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Ellicottville, ski resorts have full schedule of late winter events By KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
ELLICOTTVILLE — Come in from the cold and warm up to the high-energy sounds of lively music in all the downtown hot spots during Ellicottville’s Winter Music Jam from Feb. 23 through 25. Produced by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, many of the restaurants and bars have hopped on board to offer a solid line-up in a variety of genres all in one weekend. “We’re always looking for a reason to celebrate the season,” said Brian McFadden, Executive Director of the
source of funding for the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program. The annual all-day event is held slope side of the Yodeler Lodge in cooperation with Holiday Valley Ski Resort. Every February, hundreds of penguin paddlers of all ages flock to Holiday Valley for the Penguin Paddle races. These slippery sliders don helmets and large black garbage bags to “make like penguins” and slide down the lower part of the Yodeler ski slope on their bellies to support the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program. There will be a buffet cook-out lunch, silent auction, wine wall and a
Photo provided by Holiday Valley
The costume parade is one of several events to look forward to at the annual Winter Carnival and Mardi Gras weekend at Holiday Valley and downtown Ellicottville on March 9 and 10.
chamber. “There’s nothing better than a day of outdoor adventure on our local ski hills, then heading downtown to listen to some of the greatest party bands in our region.” This year’s Winter Music Jam will welcome close to 20 live performances, and there are no cover charges for any of them, making a trip to Ellicottville an easy decision. From indie-pop to country hits to classic rock ’n roll — covers and originals — you’ll find a complete schedule of bands and locations on the chamber’s website, so you can strategically plan your musical adventure around town. “We guarantee just one day isn’t going to be enough, so why not make a full weekend out of it?” said Barb Pump, Executive Assistant for the chamber. On Feb. 24, Holiday Valley will host its annual Penguin Paddle, one of the most anticipated events of the ski season and the major
raffle filled with awesome items. The silent auction features over 150 items including beautiful gift baskets, ski and outdoor gear, home decor and gift cards from many of Ellicottville’s fine local restaurants and businesses. Other upcoming events in the Ellicottville area include: • March 3 – Boardroom Banked Slalom, at Holiday Valley. Vendor Village and cookout on the Champagne
Sundeck at the Yodeler Lodge. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. • March 9 & 10 – Winter Carnival and Mardi Gras Weekend, downtown Ellicottville and Holiday Valley. Fun and safe activities for the entire family including live entertainment, snowbar, food, costume parade, dummy downhill and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. • March 15 – Torchlight Parade, at HoliMont. Ski down the hill with glow sticks or flares. Chairlift line begins at 7 p.m. Parade kicks off at 7:45 p.m. • March 16 – Dummy Downhill, at HoliMont. Build a ski dummy and send it down the hill. Put them on display before bringing them to the launch area. 11 a.m. • March 16 – UppenOvr, at Holiday Valley. Uphill ski journey over 3 miles of terrain at the top of the mountain. Start and end at Yodeler Lodge. Party afterward. Supports the Empire State Ride Team. 3-8 p.m. • March 23 – Pond Skimming, at Holiday Valley. Ski down the hill at across the Holiday Valley pond. Absurd outfits are encouraged. 1-2:30 p.m. • March 23 – Rail Rider Jamboree, at Holiday Valley. Come out for a day of music, skiing, pond skimming, beverages, food and more. Line-up includes Infamous Stringdusters, Karina Rykman, Wild Knights and more. For a full line-up of this year’s events, visit ellicottvilleny.com, holidayvalley.com or holimont.com.
Photo provided by Holiday Valley
The ski season closes out March 23 with the annual Pond Skimming at Holiday Valley along with the Rail Rider Jamboree music festival.
Photo provided by Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce
The annual Winter Music Jam will feature nearly 20 live performances in downtown Ellicottville from Feb. 23 through 25.
February 22, 2024
Bradford Publishing Company
Outdoor and trail activities slated Snowshoes are available, weather-dependent. The Coudersport Public Library will host BRADFORD a program in partnerAn Eclipse Viewing ship with Cherry Spring Party will be held on State Park, entitled “ExApril 8 at Willow Bay ploring Eclipses at the Campground in BradLibrary.” The program ford. During the eclipse, will be held on March 19 at 6:30 p.m., weathWillow Bay will be in the path of totality for 1 er-dependent. Visitors can learn all about what minute and 33 seconds. an eclipse is, and what Eclipse glasses will be they need to know to get provided. This event is sponsored by the Allegh- ready for the full eclipse on April 8th. eny National Forest.
By SAVANNAH BARR
COUDERSPORT
Full Moon Snowshoe or Walk will be held on Feb. 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport. Attendees will learn about folklore and winter constellations as they join a park educator for a 1.5-mile walk on level ground in the night sky viewing area.
