By: Logan Jaquay
Tired of sitting around inside all winter? Get out and hit the slopes this season at any of our local ski resorts, such as Peek’n Peak or Holiday Valley. Both of these resorts offer all types of winter fun, such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing lanes, and terrain parks. They also offer rentals for new skiers who do not own skis, along with lessons to learn how to stop, turn, and be safe while having fun on the slopes. In addition to the ski slopes, both attractions offer pools and spas, making them fun for the whole family.
Holiday Valley is located in Ellicottville, NY, where the ski resort had their grand opening in the winter of 1958. Holiday Valley has 13 lifts, 60 slopes and trails, and three base lodges. Holiday Valley also offers a mountain coaster that goes through the snowy woods. The popular resort started making snow and opened their slopes on the weekend of November 23, and has been opened ever since.
Peek’n Peak is located in Clymer, NY, opening in 1963. The Peak has eight chair lifts, 26 downhill slopes and trails, along with three lodges. The Peak opened their slopes on December 13, and will continue to make snow all winter.
The Squire caught up with long time skier, junior, Easton Hedman, to get his insights about hitting the slopes. Easton has been skiing since he was little when his family started taking him to Holiday Valley. He enjoys the speed, the big adrenaline rush, and spending quality time with his friends and family. Hedman is excited for this ski season since he now has his own skis and does not have to rent them anymore. This time of year, Hedman is often busy wrestling, but any free time that he gets he goes skiing with the boys. When asked what type of skier he was, Hedman replied, “I like to go crazy, hitting the jumps and going really fast.”
Hedman offered The Squire some advice for students who have never skied before and might want to give it a try. He suggested going to Holiday Valley rather than Peek’n Peak, since the slopes are longer, easier, and better to learn on. He also feels that Holiday Valley has better facilities. Hedman added some important tips, “Good luck to new skiers. Go down the hill, don’t fall, and don’t cross your skis.”
The Squire hopes everyone can find something to do this winter to get out of the house and escape cabin fever. For more information regarding ski passes, rentals, ski lessons, lodging, and more please visit these websites: https://www.holidayvalley.com/lodging/lodging/
The Squire 