Life in the Alleghenies Winter 2024 by Community Source

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ArtRoscoeSkiTrails

HoliMont

Holiday Valley looking forward to great season

By Deb Everts

ELLICOTTVILLE

— As a new ski season approaches, the staff at Holiday Valley Ski Resort have been busy preparing the slopes and chalets to offer their guests a great winter season experience.

Marketing Director Dash Hegeman and the rest of the staff are optimistic about the upcoming winter season.

Holiday Valley’s ski and snowboard season was anticipated to open Dec. 6. Hegeman is confident it will surpass last year’s season and they will get more help from the weather when it comes to natural snowfall.

“Last winter wasn’t the ideal winter by any means but, thanks to the Snowmaking Team and some timely cold temps, we were able to get 115 days of skiing and riding in last year — highlighting the importance of investing in snowmaking,” he said.

Hegeman said it’s been a great summer at

Park is only a few miles away which is also fun for the entire family.

“The resort has great dining, as well as a fantastic on-site spa where guests can relax,” he said. “People can shop at the two Mountain Shops and the Village of Ellicottville has more dining, shopping and après options.”

Holiday Valley’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration is scheduled for Dec. 31. The family-friendly party culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.

Holiday Valley. The Double Black Diamond Golf Course saw many happy golfers out enjoying the great weather. He said Sky High Adventure Park was the location for treetop adventures for many delighted guests and the public pools were packed.

According to Hegeman, approximately $3 million was invested back into the resort, this summer, includ-

ing improvements made to rooms at both The Inn at Holiday Valley and the Tamarack Club, grooming equipment and, of course, improving the snowmaking infrastructure

“Approximately 23 new snow guns were installed on Mardi Gras. A significant amount of underground pipes and hoses were dug up and replaced to maximize efficiency of the system this winter,” he said.

People don’t have to be skiers or snowboarders to enjoy Holiday Valley. Hegeman said the Mountain Coaster at Tannenbaum is always a hit, and the Holiday Valley Tubing

SKI magazine has ranked Holiday Valley as No. 11 overall in the east. Considering there are approximately 50 resorts in New York state alone, Hegeman said Holiday Valley is in some fantastic company with its ranking.

According to Hegeman, Holiday Valley also finished at or near the top in many subcategory rankings including “Fastest Lift Network,” “Quick Trip,” “Best Apres” and “Families” looking to take a vacation.

“It’s a testament to the convenience our ski-in/ ski-out lodging offers, the professionalism of our Snowsports Staff, dining options, guest services and much more,” he said.

Holiday Valley is located at 6557 Holiday Valley Road in Ellicottville. More details can be found online at holidayvalley.com.

Photo provided by Holiday Valley Holiday Valley has made several improvements at their facilities to make their guests’ visits more exciting and enjoyable. Shown is a skier from a previous season on one of Holiday Valley’s slopes.

Fat Bike Fun Rides gearing up for season at Allegany State Park

By KELLEN QUIGLEY

RED HOUSE — The Allegany State Park Environmental Education and Recreation Department and the Western New York Mountain Bike Association (WNYMBA) have announced another year of fat bike fun rides in the park.

A fat bike is a mountain bike with extra-large tires to handle mud, sand and snow. These bikes are the monster trucks of the bike world. The 5- to 8-mile fun rides are for all levels and will last up to two hours, depending on the weather. Riders will roll through the Red House area of the park. If there is no snow, any mountain bike is welcome.

Although pre-registration is not required, those interested in borrowing a bike for any of these events are asked to call (716) 3796939 as bike availability is limited.

The New Gear’s Eve Bike Ride begins at Camp Allegany at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 with the ride starting at 6:30. Grab your bike and some friends to join park staff and other fat bike enthusiasts for the last ride of the year. Bring lights, warm and reflective gear and a helmet. Participants may be split into different-paced groups if necessary. No one will be left behind. There will be a social gathering to follow the ride in the Rec Hall at Camp Allegany. Bring your own snacks. For

more information call the Environmental Education Department at (716) 3796939.

