Skiing Western New York's Snowbelt

In Western New York, Just south of Buffalo and east of Lake Erie, lies a region better known to the locals as the southern tier. During the winter months, cold air coming across Lake Erie picks up significant amounts of moisture, releasing it over the rolling hills throughout this area. Often times, this lake effect snow, will dump several feet of snow in very short periods of time, giving the ski resorts within this snowbelt region some of the best ski conditions on the east coast.



The elevations are nothing to write home about though, and Vertical drops range from 400 to 750 feet. But, some of these ski areas receive 200 inches of annual snowfall, which is an awful lot of snow.



Most of the ski areas in this region are day trip destinations, with the exception of Holiday Valley and Holimont in Ellicottville, New York, which is your only real choice for resort type accommodations and amenities. Holiday Valley is a purpose built four seasons resort. Holimont is a member owned destination open to the public on weekdays only. Ellicottville is a quant fun-loving ski town boasting four full blocks of great restaurants and shopping establishments. The town has become a year round tourist destination, drawing tourists from all over western New York and southern Ontario, Canada. Area activities include skiing, snowboarding, shopping, dining, tubing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Lodging accommodations include the beautiful Inn at Holiday Valley, right at the base of the Sunrise Quad or in one of the many nearby townhouses, condos or lodges on the slopes or in the village. For Four Star amenities, stay at The Tamarack Club, a spectacular condo-hotel at the base of Holiday Valley.

The closest ski area to the Buffalo metropolitan area is Kissing Bridge. It's a forty-five minute drive from the city and your best bet for a day trip. "KB", as the locals call it, sits on a ridge just outside of Colden, New York, and has a good assortment of beginner and intermediate runs. There are no hotels close to the ski area, so if you’re looking to get-away for a few days, you're better off heading over to Holiday Valley in Ellicottville.



Peek'n Peak Ski Area is a four season regional getaway just outside the picturesque village of Findley Lake, New York. The area offers several lodging choices and is good for an overnight getaway, but the hill has a scant 400 foot vertical drop populated with mostly intermediate slopes.



Finally, Cockaigne Ski Resort is a small five slope establishment ninety minutes south of Buffalo.



Best Options: KB for the day and Holiday Valley for the getaway!!!



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