February is flying by, but there’s no slowing down at Holiday Valley. The resort is closing out the month with three distinctly different events that showcase everything locals and visitors love about winter in Ellicottville - high-energy competition, heartfelt community fundraising, and a celebration of free-heel skiing culture.

From park runs under the lights to penguin-style belly slides for a great cause and a full day devoted to telemark turns, there’s something for every winter enthusiast. Let’s break it down…

RED BULL RAIL JAM: Friday, February 20th

Expect cool tricks, loud music, and big energy when the Red Bull Rail Jam takes over Fiddler’s at 6:00pm. This free-to-enter competition invites skiers and snowboarders to showcase their skills on the boxes and rails in a crowd-friendly jam format.

All that’s required to participate is a signed Acknowledgement of Risk (AOR) waiver with a parent signature required for anyone under 18. From there, it’s all about style, creativity, and confidence as competitors throw down their best moves.

Even if you’re not competing, the Rail Jam is a spectator-friendly event. Grab a spot near the features, enjoy a great mix of music, and cheer on the competitors as they light up the snow under the evening sky.

PENGUIN PADDLE: Saturday, February 21st

If you’ve ever seen crowds of “penguins” sliding down lower Yodeler, you know the Penguin Paddle is one of the most beloved traditions of the season.

Held slopeside at Yodeler Lodge, this all-day celebration is the primary fundraiser for the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP), which helps individuals with disabilities experience the joy and freedom of skiing.

The premise is simple - and hilarious. Participants don helmets and oversized black garbage bags, then belly-slide down the ski slope just like penguins. The result is a heartwarming spectacle that draws families, teams, and groups of friends year after year.

Beyond the famous races, the event features a buffet cookout lunch, a raffle, and a silent auction boasting more than 150 items. From ski gear and themed gift baskets to home décor and gift cards to favorite Ellicottville restaurants, the auction alone makes it worth stopping by.

Whether you’re sliding, bidding, dining, or simply cheering from the sidelines, the Penguin Paddle offers a meaningful way to celebrate winter while supporting adaptive skiing opportunities for all. For updates and event details, follow @LounsburyAdaptive on social media.

TELESTOCK: Friday, February 27th

Closing out the month is Telestock, a celebration of telemark skiing brought to you by The City Garage Ski Shop and their favorite free-heel brands.

Often described as a day about “peace, love and telemark skiing,” Telestock welcomes seasoned telemark enthusiasts and curious alpine skiers alike. Participants meet at Holiday Valley’s Yodeler Champagne Sundeck at 9:00am to kick off the day with a Tele-101 session, offering tips and instruction for those new to the discipline.

Demo equipment will be available through The City Garage, and special lift ticket rates are offered for participants, making it an accessible opportunity to try something different on the slopes.

For more information, interested participants can call The City Garage at 716-699-2054. For a full list of events at Holiday Valley, head to holidayvalley.com or follow @holidayvalley on social.

UPPENADAM: Saturday, February 28th

UppenAdam is a low-pressure, no-ego introduction to uphill travel for skiers and splitboarders who are curious about touring - or even those who already have experience but want to connect, refine their approach, or share knowledge. Led by Out of Collective Podcast host Adam Sauerwein, this casual group meetup breaks down the basics - gear, skinning technique, transitions, pacing, layering, and all the questions you’ve been afraid to ask.

After a relaxed Q&A and hang at the base, the group will tour uphill together from the base of Yodeler to the summit, earning turns and sharing a few laughs along the way. Bring your own touring or splitboard setup and be comfortable skiing or riding down. No pressure. No judgment. Just learning, moving uphill, and having fun.

“UPPENADAM exists because skiing uphill shouldn’t feel exclusive. It’s about sharing knowledge, building confidence, and creating a space where curiosity matters more than experience.”

Meet at Holiday Valley on the Champagne Sundeck at 8:00am for complimentary coffee, then head uphill at 8:30am. Participants must have their own equipment.