Kick off 2025 the following on Wednesday, Jan. 1 with the First Day Bike event. Next Level Mountain Biking will be leading a ride in the Red House area. Meet at Camp Allegany at 11 a.m.

The pace and the length of the ride will be moderate and be determined by the participants. Participants may split into different-paced groups, if necessary. No one will be left behind.

Fat tire bikes are suggested, given the range of conditions likely to be present. However, participants should exercise their own judgment for the

conditions of the day. For more information, contact Kristian Reiber at nextlevelmountainbiking@gmail. com or call (716) 785-2685. Meet other fat bike enthusiasts throughout the winter during Monthly Fat Bike Rides on various Friday night fun rides this season. Rides are rescheduled for Jan. 17 – Soup Theme Ride, Feb. 14 – Flannel Ride and March 14 – Wearing of the Green Ride.

Meet at 6:30 p.m. with the ride starting at 6:45. Bring warm clothes, a helmet, a headlight and a sense of adventure. Checkin will be at Camp Allegany in January and February and at the Red House Administration Building on March 14.

Photo provided by WNY Mountain Biking Association

Olean’s ice rink a busy place for winter sports

OLEAN — Hit the ice this winter for skating, hockey and other winter activities.

The city of Olean Youth Bureau and Recreation Department’s ice rink at the William O. Smith Recreation Center is open for public skating sessions every day. Sessions include:

• Monday — 12-2 p.m.

• Tuesday — 12-2 p.m., 3:30-5 p.m.

• Wednesday — 12-2 p.m.

• Thursday — 3:30-5 p.m.

• Friday — 12-2 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m.

• Saturday — 1-2:30 p.m., 5:30-7 p.m.

• Sunday — 1-2:30 p.m., 5:30-7 p.m.

Admission for public open skating is $5 for adults and $3 for children and senior citizens, or $12 for a family of four. Skate rental is $3 per person. Book passes are available for public skating, skate and shoot sessions, skate rentals and skate sharpening, and include 12 passes for the price of 10. Public ice skating season passes — which include both entry and skate rentals for the first time ever — are $120 for children and seniors, $160 for adults, and $220 for a family of four.

Other activities include: Youth skate and shoot: 3:30-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Adult skate and shoot: 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Ice bocce: Thursdays, noon-1:30 p.m.

Youth skate and shoot sessions are $6, and adult skate and shoot sessions are $8. Ice bocce is $3.

Learn to skate programs are held every month. The three-session programs are $30 and will be announced.

The center is available for birthday parties, scheduled during public ice skating sessions. The cost is $100 for up to 25 children. The fees include admission, skate rental and party room rental.

The center is also open for school rentals at $3 per student with skates included.

Hockey games, including the Olean Eagles high school team, two St. Bonaventure University club teams, and the Alfred State College club team, have home games through mid-February. For a full schedule, visit https:// cityofolean.org/departments/youth-recreation/. For rental information, call 373-7465. For information on events for each day, call the center or visit www.facebook.com/oleanyouthrec or www.twitter.com/oleanyouthrec.

File photo

Skaters make their way around the city of Olean’s ice rink at the William O. Smith Recreation Center.

Embrace the chill at Callahan Ice Rink

By SARA FURLONG

Bradford’s Callahan Ice Rink, named one of the 10 best ice skating rinks in Pennsylvania by Step Outside in 2023, is one way for the region’s residents to embrace the chill and stay active this winter.

The rink, located at 64 Poplin Ave., is home to the Bradford Blizzard youth hockey program. Public skaters split time with the players from early November to early March.

Open skates are offered 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and

Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The hockey club practices Monday and Thursday evenings, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday.

Adults pay $5 admission, students pay $4, and skate rentals are $3. Sharpen your own pair of skates for $6. Training aids are available for beginners. The rink is fully enclosed and includes locker rooms, a concession stand and a heated seating area.

