Ask anyone who's spent a winter weekend in Ellicottville, and they'll probably tell you the same thing: it's hard to squeeze everything into one visit. True, the skiing and snowboarding are what bring a lot of people here. With two resorts both just minutes from the heart of town, Ellicottville has earned its reputation as one of Western New York's favorite winter destinations. But there's a whole lot more happening beyond the slopes.

Spend a little time exploring and you'll find a number of independently owned shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and cafés, lively bars, and plenty of places to kick back and relax. The best part? Almost all of it is within walking distance. Park the car, grab a coffee, and see where the day takes you. Of course, winter adventures usually start on the mountain.

Holiday Valley is a big part of what puts Ellicottville on the map. With trails for every ability level, glades, a growing snowsports program, and plenty of snowmaking, the resort attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the region and beyond. And for those who'd rather keep their feet off the skis, there's snow tubing, snowshoeing, and plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

Just around the corner, HoliMont offers a different kind of ski experience. Known as North America's largest private ski area, HoliMont welcomes the public on weekdays (Monday through Friday), offering beautifully groomed trails, possibly the best terrain parks in WNY, and very rarely do you have to wait in a lift line! It’s a place where generations of families have learned to ski/ride, made memories, and returned year after year.

But once you've had your fill of mountain time, don't be too quick to head home. There's still plenty to do.

START YOUR DAY IN THE VILLAGE

Before heading to the lifts, start your morning with a good breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. Katy's Café is a longtime local favorite, serving up espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and showcasing local art for sale. Another great stop is the Ellicottville Bake Shop, where fresh-baked breads, bagels, pastries, and sweet treats make it awfully tempting to order more than you planned. Grab a cinnamon roll or a seasonal muffin for the road, or take a few extra goodies back to your room for later.

After a morning on the mountain, set aside some time to explore the shops. Ellicottville's compact layout makes it easy to wander from one storefront to the next, and there's a nice mix of specialty retailers you won't necessarily find back home. At Daff Dry Goods, you'll find fashionable clothing, comfy sweaters, high quality flannels, and all the accessories that fit right in with the mountain-town lifestyle. Nature's Remedy, just around the corner, offers a different kind of shopping experience, with organic teas, natural skincare, and health and wellness products that make great gifts - or a little something for yourself.

And if you're in the market for new ski or snowboard gear, you're definitely in the right place. The City Garage, Mud, Sweat n' Gears, and The Boardroom Snowboard Shop are three of Ellicottville's go-to spots for equipment, apparel, accessories, and expert advice. From getting fitted for new boots to finding the right board or having your skis tuned, these shops know their stuff. Even if you're just browsing, they're worth checking out.

APRÈS SKI: FOOD, DRINKS & GOOD COMPANY

One thing Ellicottville does especially well is après. After a day on the snow, there's nothing better than finding a warm place to settle in for a good meal, a cold drink, and a little conversation. For fine Italian dining in a casual atmosphere, Villaggio is a popular choice. With pasta dishes, steaks, an extensive wine selection, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a great place for a family dinner, date night, or an evening out with friends. Come hungry, because there's plenty on the menu worth trying.

Over at Monroe Street Brick & Brew, the wood-fired pizzas and brick-oven baked chicken wings are always a hit. Add in a great selection of beer, exposed brick walls, and a laidback setting, and you've got the perfect place to unwind after a few hours on the slopes. Pull up a seat at the bar or grab a table with friends.

Of course, dinner doesn't have to be the end of your evening. Ellicottville has a lively bar and pub scene, with plenty of spots to enjoy a cocktail, catch some live music, or meet up with friends. On any given weekend, you’re sure to come across an acoustic performance in one place and a full band playing just down the street.

If locally crafted spirits and wines are more your speed, there are a couple of stops worth adding to your itinerary. Ellicottville Distillery, located just outside the village on Robbins Road, produces small-batch spirits with a local touch, including its popular Appleshine and Maple Bourbon Crème. Meanwhile, the Winery of Ellicottville, located downtown (across from Villaggio) offers a classy spot to sample locally produced wines and browse for a bottle or two to take with you. Both are great additions to a weekend getaway, especially for visitors looking to bring home a little taste of Ellicottville. And with so many restaurants, bars, and gathering spots located just a short walk from one another, it's easy to make an entire evening out of exploring.

