Ellicottville in the Summer: Adventure, Festivals, and Mountain Fun Beyond the Snow
Ellicottville in the Summer: Adventure, Festivals, and Mountain Fun Beyond the Snow
Ellicottville trades snow for sunshine as mountain biking, live music, and festival season take center stage.
Winter may get all the attention in Ellicottville - and understandably so. Between the slopes, the snow, and the après-ski buzz, this charming village tucked into WNY’s Enchanted Mountains practically glows under a blanket of white. But once the snow melts, Ellicottville transforms. The lifts keep spinning, patios open up, and adventure takes on a whole new look. The secret is out: summer in Ellicottville is just as exciting as winter… maybe even more!
From mountain biking at HoliMont and treetop adventures at Holiday Valley to village-wide festivals that fill many weekends with music, food, and fun, Ellicottville is a year-round playground where the energy never fades - it simply changes season.
HOLIMONT: A FOUR-SEASON RESORT ON THE RISE
For decades, HoliMont has been one of the East’s most beloved private ski destinations, known for its pristine slopes, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community. But what was once a winter-only experience has steadily evolved into a four-season resort, drawing outdoor enthusiasts even after the snow has long since melted.
The transformation began just a few years ago when HoliMont opened its Downhill Mountain Bike Park, a first for Western New York and one of only a handful in the entire state. What started as a modest network of trails has exploded into a full-fledged bike park featuring 18 downhill trails and more than 12 miles of rideable terrain. Designed for every level of rider, from first-timers to advanced shredders, the park now includes a mix of flow trails, technical descents, berms, jumps, and rock gardens, all sculpted with the same care and precision HoliMont brings to its winter grooming.
Each year, HoliMont’s trail crew expands and refines the park, adding new routes that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Lift access is available every weekend throughout the spring, summer, and fall, turning the mountain into a buzzing hub of two-wheeled fun. Riders can make hot laps all day long, meet up with friends at the base, and enjoy the same sense of camaraderie that defines ski season.
At the bottom of the hill, Loud Performance serves as the park’s anchor shop, offering mountain bike rentals, repairs, and gear. Whether you need a quick tune-up or are trying the sport for the first time, their staff has you covered. The setup makes it easy for anyone - even visitors who need to rent equipment - to join in on the fun.
Beyond biking, HoliMont’s warm-weather offerings include hiking, disc golf, and water adventures at Saddle Pond. The 18-hole disc golf course at the top of the Sunset Lift is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering challenging holes and panoramic views that stretch across the rolling hills. You can hike up to the course 7 days a week or take the lift on weekends for a more leisurely approach.
Step by step, HoliMont is redefining what it means to be a mountain community. It’s no longer just a place for powder days -it’s a place for year-round adventure, where mountain biking, outdoor events, and family recreation all have a home.
HOLIDAY VALLEY: HIGH-FLYING SUMMER FUN
No stranger to the adventure theme, Holiday Valley continues to shine as one of the region’s premier four-season resorts, and summer here is every bit as lively as winter.
Start your adventure at Sky High Adventure Park, an elevated world of treetop challenges that combines zip lines, rope bridges, and obstacle courses. As the third-largest aerial adventure park in the country, Sky High features 13 courses ranging from easy to expert, with platforms soaring up to 80 feet above the forest floor. Each course weaves through the trees, offering a mix of thrills and stunning canopy views. The Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster adds another level of fun, twisting and turning down the slopes in a ride that’s equal parts scenic and exhilarating.
If golf is your game, Holiday Valley’s Double Black Diamond Golf Course is a must-play. The back nine winds dramatically through ravines and rolling terrain, creating a challenge that keeps even experienced golfers on their toes. And when the round is over, there’s no better place to unwind than the Cabana Bar, where you can sip a cocktail beside the pool and soak in the mountain views.