A party room can be rented for $100 for birth-

days and reunions, the cost of which covers admission and skate rentals for as many as 16 people. Cost to rent the ice is $135 per hour. Reservations are required. For more information, contact the rink at (814) 368-8190.

Penny Fox wrote for Step Outside, “Winter blues got you down? Heat things up by going ice skating with family or friends … If you’re new to ice skating, been away for a while and need to

sharpen your skills, or just want to spend a little time gliding through life, here are our favorite ice skating rinks in Pennsylvania,” Step Outside, stepoutside.org, calls itself “your guide to local fun in the great outdoors.” The site offers ideas and resources in camping, hiking, archery, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, motorsports, winter sports, outdoor safety and events in many states across the nation.

Photo by Wade Aiken

Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski Trails among best in Northeast

RED HOUSE — All the snow in the Southern Tier to usher in December triggered many cross country skiers to get out their gear for the season.

The Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski Trail Area in Allegany State Park has some of the best terrain in Western New York, with 24 miles in the trail system that suits both beginners and experts. The trails are specifically groomed for cross country skiing, which makes for better overall conditions and ensures the packed base on the trails lasts longer.

A cabin across the road from the trailhead at the Summit provides shelter and restroom facilities. Check for times for when the cabin, which also serves as the headquarters for the Nordic Ski Patrol for the trail system, is open.

The trails are maintained and improved throughout the off-season, as they are used by hikers

and mountain bikers as well. In years past, there has been extensive culvert cleaning and ditching done to improve trail surface drainage.

Hiking, snowshoeing, fat-tire bike riding and dogs are not permitted during the winter season when the trails are suitable for skiing. However, skiing conditions have been chancy at best over the past two years, as frequent warm spells melted away skiable tracks.

Two good

sources for trail information is Allegany State Park (716) 354-9101 or Allegany Nordic, a group of volunteers who help look after the Art Roscoe trails and describe it as “one of the finest double-track trail systems in the Northeast U.S.” Their blog can be found at www.alleganynordic.org. It’s also important to remember that the higher elevation of the Summit area often gets more snowfall than lower valley areas — particularly in the Allegheny River Valley — so on a day when there appears to be little or no snow in, for instance, Olean, the Art Roscoe trails can still be ready for skiing.

File photos

The Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski Trails in Allegany State Park are groomed and, when there is suitable snow, among the best in the Northeast.

The Allegany State Park Nordic Ski Patrol marked its 20th anniversary in the 2022 winter season.

Thursday:

Swain Resort looks forward to another ski and snowboard season

Swain Resort in Allegany County, with a base of natural snow having fallen right around the first of December, began making its own snow as well, hoping to open as soon as possible.

The oldest independently owned ski resort in Western New York, Swain has operated continuously since 1947. Originally started by the Robinson family, the hill began with just one T-bar taking skiers to the top of the “Main Slope,” later renamed “Clark.”

Swain was one of the first ski areas to implement snowmaking in the late 1970s and expanded to 97% snowmaking capacity. The founding of Swain was documented by Bina Robinson in a full-length book titled “With Our Own Four Hands: And a Lot of Help From Our Rriends and New Neighbors, Swain Ski Area Came To Be”.

Swain Resort offers several learn-to-ski packages and classes in a family-friendly environment.

Swain’s founding was enabled by the local community working together, and that trend continued in 2009 when Richard Ash and other local businessmen raised startup funds to help Celeste and Shawn Schoonover take over operations.

Celeste was born into a ski family. Her parents, Mike and Joyce Knefley, operated Ski Denton in Pennsylvania since 1983 when Celeste was 9. Meanwhile, Shawn has worked in the ski business since his early 20s. All four of the Schoonover’s children have worked at Swain at various times, along with other extended family members — Swain has been graced by three generations of Schoonovers and Knefleys working at any one time.