MAKE TIME TO RELAX

Not every part of a winter getaway needs to involve an activity. Sometimes the best thing you can do after a busy day is slow down and treat yourself to a little relaxation. Located inside the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley, Ellicottville Oasis Spa is a convenient option for anyone looking to unwind without leaving the resort. The spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services, along with amenities that make it easy to spend some extra time relaxing. After a long day of skiing, a massage or a little time in the sauna might be just what you need.

In the heart of the village, Anew Beginning Massage & Spa offers another opportunity to recharge. From massage therapy and facials to body treatments and skincare services, it's a nice way to work a little pampering into your weekend. Book a treatment for yourself or make it part of a relaxing date with friends. Ask them about their Girls Day Out package, which pairs a facial with a foot massage, followed by a trip across the street to the Winery of Ellicottville for a wine and chocolate pairing.

STAY A LITTLE LONGER

The great thing about Ellicottville is that you don't have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy it. You can spend the morning on the mountain, snowshoeing at the base, or relaxing at the space. Spend the afternoon shopping, then the evening out to dinner and some live music.

And while winter is certainly one of Ellicottville's busiest seasons, it's far from the only time worth visiting. Once the snow melts, the mountains become a playground for hiking, mountain biking, golfing, zip lining, and all kinds of outdoor adventures. So if you're planning a ski trip this winter, give yourself a little extra time to explore beyond the lifts. You might come for the snow, but chances are you'll find plenty of other reasons to come back.

APRÈS SKI: FOOD, DRINKS & GOOD COMPANY

One thing Ellicottville does especially well is après. After a day on the snow, there's nothing better than finding a warm place to settle in for a good meal, a cold drink, and a little conversation. For fine Italian dining in a casual atmosphere, Villaggio is a popular choice. With pasta dishes, steaks, an extensive wine selection, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a great place for a family dinner, date night, or an evening out with friends. Come hungry, because there's plenty on the menu worth trying.

Over at Monroe Street Brick & Brew, the wood-fired pizzas and brick-oven baked chicken wings are always a hit. Add in a great selection of beer, exposed brick walls, and a laidback setting, and you've got the perfect place to unwind after a few hours on the slopes. Pull up a seat at the bar or grab a table with friends.

Of course, dinner doesn't have to be the end of your evening. Ellicottville has a lively bar and pub scene, with plenty of spots to enjoy a cocktail, catch some live music, or meet up with friends. On any given weekend, you’re sure to come across an acoustic performance in one place and a full band playing just down the street.

If locally crafted spirits and wines are more your speed, there are a couple of stops worth adding to your itinerary. Ellicottville Distillery, located just outside the village on Robbins Road, produces small-batch spirits with a local touch, including its popular Appleshine and Maple Bourbon Crème. Meanwhile, the Winery of Ellicottville, located downtown (across from Villaggio) offers a classy spot to sample locally produced wines and browse for a bottle or two to take with you. Both are great additions to a weekend getaway, especially for visitors looking to bring home a little taste of Ellicottville. And with so many restaurants, bars, and gathering spots located just a short walk from one another, it's easy to make an entire evening out of exploring.

MAKE TIME TO RELAX

Not every part of a winter getaway needs to involve an activity. Sometimes the best thing you can do after a busy day is slow down and treat yourself to a little relaxation. Located inside the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley, Ellicottville Oasis Spa is a convenient option for anyone looking to unwind without leaving the resort. The spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services, along with amenities that make it easy to spend some extra time relaxing. After a long day of skiing, a massage or a little time in the sauna might be just what you need.

In the heart of the village, Anew Beginning Massage & Spa offers another opportunity to recharge. From massage therapy and facials to body treatments and skincare services, it's a nice way to work a little pampering into your weekend. Book a treatment for yourself or make it part of a relaxing date with friends. Ask them about their Girls Day Out package, which pairs a facial with a foot massage, followed by a trip across the street to the Winery of Ellicottville for a wine and chocolate pairing.

STAY A LITTLE LONGER

The great thing about Ellicottville is that you don't have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy it. You can spend the morning on the mountain, snowshoeing at the base, or relaxing at the space. Spend the afternoon shopping, then the evening out to dinner and some live music.

And while winter is certainly one of Ellicottville's busiest seasons, it's far from the only time worth visiting. Once the snow melts, the mountains become a playground for hiking, mountain biking, golfing, zip lining, and all kinds of outdoor adventures. So if you're planning a ski trip this winter, give yourself a little extra time to explore beyond the lifts. You might come for the snow, but chances are you'll find plenty of other reasons to come back.