
HoliMont's summit reaches 2,260 feet, dropping 702 vertical feet to a base at 1,558 feet across 55 runs spread over 135 acres near Ellicottville in western New York. Terrain splits 44 per cent advanced, 31 per cent intermediate and 25 per cent beginner, with no expert-rated runs, and average annual snowfall of roughly 150 inches from the region's lake-effect weather patterns. Five lifts, including two quad chairs and two triple chairs, serve the mountain alongside one double chair and two surface lifts.
HoliMont operates as North America's largest private ski club, a genuinely distinctive model in the industry that keeps its slopes notably uncrowded relative to comparably sized public resorts. The mountain welcomes the public on weekdays while reserving weekend access for members, a structure that shapes the entire visitor experience.
William Merk, inspired after witnessing the 1932 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, pursued his passion for skiing in the Ellicottville area for years with the Ellicottville Ski Club before deciding to establish a private club of his own. In 1961, Merk initiated purchase options on land parcels along Route 242 with the backing of local investors, who coined the name HoliMont from the phrase Holiday Mountain. The first trail was cut in 1961, with seven more following in 1962, the club's official first season.
HoliMont has continued operating as a private, member-focused ski club since its founding, maintaining its distinctive weekday-public, weekend-members structure across more than six decades. Adult weekday daily tickets run from 75 to 85 US dollars, with substantially discounted rates for military members on Fridays.
Holimont spreads 55 runs across 135 acres skiable of terrain. It leans advanced at 44%, with 14 beginner runs to find your feet and 24 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
The 2025-26 season at HoliMont ran from 13 December 2025 to 5 April 2026, a roughly sixteen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 150 inches, among the higher totals in New York State thanks to the region's lake-effect weather patterns off Lake Erie.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent lake-effect powder conditions to the club's advanced-and-intermediate-weighted terrain. As North America's largest private ski club, HoliMont maintains a distinctive access structure, welcoming the public on weekdays while reserving weekends for members, keeping the slopes notably uncrowded relative to comparably sized public resorts.
This weekday-public, weekend-members model shapes visitor patterns throughout the season, with weekday visitors drawn by the promise of substantial lake-effect powder without the crowds typical of public resorts on similar terrain. School holiday periods bring some increase in weekday public visitation given the substantial advanced and intermediate terrain on offer.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. HoliMont's continuous operation as a private club since its 1961 founding by William Merk and local investors continues to define its seasonal character. The club's reputation for reliable lake-effect powder and uncrowded slopes remains central to its appeal each winter.
HoliMont sits near Ellicottville in western New York, with a base elevation of 1,558 feet and a summit at 2,260 feet across a 702-foot vertical drop over 135 acres. This western New York setting places the club within the broader Ellicottville ski area cluster, a well-known regional ski destination.
Ellicottville, a lively small village with dining, shopping and lodging, sits within a short drive of the club, providing a genuine mountain-town base for members and weekday public visitors alike. Buffalo, the nearest larger city, lies within a reasonable drive, providing the club's primary metropolitan visitor base.
New York State Route 242 provides direct access to the club, running through the heart of the Ellicottville ski area cluster. Winter driving conditions on this route can include snow and ice, particularly given the region's substantial lake-effect snowfall, though the road is well maintained given its role serving multiple ski areas. There is no direct public transport service to the club.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport, within a reasonable drive, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, making HoliMont accessible for visitors flying into western New York. This proximity to Buffalo supports the club's role as a significant private skiing destination for the region.
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The 2025 - 2026 season at Holimont closed on Apr 5, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$30, with peak rates up to US$85.
Experience Holimont - America's largest private ski resort with 55 trails and 700 feet of wall-to-wall snowmaking. Open to the public weekdays only, Holimont offers exclusive skiing in Ellicottville with pristine grooming and short lift lines.
Buy passYouth weekday access to Holimont's exclusive private ski resort experience with 55 trails and excellent terrain. Perfect for young skiers enjoying America's largest private resort during public weekday access in Ellicottville.
Buy passChildren ages 5 and under ski free at Holimont during weekday public access! Experience America's largest private ski resort with excellent learning terrain and family-friendly atmosphere in Ellicottville.
Buy passActive and retired military personnel receive special Friday pricing at Holimont for just $30 with valid ID. Experience exclusive private resort skiing in Ellicottville with pristine conditions and exceptional service.
Buy passHolimont Weekday Experience Pass includes 10 weekday lift tickets, 2 half-price tickets, and 2 lessons. Perfect for experiencing America's largest private ski resort with pristine grooming and exclusive atmosphere throughout the season.
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