Record Snowfall Drives Surge in NY Ski Resort Attendance

Michael Fulton8 Jan 2025

TL;DR

Heavy snowfall and ideal winter conditions have led to increased attendance at New York ski resorts, with Holiday Valley and Peek'n Peak reporting strong visitor numbers. The favourable weather has enabled extended operations and enhanced experiences for skiers and riders across Western New York's premier ski destinations.

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Heavy Snowfall Powers Record-Breaking Season at Western NY Ski Resorts

Western New York ski resorts are experiencing a remarkable surge in visitors thanks to abundant snowfall and perfect conditions this season.

Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville has seen attendance numbers climb above typical seasonal averages.

"Things are going great this season, we've got a lot of happy customers out there. It's awesome." reports Dash Hegeman, Director of Marketing at Holiday Valley.

The resort's new tubing park has proven particularly popular, with its 21 lanes frequently reaching capacity. The facility has reported multiple sold-out sessions since opening.

Fresh snow brings out all the skiers and snowboarders. Credit: Holiday Valley Ski Resort

Meanwhile, Peek'n Peak Resort in Clymer has accumulated an impressive 99 inches of seasonal snowfall, maintaining a base depth between 8-48 inches. The resort currently operates 12 of its 26 trails, along with eight ski lifts and the 180 Terrain Park.

Comparing this season to last year's challenging conditions, Hegeman describes the difference as "night and day." While the previous season saw snowfall concentrated in the northern part of the county, this year's weather patterns have favoured the south towns with consistent snow and sustained cold temperatures, allowing Holiday Valley to maintain optimal conditions.

Holiday Valley trail map. Credit: Holiday Valley Resort

Holiday Valley opened on December 6 and aims to continue operations through April 6. Despite last year's challenges, the resort managed to stay open for 115 days and expects to surpass that figure this season.

The closure of Cockaigne Ski Resort in Cherry Creek has contributed to increased traffic at both Holiday Valley and Peek'n Peak. However, Hegeman emphasises that the loss of any ski area impacts the entire community. "Each ski area in this region serves a purpose," he notes, highlighting Cockaigne's particular importance as an entry point for new skiers and riders.

Both resorts have stepped up to maintain the region's skiing tradition. Peek'n Peak offers comprehensive snow sports instruction, including private lessons for ages 3 and up. Holiday Valley provides age-specific instruction starting at age 4, with programs for various skill levels and a specialised women's clinic scheduled for February 24-25.

About the author

Michael Fulton

Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

50+ resorts visited15 years skiing

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