ELK COUNTY
An Antler Shed Hunting class will be held on February 24 at 2 p.m. at the Elk County Visitor Center. Join staff as they discuss some of their most effective ways to locate whitetail and elk antler sheds.
KANE/MOUNT JEWETT
As weather permits, the Knox and Kane Rail
Trial is open to snowmobiles. They may travel the path between Lantz Corners and the Kinzua Bridge State Park. The speed limit is 25 mph. In addition, the trail is still open to regular visitors. During snowy times of the year, closures are posted on the trail club’s website mj2kbtrail.com The Kane to Lamont trail that runs from the Route 6 Kane Country Club, through Kane to Lamont is open only for hikers and bikers. Snowmobilers and equestrians are not permitted at this time.
GALETON
A Winter Adventure Hike will be held at Lyman Run State Park on March 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Visitors should be prepared with good hiking boots, hiking poles/ sticks and appropriate winter gear.
File photo
Willow Bay, shown here in March of 2023 when snow was plentiful, will be in the path of the eclipse in April.
Warm temps don’t stop winter fun on the slopes of Ellicottville By DEB EVERTS
ELLICOTTVILLE — This year’s ski season at Holiday Valley and HoliMont ski resorts has been a roller coaster ride of up and down temperatures, from bitter cold to springlike and back again. Now, more than halfway through the season, the resorts are managing to meet the challenges of uncertain weather to keep their guests coming back for more excitement on the slopes. Holiday Valley is committed to continuing snowmaking efforts when the weather allows. Dash Hegeman, director of marketing, said the weather this year has been tricky but they are navigating it well. He said the entire Mountain Operations crew has gone to great lengths to make sure guests are having as much fun as possible out on the slopes this winter. “Our snowmaking system is incredible and a game-changer. A season like this is why so much has been invested in the system over the years. When we’ve had snowmaking windows, they’ve been utilized effectively and, as a result, we have
Photos provided by Holiday Valley
This year’s warmer-than-usual winter weather has challenged area ski resorts to keep snow on their slopes. With their high-tech snowmaking systems, and dedicated snowmaking and grooming teams, Holiday Valley and HoliMont ski areas continue to give their guests excitement on the slopes.
been running all 13 of our chairlifts the past few weekends, which means the majority of our terrain is open,” he said. “With any luck, the second half of the season will be filled with a nice combination of snow and sunny, bluebird days.” Hegeman said fresh snow is always the best — it’s what most people think of when they think of a Western New York winter. “The times it has snowed have been amazing. You can just see the added joy and excitement on the faces of everyone at the resort when it snows,” he said.
Hegeman said the new Mardi Gras 6-pack chairlift has been a great addition to Holiday Valley’s fleet of lifts. He said they can now get approximately 2,800 skiers up the lift per hour, versus 2,400 on the old lift. There is still a lot of skiing and riding left to do this season. Hegeman said Holiday Valley has an awesome lineup of events taking place, as well, so be sure to check out holidayvalley.com for all the latest updates on things to do both on and off the slopes. To learn more about Holiday Valley and its events, call (716) 699-
Warren County, Pennsylvania f the
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2024 PA RIVER & TRAIL OF THE YEAR! Allegheny River ~ PA River of the Year | Trails at Jakes Rocks ~ PA Trail of the Year
The Trails at Jakes Rocks (TAJR) consists of over 35 miles of expertly crafted biking and hiking trails and is a project administered under the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry (WCCBI). Located in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest and PA Wilds, TAJR was developed in partnership with trail development company Trail Solutions, a sister company of IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association), Kay-Linn, Applied Trail Research, Dirt Artisans, the WCCBI, and the US Forest Service. TAJR is maintained by dedicated volunteers. These world class trails wind through natural boulders and scenic forested landscapes. With segments designed for riders, hikers, and trail runners of all ages and skill levels, this premier trail system brings thousands of visitors to the Allegheny National Forest annually.
Photo credits to Allegheny Outfitters & Stratos Media Marketing Solutions
“The club dedicates itself to making sure anyone who wants to take part in the joys of skiing can do so at HoliMont.” HoliMont recently brought a TetraSki to Ellicottville, which is the world’s only independent alpine ski for people with complex disabilities. As one of only 27 in the world, the addition of the new, high-tech TetraSki to HoliMont’s Phoenix Adaptive Ski Program is sure to draw more people to the resort, so disabled family members can enjoy skiing with greater independence.
