Ellicottville, NY (WBEN) Now that the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie have been consumed, many are looking for a way to burn off those calories. Some will likely take to the slopes in the southern tier of Western New York.
Ski season makes a return Friday as both Holiday Valley and Kissing Bridge will welcome skiers back to the slopes.
While Buffalo saw four feet and just south six feet, Dash Hegeman at Holiday Valley says Ellicottville didn't get as much. "We probably got around 20 inches or so over the weekend, and combined with the phenomenal job that our snowmaking team does with a very sophisticated system, we're able to blanket a lot of the resort to get nine or 10 runs open for this coming weekend" says Hegeman.
Hegeman says the goal each year is to be open around Thanksgiving, though in recent years, that hasn't happened because of warmer temperatures. He says being open means a lot. "We've got a very dedicated guest base, and they're very excited about being able to get back on the slopes," says Hegeman. "So being able to have the opportunity to get them to kind of scratch that itch and get out on the slopes making turns as early as possible is something we're really proud of and excited about."
As crews continue to make snow on the adjoining surfaces, more slopes will open, but Hegeman hopes to avoid a warmup.
It's daytime skiing only, but on December 9th, Hegeman says the lights will go on for night skiing.
For more information, check the websites for Kissing Bridge and Holiday Valley.
