Ellicottville, New York, sits within the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York. Come wintertime, those mountains fill with bright, white, powdery snow, the perfect backdrop for all sorts of outdoor winter activities.
Whether you want to hit the slopes for the first time, are an experienced skier, or prefer to stick to the indoors for beer or wine tasting, Ellicottville is the winter wonderland for you.
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay to complement your visit, Aranar’s private villa is the perfect option — located just outside the village of Ellicottville. The villa not only offers total comfort indoors but it is also surrounded by blissfully quiet nature and allows you to look out at the snow-covered ski slopes nearby.
To help you plan the rest of your trip, here’s everything to expect from winter in Ellicottville.
Winter Weather in Ellicottville
Ellicottville has cold, snowy winters. Daytime temperatures almost never go above freezing, and nighttime temperatures drop well below that. You can expect daytime temperatures to hover in the mid-30°s while night temperatures regularly drop to around 15°F.
Along with the cold comes a good deal of snow that normally stays on the ground all winter long. In a standard year, Ellicottville gets more than 100 inches of snow — that’s up to nine feet! Of course, that is not all at once, but it can and does accumulate, making it a great spot for skiing and other winter sports.
While the winters are cold and snowy, you can also get some really beautiful sunshine — the sun combined with fresh powder makes for some stunning winter days in Ellicottville.
Best Things to Do in the Winter
With all of the snow, Ellicottville is the perfect spot for anyone seeking snow sports and other outdoor activities — from snowboarding to snowmobiling. But it also provides festive charm around the holidays and the chance to cozy up inside with a beer or a glass of wine.
Here are some of the best things to do during the winter months in Ellicottville.
1. Go Skiing at Holiday Valley
Located right on the edge of town, Holiday Valley ski resort is a top-notch spot for skiers and snowboarders alike to hit the slopes. If the sport is completely new to you, rentals are available for skis and snowboards, as well as all the other equipment you’ll need.
Once you have your gear, you can sign up for lessons with experienced instructors. Or, if you’re already comfortable, you can just buy a lift pass (day, half-day, and weekend options are available) and head up the mountain to enjoy the powder on your own. And, if the timing of your trip doesn’t coordinate well with a fresh snowfall, don’t worry; Holiday Valley does its own snowmaking.
As well as downhill skiing and snowboarding, Holiday Valley also offers the following:
- Cross country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Tubing
- Mountain coaster
- Terrain park
2. Enjoy a Winter Wonderland at the Nannen Arboretum
The Nannen Arboretum is an eight-acre space managed by the town of Ellicottville. Within the acreage is a botanical garden, but come winter you won’t find much in bloom, but rather a quiet place to enjoy the peace of nature.
There are trails through the arboretum where you can winter hike, snowshoe, or cross country ski.
3. Sample Wines at the Winery of Ellicottville
If you’re someone who prefers the heated indoors during the winter months, the Winery of Ellicottville is the perfect spot for you. The winery is located right downtown, and you can pop in for a wine tasting at any time. They also serve wine and offer a chocolate pairing to go with each of the glasses.
The Winery of Ellicottville produces whites, reds, and roses, as well as a delicious blood orange hard cider.
4. Sip Local Hops at Ellicottville Brewing Company
Another great local spot to enjoy a few drinks year-round is Ellicottville Brewing Company, which is located right in the downtown area. Along with their homemade brews — everything from a crisp blueberry wheat to a dark oatmeal stout — they also serve up an amazing menu of food options.
There is plenty of seating inside, and the space is kid-friendly.
Winter Events in Ellicottville
While the winter festivities start with Christmas cheer, Ellicottville keeps the good times going throughout the long winter months with local music festivals and more.
- Holiday Valley’s New Year’s Eve Party (December): To close out the year, enjoy a fireworks display set off over the slopes.
- Ellicottville’s Winter Blues Weekend (Mid-January): For one weekend in mid-January, local blues musicians come out to perform. Bars and other venues across town host performances. The weekend is full of music and fun and is a great way to swap out your winter blues.
- Winter Music Jam (February): For a more diverse selection of genres, visit Ellicottville during late February, when the Winter Music Jam fills bars and other stages with rock and roll, blues, country, and more.
- Mardi Gras and Winter Carnival (March): In early March, head to Ellicottville for a big blowout party to close out the winter season. There is an organized pub crawl, a barbecue, a pancake breakfast, a toboggan race, a costume parade, and live music — truly something for the whole family.
Packing for Your Winter Getaway
The only way you’re going to enjoy your time in Ellicottville during winter is if you pack the right clothes. With such cold temperatures and plenty of snow to trudge through, thermals, waterproofs, and layers are invaluable.
As the old saying goes, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” So here are a few suitable pieces you’ll want to pack for your trip to Ellicottville:
- Down jacket: You really can’t scrimp on your outer layer — a good down jacket is going to keep you nice and cozy as well as dry. There are different styles, some more suitable for walking around downtown and others that will give you the freedom of movement to tear it up on the slopes with ease.
- Thermal under layers: The right outfit to survive a cold winter day in western New York starts at the base. You’ll want a pair of long underwear to go under your pants and a long-sleeve thermal to go under your top. Wool and polyester are both good materials.
- Snow pants: For any of the outdoor sports you might enjoy during your trip — downhill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or hiking — you’re going to want snow pants. These will insulate your legs and keep them dry.
- Waterproof boots: A sure way to instantly catch a chill is to have wet feet. Insulated, waterproof boots are a must. Avoid rubber exteriors, though, as they will keep your toes very cold.
- Hats & gloves: It’s a good idea to pack at least two pairs of both hats and gloves. You might want one that’s waterproof for the slopes and another that’s more functional for evenings or walking around town. With two pairs, one can dry while the other is on the job.
Enjoy Your Winter Trip to Ellicottville
From quiet walks in snow-kissed forests to shredding up the terrain park on your snowboard, there is something for everyone during winter in Ellicottville.
And if you’re looking for the ideal place to enjoy your après-ski in total luxury, Aranar is the answer — you can unwind from a long day out in the snow by enjoying the jacuzzi, sauna and fireplace of your private villa.