Holiday Valley also keeps its sense of humor with one of the region’s quirkiest events - the Mudslide Obstacle Trail Run. Held each June, the race sends participants through a 3.5 or 5.4-mile course of muddy pits, climbing obstacles, and laughter-filled chaos. The grand finale? A massive downhill mudslide that leads straight to the finish line. It’s messy, memorable, and a perfect symbol of the resort’s playful summer spirit.
MORE WAYS TO PLAY
Outside the resorts, Ellicottville’s summer landscape opens up to a world of outdoor adventure. For golfers, the region offers no shortage of options. Just beyond the village, you’ll find Elkdale Country Club in Salamanca, Cardinal Hills in Randolph, and Bartlett Country Club in Olean - each offering scenic layouts at approachable prices.
Looking for something different? Try Big Foot Park Golf, located on the grounds of Ellicottville Distillery. Originating in Japan, this quirky sport is a miniature twist on traditional golf: shorter holes, larger balls, and just one club. It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and pairs perfectly with a tasting flight afterward.
If you prefer discs over clubs, HoliMont’s disc golf course provides a one-of-a-kind mountain experience as mentioned above, but you can also make a short trip to Olean, where the Twin Tiers Disc Golf Club maintains two excellent public courses at Gargoyle Park and Franchot Park.
No matter where you play, Ellicottville’s trails, greens, and parks make it easy to get outside and stay active from spring through fall.
FESTIVALS: THE HEARTBEAT OF SUMMER
If there’s one thing Ellicottville knows how to do, it’s throw a good party, and summer is packed with them! The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce produces a lineup of events that keep the streets alive with music, food, and community spirit from June through October.
Each Fourth of July weekend, Ellicottville hits all the right notes with its Summer Music Festival. What began as a small local celebration has evolved into one of the region’s most anticipated summer events, blending world-class music with the laid-back charm of mountain life. The weekend kicks off with an art show, pet parade, and downtown performances before the spotlight shifts to the slopes for two nights of unforgettable open-air concerts.
Saturday night brings the festival’s signature headliner rock act to Holiday Valley, where the iconic outdoor stage sits at the base of the mountain, framed by the ski slopes and grand Main Lodge, creating one of the most scenic concert backdrops in Western New York. Over the years, performers like Hailey Whitters, One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel, Don Felder (formerly of the Eagles), and Rusted Root have electrified the crowd with unforgettable sets that echo through the valley. On Sunday night, the spotlight turns to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, whose themed performances close out the weekend in grand fashion, culminating in a powerful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, perfectly timed with a fireworks finale that lights up the mountainside.
In August, Taste of Ellicottville takes the cake - a two-day celebration of the village’s culinary scene. Local restaurants set up booths along the sidewalks and streets, serving sample-sized portions of their signature dishes. From gourmet bites to comfort-food favorites, it’s the perfect way to eat your way through town while enjoying live music and the cool summer breeze.
The Chamber keeps the vibe going with Jazz & Blues Weekend, filling the air with smooth sounds in restaurants and on patios throughout the village. Rock N’ Roll Weekend keeps the party going later in the season, blending classic cars, live bands, and nostalgic energy that appeal to all ages.
Between official Chamber events, you’ll also find smaller happenings throughout the summer - from local markets and charity events to outdoor yoga sessions and pop-up art shows. Together, they create an atmosphere where every weekend feels like a celebration of community.
SMALL-TOWN CHARM MEETS BIG ADVENTURE
What truly sets Ellicottville apart is how effortlessly it blends small-town hospitality with big-mountain adventure. The entire village is walkable - boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants line every corner, each one offering its own local touch. You can spend the morning flying through the trees, the afternoon exploring local breweries, and the evening enjoying a leisurely dinner at one of the many downtown eateries.
Whether you’re dropping into a new downhill line at HoliMont, navigating treetop challenges at Sky High, or strolling through a festival with an ice cream in hand, there’s no wrong way to do summer here. For more information on resort activities and trail maps, visit holimont.com and holidayvalley.com. To explore upcoming festivals and events, check out the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce at ellicottvilleny.com.