In recent years Swain has added slopeside properties on the west side of the hill, expanded snowmaking capacity and intro-

duced a new slope over a mile long. Swain has also purchased the Mountainside Inn and five condos to make staying at Swain more convenient and comfortable for everyone. Swain Resort was the first ski resort in New York state to allow snowboarding and the ski area has multiple terrain parks. Today, Swain features challenging skiing terrain while still catering to families and schools with beginner skiers. Its school club members total more than 1,000 and are often multi-generational.

Photo courtesy of Swain Resort

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Cross-country

Multitude of cross country ski trails in Allegheny National Forest area

Cross country skiing offers a chance to get out in the cold weather and complete a full-body workout, burning lots of calories, improving cardiovascular endurance, helping to relieve stress and improving endurance.

The reflection off the snow provides a beautiful backdrop to enjoy the winter scene on multitudes of groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski trails.

The Allegheny National Forest has miles of designated trails for cross country skiing, suitable for a variety of skill levels.

The Allegheny National Forest requests that individuals ski safely and within their comfort limit of control.

Make sure to ski to the

right when approaching other skiers or when being passed by other skiers. Dress in layers and always wear hats and gloves. Carry extra wax for the bottom of your skis. Skiing with friends, especially at night, can be protective in the event that an accident occurs.

There are miles of trails designated for cross-country skiing in the National Allegheny Forest. The only groomed ski trails are Laurel Mill Cross Country Ski Trail, outside of Ridgway, and the access road to Rimrock Overlook, off Route 59, southwest of Bradford. Trails are suitable for a variety of skill levels. Ungroomed trails include Westline cross country ski trails, close to the

Westline Inn. Trails are clearly marked with blue diamond-shaped markers on trees.

The Westline Cross Country Ski Trail offers 9.8 miles of rugged forestland trails.The trailhead is located 11 miles south of Bradford, via U.S. 219 and Route 59, via Forest Road 455. Facilities at the trailhead include hardened parking and informational signage.

The trail system consists of several loops of a varying of skill levels: Short Circuit Loop, 1.5 miles (easy); Inside-OutLoop, 1.5 miles (more difficult); Ledges Loop, 1.6 miles (more difficult); Boo-Boo’s Delight Loop, 1.1 miles (more difficult); and Thundershower Trail, 4.1 miles (most difficult).

For information on the cross-country ski trail systems visit visitanf. com/wp-content/pdf/ Westline-Cross-CountrySki-Trail-Map.pdf.

Another great destination is the Knox & Kane rail trail, which is a little more than 3 miles between Mount Jewett and Kinzua Bridge State Park. The terrain is flat and easy with the added bonus of visiting the bridge site, which offers great winter views over the Kinzua Creek valley. Visitors should note that access to the bridge itself is closed for maintenance work. For more information about cross-country skiing in the Allegheny National Forest visit http://visitanf.com.

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skiers and hikers participate in the Tony Dolan Memorial Ski for Cancer in Westline.

HoliMont readies to open for the winter season

By Deb Everts

ELLICOTTVILLE —

Members of HoliMont Ski Club have the opportunity to enjoy all the resort has to offer while they make memories to last a lifetime.

HoliMont’s projected opening date is Dec. 14. Snowsports Director Travis Widger said they will begin making snow as soon as they have a productive, extended window of weather.

Several improvements were made this summer.

Widger said the resort replaced 4,000 feet of snowmaking line with an upgraded larger pipe to ensure more snow can be put on the slopes in a shorter amount of time. He said they have pumped over 10 million gallons of water into their Horizon Pond Reservoir.

“As part of that project, we have rebuilt one of our boost pumps and upgraded electrical utilities to ensure we can capitalize on the windows we have,” he said.

“We built a custom

HoliMont ski resort is hoping for a great season this year. Shown from a previous year are groups of skiers riding the chairlift up one of the slopes.

people carrier for the back of one of our piston bully groomers, so we can host more guests comfortably for our hilltop dinners and events at our Foxwood Cabin,” he said.

