Holimont
135 acres, 55 runs near Ellicottville. North America's largest private ski club, lake-effect powder.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
12 Dec 2026
Closes
3 Apr 2027
Days open
112
Annual snow
150in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
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.
702ft
Vertical
55
Runs
135 acres
Skiable
150in
Annual snow
The Terrain
55 runs across 135 acres skiable
HoliMont is a private club that opens to the public on weekdays, covering 135 acres (55 hectares) on the edge of Ellicottville in western New York. Its 55 runs drop about 700 ft (214 m) from a 2,260 ft (689 m) summit to a base at 1,560 ft (475 m). The split leans steep, with 44% advanced, 31% intermediate and 25% beginner and no expert-rated runs. Two quad chairs, two triples, a double and two surface lifts serve the slopes, and the club's low crowd numbers make those lifts feel faster than they look on paper.
The slopes are best known for their steep drops and open views across Ellicottville, with groomed corduroy a regular feature because there is no night skiing to wear the snow down. The terrain suits strong intermediates and advanced skiers, with a lean towards steeper pitches, though easier runs exist for learners. Weekday visitors get a quiet mountain with a different character to neighbouring Holiday Valley, and weekends are reserved for members. It suits confident skiers who value space and groomed snow over terrain parks or night sessions.
Terrain split
55
runs
55 runs across 4 grades
Beginner14 runs · 25%
Intermediate17 runs · 31%
Advanced24 runs · 44%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Holimont
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.
Season 2026 - 2027
12 Dec 2026
Opens
3 Apr 2027
Closes
112
Days open
150 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Holimont
Daily snow reports at Holimont go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
10 in
Snowiest day
26 Jan 2026
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
43 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Holimont, and where to stay
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.
Where to stay
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Holimont Webcams
2 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Holimont's live webcams
Check live conditions across Holimont with 2 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Main Chalet1,499ft
- Experience America's largest private ski resort through this exclusive Holimont webcam positioned at the elegant Main Chalet at 457 meters elevation in Western New York. This Holimont live cam captures the sophisticated atmosphere of this members-only destination, providing views of the immaculately groomed slopes and premium chalet facilities. Essential for club members planning their visit, this Holimont web cam showcases the exceptional snow conditions and upscale environment that make this Ellicottville-area resort a treasured skiing tradition for families across the Northeast.
- Sunset2,201ft
- Witness breathtaking evening vistas through this spectacular Holimont webcam positioned at the Sunset viewing area at 671 meters elevation. This Holimont live cam provides members with stunning panoramic views across Western New York's rolling hills and the resort's pristine terrain. Perfect for checking visibility conditions and snow quality, this live snow cam captures the dramatic mountain sunsets and exclusive atmosphere that define the premium Holimont experience in the beautiful countryside surrounding Ellicottville.
Holimont snow cams FAQ
How often do Holimont snow cams update?
All Holimont snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Holimont.
Which Holimont webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Sunset webcam at 671m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Holimont webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Holimont lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Holimont snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Holimont snow cams?
Check Holimont webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Holimont lift tickets?
Use our Holimont webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Holimont webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Holimont snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Holimont intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.