Ellicottville Winter Getaway: Skiing, Dining & Small-Town Charm in Western NY
Ellicottville Winter Getaway: Skiing, Dining & Small-Town Charm in Western NY
Ski, shop, dine, and unwind in Ellicottville. WNY’s favorite winter escape where adventure meets charm and every day ends with a cozy glow.
Tucked in the rolling hills of Western New York, Ellicottville is a village that feels like it was made for savoring life and saying yes to adventure. It’s the kind of place where you can trade your car keys for walking shoes and explore everything within a few bustling blocks - boutiques, cafés, wine bars, and restaurants all stitched together in a footprint so small you can wander from shop to shop without ever checking the time. And when the snowfall rolls in, the entire village glows with warmth and welcome.
Winter here begins and ends on the slopes. Holiday Valley, one of the East’s premier four-season resorts, transforms into a skier’s paradise when the temperatures drop, with miles of corduroy, fun glades, and multiple terrain parks that welcome the first-timers to seasoned experts. Off the slopes, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, tubing, or simply warming up by a fire with a hot cocoa or refreshing brew in hand.
On the other side of the mountain, HoliMont adds to the allure. Known as North America’s largest private ski area, HoliMont is open to the public on weekdays, giving visitors access to perfectly groomed trails and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s where generations of skiers and snowboarders have carved their turns and built their winter traditions - an Ellicottville hallmark that keeps members and guests returning year after year.
START YOUR DAY IN THE VILLAGE
Before hitting the slopes, fuel up like a local. Stop by Katy’s Café, a favorite morning gathering spot known for its espresso drinks, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and friendly chatter that instantly makes you feel part of the community. Or swing by Ellicottville Bake Shop - the scent of fresh pastries, bagels, and homemade breads alone is worth the trip. Pair a hot coffee with one of their cinnamon rolls or a seasonal muffin before heading to the lifts.
When it’s time to swap ski boots for walking shoes, Ellicottville’s village streets invite you to wander and explore. Shopping here is never rushed - enjoy the experience!
Step into Daff, a boutique that’s equal parts fashion-forward and mountain chic, offering everything from cozy sweaters and warm flannels to accessories you didn’t know you needed. Just down the street, Nature’s Remedy is your go-to spot for organic teas, natural skincare, and a thoughtfully curated selection of health and wellness products - perfect for recharging after a day in the cold.
And if you’re looking to gear up for your next run, Ellicottville’s three premier ski and snowboard outfitters - The City Garage, Mud, Sweat n’ Gears, and The Boardroom Snowboard Shop - have you covered. From the latest skis and snowboards to apparel, goggles, and tuning services, each shop brings its own personality and expertise. You’ll find passionate locals behind every counter, eager to share tips, talk gear, and get you ready for another day on the snow.
APRES SKI
When the sun sets and the snowflakes start to dance in the glow of the streetlights, Ellicottville’s dining scene comes alive. For an elegant evening, Villaggio offers Italian comfort food at its finest - house-made pasta, perfectly cooked steaks, and an impressive wine list that makes it a must-visit for dinner - adults and kids! The atmosphere is warm, lively, and intimate - a perfect way to end a day on the slopes.
Just down the street, Monroe Street Brick & Brew brings a relaxed yet refined vibe to the village dining experience. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, brick oven baked chicken wings, and curated beer list, it’s where great food meets good company. Pull up a seat at the bar to swap ski stories, or settle into one of the inviting tables for the tastiest pizza pie that will surely hit the spot after a day in the cold. With its exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and friendly staff, Brick & Brew captures the perfect après-ski energy - comfortable, flavorful, and full of heart.
Once dinner’s done, the night is just beginning. Ellicottville is famous for its spirited après-ski scene. Stroll from bar to pub without ever needing your car. Enjoy a craft cocktail or locally brewed beer at one of the many lively spots downtown. Some nights you’ll find acoustic guitar in a corner pub, other nights a full band filling the air with energy. Whether you’re toasting a great run or dancing the night away, you’ll quickly see why the village’s nightlife is part of its magic.
A TRUE WINTER GETAWAY
If your idea of the perfect winter escape involves a little pampering, Ellicottville has you covered there, too. Tucked inside the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley, Ellicottville Oasis Spa offers a true mountainside retreat. Step inside and leave the chill behind as you’re greeted with soft lighting, warm accents, and a menu of luxurious treatments - from deep tissue massages and body wraps to restorative facials and mani/pedi packages. After a long day on the slopes, nothing beats a rejuvenating massage, a seat inside their infrared sauna, or a soak in the pool, with views of the snowy hillside just beyond the windows.
In the heart of the village, Anew Beginning Massage & Spa provides another intimate, boutique experience. Here, relaxation feels personal - tailored to you, with treatments designed to melt away tension and restore balance. Whether you choose a full body salt glow, an aromatherapy session, or a classic European facial, Anew Beginning captures that small-town serenity Ellicottville is known for - quiet, unhurried, and deeply refreshing.
What makes Ellicottville special isn’t just its snow or its slopes - it’s the way everything fits together. You can ski all day, shop and dine all evening, and never once feel like you’re rushing. The village is compact, charming, and designed for exploration - every corner brings a new discovery. And that’s just the winter season. Come back during the green season for golfing, mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, and endless outdoor fun, proving that adventure here never takes a season off.