“We hope having the TetraSki will allow more people to have that opportunity. Our Phoenix program and everyone involved does a spectacular job making that happen,” Bradley said. For February and March, HoliMont is offering an exclusive discount to all schoolaged children. Bradley said this is the first time HoliMont has offered this opportunity. HoliMont is open to the public Monday through Friday. For more details, call (716) 699-2320 or visit online at holimont.com.
3905 or visit online at holidayvalley.com.
MEANWHILE, HoliMont is managing well with the warmer winter temps and offers plenty of activities on and off the slopes. Although the conditions have not been ideal so far, Marketing Director Jennah Bradley said that HoliMont’s amazing mountain operations crew has done an impressive job. “We have heard nothing but compliments about our conditions, considering what we have to work with. You honestly have to ‘ski it to believe it,’” she said.
With the trees hanging low with fresh, man-made snow, two skiers begin their descent down a slope at Holiday Valley.
Bradford Publishing Company
February 22, 2024
HoliMont brings TetraSkiing to Ellicottville Utah’s Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. With support from the university’s mechanical ELLICOTTVILLE engineering department, — HoliMont Ski Resort he created the TetraSki. now offers individuals The technology is now with severe spinal cord distributed worldwide injuries and other comthrough a nonprofit plex physical disabilities business called Tetrgreater independence adapt. out on the slopes with its Berghash said a Tetnew TetraSki. raSki is a brand of sit-ski The state-of-the-art but is also a technologisit-ski, available for rent cally advanced machine through HoliMont’s that people with any Phoenix Adaptive kind of disability, such program, is the world’s as a paraplegic, would only high-tech, adaptive, use to ski. Unlike a independent alpine ski standard sit-ski that the for disabled people. driver operates by leanDave Berghash, direc- ing and using different tor of the resort’s Phoeimplements, electric nix program, and two of actuators allow the drivhis instructors recently er of a TetraSki to use a traveled to Breckenjoystick to manipulate ridge, Colo., where they the ski to go left, right, attended four days of fast and slow. training to learn how to “A TetraSki is a lot use a TetraSki. like a power wheelWhile in Colorachair,” he said. “Anydo, Berghash and his one who uses a power instructors met TetraSwheelchair is a great ki founder Dr. Jeffrey candidate for the TetraSRosenbluth who gave ki because they can steer them part of their train- it on the hill by theming. Berghash said they selves.” are now three of 47 peoBerghash said Holiple in the world certified Mont is the first ski area to drive the high-tech in New York state to get piece of equipment. the TetraSki and is one of 27 in the world. TetDr. Rosenbluth is raSkiing is also offered a spinal cord injury in the states of Colorado, rehabilitation specialArizona, California, ist at the University of
By DEB EVERTS
Berghash said now they can offer the machine to members, the community and all disabled skiers who come to HoliMont. He said the resort’s Phoenix program always has been and will remain cutting-edge in everything it does. “This piece of equipment brings the potential of skiing again or freedom of movement when a life-changing accident or disease has changed things in a person’s life,” he said. “We have a couple of students in mind for the TetraSki.” Berghash said rental of the TetraSki is available to all HoliMont members and non-members through the Phoenix Adaptive program. He said they do an outPhoto provided by HoliMont reach program partially HoliMont’s Phoenix Adaptive program recently leased a TetraSki, the world’s only high-tech, adaptive, funded by the Men’s independent alpine ski for people with complex physical disabilities. A TetraSki is shown in action at the Day group on Sunday World’s first TetraSki race, in 2022, at Powder Mountain in Eden, Utah. afternoons. Disabled adults and children within the community Idaho, New Hampshire, HoliMont’s Men’s Day $43,000 for the program who can’t afford to rent Utah and Wyoming as group. Berghash said this year and $32,000 last the Tetra can come to well as internationally HoliMont hosts a Men’s year,” he said. “After HoliMont for a free, halfin Canada, France and Day event once a year, completing a five-year day lesson. Switzerland. and there’s a group of lease for $34,000, which To sign up for a Adding a TetraSki to extremely generous also includes a mainTetraSki lesson, call the Phoenix Adaptive people that raise money tenance program, we (716) 699-8159 or visit program, along with for the resort’s Phoenix physically own the ski.” holimont.com/adaptive. More information about the specialized training program. The TetraSki is an TetraSkiing can be found of three instructors, “To lease the TetraSki, important addition to online at tetradapt.us. was made possible by the group raised almost the Phoenix program.