The resort has some alternative activities to keep guests coming. Widger said they added four new trails to the Mountain Bike Park. They also have a newly installed disc golf course at the top of the hill to complement the resort’s bike and hiking trails.

The staff at HoliMont is dedicated to creating the ultimate destination for families to spend quality time together. The private resort, known for great snow and no lift lines, is unique because it’s fami-

ly-centered and gives its members freedom as well as independence. Trial memberships for the 2024–25 season are available. Widger said it’s a great way to get a firsthand feel of what HoliMont is all about. He said a trial membership is also a great investment for families because it will give them year-round access, with the inclusion of the Bike Park and HoliMont’s summer activities. HoliMont is located at 6921 Route 242 in Ellicottville. The resort is generally open to the public Monday through Friday. For more information, call (716) 699-2320 or visit online at holimont.com.

Photo provided by HoliMont

Snowmobilers hoping again for better conditions this winter

The last few seasons have been less than ideal for one of the signature winter activities of the region — snowmobiling.

The pastime has been closely associated with Twin Tiers winters for generations and everyone from sled owners to restaurant and bar owners, convenience stores and gas stations and motorsports outlets are hoping for a better winter season in 2024-25. A pattern that has developed is that even when the region gets suitable snowfall — as was certainly the case the last days of November and into early December — warmer temperatures are pushed up from the south and the trails are turned to slush and mud.

When conditions are right, the Twin Tiers region that includes Cattaraugus and Allegany counties in New York and McKean, Potter, Cameron and Elk counties in Pennsylvania is a snowmobiler’s paradise.

There is access to upwards of 1,000 miles of snowmobile trails. Trail networks that, by the way, also connect to routes beyond the region include those in Allegany State Park, which offers 90 miles of some of the best groomed trails in Western New York, and the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, which has more than 365 miles of groomed trails in interconnected loops.

Several snowmobile clubs in the region tend to hundreds of miles of trails, assuring access for riders.

There are a couple of issues, however, that come up every year. First, trails in New York state remain closed until the end of deer hunting season — that includes an extended muzzleloader hunting week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Snowmobile clubs still get out each fall to put signs up along the trails they negotiate with landowners to use each year. If possible, they get out to mark the trails before deer season starts, but some clubs still find themselves signing the trails at the last moment.

The Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Plan-

ning and Tourism offers downloadable maps of the the snowmobile trails in the county, including the state park. The website is at www.cattco.org.

They not only provide detailed trail map, but locations of food, gas, lodging, parts and repairs and other information along the snowmobile trails.

Several of the trails hook up with trails maintained by clubs in surrounding counties as well.

Besides a great snowmobile trail system, Allegany State Park offers lodging from rustic cabins to cottages.

One reason to join a club is that the $100

snowmobile registration fee is reduced to $45 if the owner is a member of a snowmobile club.

In addition, $10 of that state registration fee comes back to snowmobile clubs to maintain snowmobile trails they oversee and purchase equipment to maintain trails.

Several snowmobile clubs maintain trails in Cattaraugus County by sharing in tens of thousands of dollars in grants from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

In Pennsylvania, the State Snowmobile Association (PSSA) can be reached at (888) 411-7772. The Allegheny National Forest provides trail condition reports at (814) 723-5150 (press 4 for a summary) or check out the ANF’s website.

ANF officials note that many snowmobile trails are located on jointuse roads — users may encounter motor vehicles, dog sled teams and cross-country skiers at any time. Obey all posted signage, stay on established trails and yield to groomers.

Grooming of snowmobile trails in the ANF is done during the night, Thursday through Monday.

All motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, ATVs and amphibious watercraft, are prohibited on the Allegheny Reservoir’s frozen surface.

File photos

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we have to put fishing rods away

By WADE ROBERTSON

With an incredible number of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes surrounding us, even the cold winter months offer a wide range of fishing options for those not afraid to venture out in lower temperatures.

