The Perfect Winter Weekend in EVL

Ellicottville does winter unlike anywhere else in the Northeast. Two world-class ski resorts — Holiday Valley and HoliMont — sit within walking distance of a vibrant, walkable village packed with 23+ bars and restaurants, craft breweries, and locally owned shops. It’s the kind of place where you can carve fresh tracks in the morning and be sitting by a fireplace with a craft cocktail by 4 PM — all without moving your car.

This guide maps out the perfect winter weekend: where to ski, where to eat, where to go out, and how to make the most of every hour in the village they call the Aspen of the East.

Friday Evening

Arrive & Settle In

4:00 PM

Check in to your lodging

Whether you're staying slopeside at Holiday Valley, a cozy B&B on Jefferson Street, or a rental condo with a group of friends, get settled and layer up. The village is walkable, so leave the car parked for the weekend.

6:00 PM

Dinner at Dina's

Start the weekend right with wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails at one of EVL's most beloved spots. The atmosphere is warm, the menu is creative, and you'll immediately feel the village energy.

8:30 PM

Live music on Washington Street

Hop between The Gin Mill, Madigan's, and Balloons for live bands, local brews, and that signature Ellicottville nightlife. Every bar has its own vibe — you'll find yours.

Saturday

Hit the Slopes

8:30 AM

First chair at Holiday Valley

With 60 slopes, 13 lifts, and a vertical drop of 750 feet, Holiday Valley is Western New York's premier ski destination. Get there early for fresh corduroy and shorter lift lines.

12:00 PM

Lunch at John Harvard's Brew House

Warm up slopeside with a bowl of chili and a house-brewed ale. The lodge atmosphere is classic ski country — big windows, stone fireplace, and that satisfying feeling of earned calories.

1:30 PM

Afternoon session or Sky High Adventure Park

Hit the slopes again, or mix it up with the Sky High Adventure Park — a mountaintop aerial course with zip lines and rope bridges. For something mellower, the tubing park is pure fun for all ages.

4:00 PM

Apres-ski at Villaggio

The unofficial start of Saturday night. Grab a table by the fireplace, order a Negroni and some bruschetta, and swap stories from the day on the mountain. The Italian menu here is excellent.

7:00 PM

Dinner at West Rose

EVL's farm-to-table standout. The seasonal menu changes regularly, but expect beautifully plated dishes that punch well above their weight for a small mountain village. Reservations recommended.

9:00 PM

Saturday night out

The village comes alive on winter Saturdays. Washington Street is packed — in the best way. DJs at The Gin Mill, live music at Balloons, craft cocktails at EBC Taproom. Walk everywhere, stay late.

Sunday

Explore & Unwind

9:00 AM

Breakfast at the Ellicottville Brewing Company

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and strong coffee. The EBC brunch menu is a local favorite — think stuffed French toast, corned beef hash, and their house-made Bloody Mary with a pickle-infused beer chaser.

10:30 AM

Morning laps at HoliMont

EVL's "other" mountain is a hidden gem. HoliMont is a private ski club that sells day passes when capacity allows — and with fewer crowds, it's a fantastic way to close out the weekend.

1:00 PM

Browse the village shops

Washington Street has 24+ shops worth exploring. Pick up handmade candles at Kazoo, browse local art at the gallery, or grab gear at The City Garage. It's the kind of main street you wish every town still had.

2:30 PM

One last stop at Katy's Cafe

A cup of something warm, maybe a fresh pastry, and a quiet moment before hitting the road. You'll already be planning your next trip back.

Know Before You Go

Getting There

Ellicottville is about 1 hour south of Buffalo and 5.5 hours from NYC. Take Route 219 south from the I-90 — the drive through the hills is gorgeous, even in winter.

Lift Tickets

Buy Holiday Valley tickets online in advance for the best rates. Multi-day passes save significantly. HoliMont day passes are first-come, first-served.

Where to Stay

Slopeside condos are great for groups, B&Bs for couples, and the Inn at Holiday Valley for convenience. Book early for peak winter weekends — EVL fills up fast.

Getting Around

The village is completely walkable. Most lodging, restaurants, and bars are within a 5-minute walk of each other. Leave the car and enjoy the freedom.

Don't Miss

The craft beverage trail — Ellicottville Brewing Company, Ellicottville Distillery, and nearby wineries. Even in winter, the taprooms are buzzing.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

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