Trails at Jakes Rocks named 2024 Trail of the YeaR Second straight local winner
is a testament to the worthiness of this trail system. We at DCNR are hopeful that this honor WARREN — Known helps connect even more by many in the area for people to the recreation its gentle loop hiking trails and mountain bik- opportunities around the trails, in Warren County ing, Jakes Rocks, along the Allegheny Reservoir and in the Allegheny National Forest.” and Kinzua Dam, has Jakes Rocks is a 35been officially awarded mile trail system that the 2024 Trail of the Year was established, accordby the Pennsylvania ing to the press release, Department of Con“to address a notable servation and Natural gap in Warren County’s Resources. recreational landscape: DCNR Secretary high-quality mountain Cindy Adams Dunn bike trails. The trails made the announceare used primarily for ment, stating, “This mountain biking, but amazing trail system is other types of recreation extremely deserving of this tremendous honor… such as hiking, trail running, and cross-country People travel from near and far to hike, bike, and skiing are also permitted.” run these trails, which
By MANDY COLOSIMO
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The area promotes recreation as well as healthy lifestyles, and no permits are required to use the area; the park is open during daylight hours only. “The Trails at Jakes Rocks has not only created a fantastic trail system but also serves as an economic driver,” the DCNR stated. “A recent economic impact analysis found that the Trails at Jakes Rocks draws over 25,000 users annually and generates an estimated $9 million in annual tourism spending.” The DCNR has been working to provide access to trails within 10 minutes of every Pennsylvanian, including land and water trails. There are over 12,000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, with many designated uses. So far, there are 2,111 miles of rail trails and 2,355 miles of water trails. Over 7,000 miles of hiking, 6,000 miles of biking, 2,600 miles of horse accessible, 2,500 miles of snowmobile authorized, and just under 1,000 miles of authorized all-terrain vehicle use trails have been established. Trail of the Year
Photo provided by DCNR
The trail at Jakes Rocks has been named Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year for 2024. Recreational opportunities abound for all seasons.
awards are part of the DCNR’s strategy to showcase fantastic trail systems, and at the same time, serve to grow support and interest in closing gaps related to connection, infrastructure, funding and interagency coordination.
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To get to Jakes Rocks, from Bradford, take U.S. Route 219 South to State Route 770 West, then turn onto State Route 59 West. The Kinzua Wolf Run Marina will be on the right, Kinzua Beach on the left as you approach the bridge
over the reservoir. After the bridge, turn left onto Longhouse Scenic Drive. Turn right onto Forest Road 492, left onto Forest Road 610 and stay right. There are two parking lots for the Trails at Jakes Rocks.
February 22, 2024
Bradford Publishing Company
Allegany State Park adapts to lack of winter conditions has only been open a few days due to trail conditions, according to Allegany Region DirecRED HOUSE — tor Jay Bailey. When life gives you It has been a challemons, you make lemonade. lenging winter season to When winter gives say the least. Allegany State Park less The winter weather snow (so far) than usual, picture isn’t much better visitors make the most across most of the Southof what the 100-squareern Tier. mile park has to offer. Allegany State Park There’s hasn’t been visitors have learned to enough snow on the take advantage of snow park’s 90 miles of snowwhen it’s available as evmobile trails this winter idenced by cross country to establish a base, and skiers who venture out the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski Trail System on ungroomed trails
By RICK MILLER
after 4-5 inches of snow have fallen. Bailey noted that the Tuesday afternoon snowshoe hikes hosted by the park’s Education Department have been regular hikes. “When there is not enough snow to warrant snowshoes, hikes are sill enjoyed by patrons,” he said. Also, Bailey said, “There have been monthly fat tire bike rides since October, and scheduled through March. Park activities are posted on Allegany
Photo by Rick Miller
The Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski Trails in Allegany State park have seen limited use this winter due to a lack of snow.
State Park’s Facebook page, and if there is enough snow we will hold pop-up cross country ski adventures.” While cross country ski trails have been open for a few days through mid-February, the conditions were “mostly fair to poor,” Bailey said. In addition, he said, “Warm temperatures and windstorms causing downed trees and substantial tree debris has proved challenging, and has limited the trails’ access.” Punxsutawney Phil may have proclaimed winter is almost over, but Bailey is an optimist and is still hoping for ample snowfall to open both cross country and snowmobile trails. Park visitors have enjoyed the multi-use trails in Red House and Quaker, and other ame-
nities such as the Red House Wetland Complex throughout the winter for walking, jogging, and wildlife observation. Park recreational programming has also provided a steady source of activities for the public. “There has been limited ice fishing when
cold temperatures have persisted for a number of consecutive days,” Bailey said. “However, warm temperatures create rapidly changing conditions, and anyone choosing to venture out on the ice should use due caution,” her added.
The ice on Red House Lake in mid-February was more slushy than solid. Earlier this winter the ice had been solid enough for ice fishing, but warmer weather soon ended that.