If the frigid temperatures hold off and the larger streams and rivers don’t freeze, fishing can be surprisingly good. Walleyes migrate to the upper reaches of these waters to spawn and take advantage of the abundant shiners, chubs and suckers these waters hold. Rapalas are a staple for fishing this time of year and produce walleyes in upper 20-inch to lower 30-inch range. Twister tails and soft plastics are also good, and live bait is never a bad bet in the large eddies and riffles.

This is also a good time of year to tie into a muskie or pike. Fish in the 20- and 30-pound range live in these waters and every year fortunate fishermen tie into a fish of a

The winter season can be great for fishing — and a great way to get outdoors. This nice pike was caught while ice fishing.

streaks up and grabs your lure you may wish you were wearing Depends. Fish that size both intimidate and thrill in equal measures.

Steelhead stay in the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario tributaries all winter and high water usually brings more fish up out of the lake even late in the year. Flies, spawn sacks, small jigs, nightcrawlers and tiny cranks all can produce action, but if the water is low and clear the trout can be very picky indeed about presentation and what they’re hitting. When winter’s

grip tightens and things freeze up the fisherman’s opportunities really open up. The region’s lakes — Chautauqua, Cuba, Rushford, Lime, Quaker and Red House to name a few — all offer opportunities for trout on special regulation waters and perch, bluegill, walleye, pike, muskie and other species.

Looking for a chance at a state record? The Kinzua Reservoir has produced trophy fish in both Pennsylvania and New York over the years and monsters still swim in its depths. Oversized walleyes and pike are the more common behemoths caught, but you never know what may grab your offering. Most trophy fish

are caught early on when the waters first freeze over, so don’t dally when the ice grows thick enough for safety.

Wear a life vest at least at first and the wise carry spikes dangling from their sleeves to aid in pulling themselves out if they break through. Getting out of the icy water quickly is the key.

Ice fishing doesn’t have to be all pain and suffering. Ice huts are normally heated or offer shelter from the wind, and today’s portable stoves allow some great meals to be prepared while fishing. Occasionally little villages spring up on the frozen surface and ice fishermen trade tales, dishes and drinks if the fishing is slow.

The rivers and streams also freeze over and allow fishing, but be very careful — moving water underneath the ice produces thick and thin ice spots and can be dangerous. Winter can be difficult to endure at times, but like all challenges offers many possibilities for those looking to get outdoors and away from the tube. There’s something mysterious and magical about cutting a hole in the ice and dropping down your lure or bait into those dark, deep waters. When you get a hit and catch a fish it’s always a real thrill the first time you do so; you may become as badly hooked on ice fishing as the fish on your line.

Photo by Wade Robertson

’Tis the season in Historic Downtown Bradford

By SARA FURLONG

Folks will be walkin’ in a wine wonderland Dec. 14 as the winter Wine Walk returns to Historic Downtown Bradford.

Held in conjunction with the annual Old Fashioned Christmas celebration, the popular Wine Walk will feature 14 regional wineries, a distillery and brewery.

Bear Creek Wines, Deer Creek Winery, Elk County Wilds Wine Smoothies, Triple Nickel Distillery, Elk Mountain Winery, Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Laurel Mountain Winery, Little Mountain Winery, Pisano Family Wine Cellar, Twisted Vine Winery, The Winery at Wilcox, Allegany Wine Cellars, Uncle D’s Sassy Glass Winery and Bradford Brew Station are all participating.

They’ll be set up for tastings at participating businesses, which are On The Side Books, Cummins Country Charm, Julie’s Ever After, Field Street Boots & Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, Katie Boser Photography, Bradford Chocolate Factory, J&M’s Closet, Magic Bean Cafe, Main Street Mercantile, Small Town Girl Boutique, Seeds and Stems, and Escape the ’80s.

Tickets, which are $20 and pre-sale only, are

available in person at Michelle’s Flair for Hair at 104 Main St. or online at eventbrite.com. It includes samples and a wine glass.

To keep things flowing, the event will follow staggered start times, at 3:30 p.m., 4, 4:30, 5 and 5:30.

