line at the increasingly popular nearby ski area. They began to envision an area that provided a family-friendly atmosphere that was void of the lift lines.
If you didn't get your fill of beer and wine at Ellicottville’s Fall Festival (held Oct. 6-7), another annual tradition here in good ‘ol E’ville is the ever popular Beer & Wine Festival at Holiday Valley Resort.
