Snowmakers’ Ball Returns to Ellicottville in 2026 to Honor Holiday Valley, HoliMont, and Kissing Bridge Mountain Crews
Snowmakers’ Ball Returns to Ellicottville in 2026 to Honor Holiday Valley, HoliMont, and Kissing Bridge Mountain Crews
Annual event brings the community together to recognize the behind-the-scenes mountain crews who make ski season possible across Ellicottville’s resorts.
As another ski season sees its way out, one beloved tradition brings the community together for one final sendoff. The Snowmakers’ Ball returns this year as a tribute to the crews who make winter possible - those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver the season we all enjoy.
Set for this Sunday, April 19 from 6:00–9:00pm at Villaggio Restaurant, the 2026 Snowmakers’ Ball will once again honor the dedicated mountain maintenance and operations teams from Holiday Valley, HoliMont, and Kissing Bridge. While skiers and riders often take in the finished product - perfectly groomed trails, reliable lift operations, and consistent snow coverage - it’s the crews working day and night, in all conditions, who make it happen.
Snowmakers endure long overnight shifts in freezing temperatures, carefully managing equipment and conditions to build and maintain a solid base. Groomers follow behind, shaping the slopes into the smooth corduroy runs that greet early morning skiers. Lift operators and maintenance teams ensure everything runs safely and efficiently, day after day. Together, these crews form the backbone of the mountain experience, often without much fanfare.
The Snowmakers’ Ball exists to change that - if only for one evening.
Hosted once again by Villaggio, the event has become a staple of the late-season calendar, offering a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere where mountain employees, locals, and visitors can gather under one roof. The evening is equal parts appreciation and reunion, bringing together the people who define Ellicottville’s ski culture.
Guests can expect a welcoming spread of food provided by local restaurants, with a buffet-style dinner included in the $10 admission for the general public. Mountain crew members are invited to attend free of charge, a small but meaningful gesture recognizing their hard work throughout the winter.
This year’s event also features live music by Greg Zeis from 5:30-8:30pm, providing the soundtrack for an evening filled with stories, laughter, and shared memories from the season. A basket raffle and 50/50 drawing will add to the excitement, giving attendees the chance to take home prizes while contributing to a worthy cause.
In 2026, the Snowmakers’ Ball will also support the Frank Pitillo Memorial Fund, adding a deeper layer of meaning to the celebration. The event continues a long-standing tradition of giving back, tying together appreciation for the mountain crews with support for the broader community.
What makes the Snowmakers’ Ball so special is its authenticity. This isn’t a formal affair - it’s a genuine gathering of the people who live and breathe the ski season. It’s also a reminder that Ellicottville’s ski culture extends far beyond the runs themselves. It’s built on a foundation of hardworking individuals who take pride in what they do, whether they’re firing up snow guns in the middle of the night or making sure guests have a seamless experience during the day. Events like this give the community a chance to pause, reflect, and say thank you.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to make reservations in advance through Villaggio’s website, villaggioevl.com. Whether you spent the season on the slopes, behind the scenes, or cheering it all on from the sidelines, the Snowmakers’ Ball offers a chance to come together one last time before spring totally takes over.