The popular porter service returns this year, to handle wine and store purchases so you don’t have to.

“Our beautiful Historic Downtown Bradford has some great businesses, new and old,” said organizer Michelle Baxter with the Downtown Bradford Business Association.

“Without shopping local and supporting your local businesses, we won’t be

around to support you when you need us.

“Enjoy the holiday season and all of our events. We are very excited to share them with you!”

Those looking for the

day’s family-oriented events will want to know more about the annual Old Fashioned Christmas.

Festivities will begin with Breakfast with Santa at Beefeaters from 8 to 11 a.m. Donut Decorating is slated for 10 a.m. to noon at Dunkin’ Donuts, where children will be able to decorate their own donuts in whatever seasonal sweetness or sprinkles they’d like.

Kathy Obermeyer, ERA Team VP Real Estate, will once again sponsor the popular horse-and-carriage rides down Main Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Listen to magical Christmas stories read by Mrs. Claus herself, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at On The Side Books.

Then, of course, there will be all the local shopping you can squeeze in. Hours and deals will vary by location.

File photo

A horse-drawn carriage makes its way through downtown Bradford during last year’s Old Fashioned Christmas. This year’s event is slated Dec. 14.

Discover the winter magic of Allegheny National Forest

Winter in the Alleghenies provides a blend of adventure and relaxation. Why travel far for winter excitement when you’ve got the stunning Allegheny National Forest in your backyard? This season, embrace the chilly beauty of your local wonderland with thrilling activities

and serene escapes tailored for residents who know how to make the most of Pennsylvania winters.

Ski the trails you know and love

Cross-country skiing in Allegheny National Forest offers the perfect way to

enjoy the crisp winter air. Test your skills on local favorites:

Knox & Kane Rail Trail — Perfect for family outings or solo treks, with quick access to nearby Kane Manor Inn for a cozy stop.

Rimrock Overlook Access

Road — A scenic route just southwest of Bradford, ideal for casual skiers and seasoned pros.

Feeling adventurous?

Tackle the Westline

Cross-Country Ski Trail, where locals thrive on the 9.8 miles of loops that vary in difficulty. Start easy on the Short Circuit Loop or push your limits on the Thundershower Trail. Afterward, grab a meal and warm up at the Westline Inn — a spot practically made for neighbors like you.

Snowmobiling:

Your adrenaline fix

With more than 300 miles of well-kept trails, Allegheny is your winter playground for snowmobiling. Wind through twisting routes blanketed in snow, cutting through dense forests you’ve explored all year. Start your ride at Willow Bay or the Marienville Trailhead, and let the rush of adventure remind you why you call this region home.

Ice fishing:

Winter solitude at its finest

Looking for quiet moments on frozen waters?

Ice fishing at Allegheny Reservoir or Marilla Reservoir is the perfect retreat. Local anglers swear by

Allegheny National Forest

>> Continued from page 22

these spots for walleye, pike and perch. Bring your gear, bundle up and pack a thermos of your favorite coffee — it’s a classic winter day that only locals can truly appreciate.

Warm up at cozy local retreats

After a day of fun, skip the long drive home and relax in a cabin or lodge right in the forest. Whether it’s a rustic escape with a wood stove or a full-service inn offering hot meals, staying close to your playground keeps the fun alive for the next day. Top picks include:

• Rustic cabins — Perfect for curling up by the fire.

• Lodges and inns — Hot meals, comfy beds and welcoming vibes.

This winter, skip the tourist trails and rediscover the Allegheny National Forest as only locals can. Whether it’s an action-packed day or a peaceful escape, your backyard has everything you need to create unforgettable memories. Don’t wait — grab your gear and make the most of the season!

Cross-country skiing

Groomed trails:

• Knox & Kane Rail Trail — Nearby lodging at Kane Manor Inn.

• Access Road to Rimrock Overlook — Located southwest of Bradford.

Ungroomed trails:

• Westline Cross-Country Ski Trail — Features 9.8 miles of loops with varying difficulty.