A Year in Review
A Year in Review
A look back at 2022, with an eye on the future
Let’s sum up this past year in three words: Community, Adventure, Advocacy. From new business relationships to outdoor recreation to fundraising efforts of all sorts, it’s safe to say that 2022 was full of activity that made quite an impact on so many living and working in our corner of western New York. As we close out the year, let us reflect on just a few of the great accomplishments, additions and positive outcomes that certainly deserve recognition…
WINTER RECREATION
Holiday Valley continues to be a powerhouse in capital improvements, and with an eye on the future, they began the process of replacing the 4-person Mardi Gras Express with a new 6-passenger chairlift. Phase one, completed this past summer, saw the installation of foundations for 11 new lift towers. Phase two will see the dismantling of the current lift and construction of the new lift during the summer of 2023, with completion in time for HV’s November 2023-24 ski season opening.
“The new Mardi Gras 6-pack will give skiers and snowboarders an exciting new experience, with quicker access to the top of the mountain,” Dennis Eshbaugh, Holiday Valle GM, stated during the announcement originally made last January. “Consistent with the other chairlifts at Holiday Valley, the new Mardi Gras lift will be manufactured by Doppelmayr USA based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The chair will have the capacity to deliver 3,000 people per hour over a length of 4,300 feet and 700 vertical feet up to the top of Mardi Gras. Once the new Mardi Gras 6-pack is in operation, Holiday Valley’s total uphill capacity will be 25,650 people per hour.”
Following a 2-year hiatus (thanks a lot, Covid), The Boardroom Snowboard Shop brought back the Boardroom Banked, transforming Holiday Valley’s Champagne slope into a banked slalom course with 8 high-octane turns where competitors put their skills to the test in a timed format to validate the fastest riders. And while the competition aspect of the event is appealing, the Boardroom Banked really isn’t about winning and losing. Instead, it’s about cultivating a scene and making sure that snowboarding in Western New York continues to thrive.
Additionally, the Boardroom Banked acts as a fundraiser, with the 2022 proceeds being donated to P.U.N.T. Pediatric Collaborative, a nonprofit that provides families in Western New York facing pediatric cancer with programs that offer financial, practical and emotional support in their time of need. P.U.N.T. has been chosen as the repeat beneficiary for the 2023 event, which is scheduled for March 5. Follow @boardroomeville on IG to keep tabs on details as they are released. No doubt competition spots will sell out again.
SUMMER RECREATION
On the flip side of seasons, Holiday Valley proudly announced their new Head Golf Professional of their Double Black Diamond Golf Course. Kyle Benish took over the position in April, replacing PGA Master Golf Pro Steve Carney, who remains a PGA Ambassador for Holiday Valley. Benish started as Holiday Valley’s first Assistant Professional in 2004 and has been a PGA Class A Member since 2010, culminating in 2019 when he earned his designation as a PGA Certified Professional.
Over at HoliMont, they’ve unleashed a whole new meaning to “hot laps”. During the spring and summer months, crews continued building on the well-received downhill mountain bike park, which celebrated a successful second year in operation. The park’s footprint expanded with a number of new trails, and additional bike carriers were added to the Sunset lift for quicker access to the top.
But who says mountain biking is only for the summer months? HoliMont introduced a Dual Slalom Bike Race in April - a head-to-head format complete with snowboard race gates and banked turns. The bracket style elimination saw a good crowd, and plans are already in the works for the 2023 course, along with a downhill fat bike race in February.
Add some content here to The Ellicottville Skatepark project, which has been in fundraising mode since 2019, saw its vision begin to take form. Working alongside the Village of Ellicottville, the SK8EVL committee raised the maximum match through The Skatepark Project/Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, totaling $550,000 to apply towards the construction of a permanent, concrete skatepark that when completed, will be available to the public at no charge. Located in the Ellicottville Village Park, reputable skatepark contractor Grindline broke ground in June and will finish the project in Spring of 2023. Watch for details on the grand opening in this publication.
Speaking of public outdoor recreation, the Ellicottville-Great Valley Recreation Trail made some headway in their fundraising efforts. In partnership with Steelbound Brewery & Distillery, a new craft beer was launched, dubbed Trail Ale. A portion of Trail Ale sales was donated back to the EVGV Trail, a project that has been in the works since 2012. When completed, the EVGV Trail will link hikers, bicyclers and cross-country skiers on a paved trail system spanning from Ellicottville to Great Valley. Learn more at evgvtrail.org.
NEW ON CAMPUS
Before the start of this school year, Ellicottville Central School announced the addition of a School Resource Officer. Appointed by Ellicottville Police Chief Don Auge, Ellicottville Police Officer Amber Graham attended SRO training before starting her duties. Kids entering ECS on the first day of school were welcomed by Officer Graham who is providing law enforcement, education and first responder services on school grounds each day that school is in session, through 2024.
Speaking of school, a mission has been set by local restauranteur Nick Pitillo to raise the necessary funding needed to replace the stadium lights on the Ellicottville Central School football field. Pitillo, who’s family is deeply rooted in the history of ECS football, launched the Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Fund just before Thanksgiving and is making continued progress, however, he still has a long ways to go.
“Many of you may not know this, but the lights over the Ellicottville Central School Football Field were put up in honor of my late brother, Frank Pitillo, in 1977,” explained Nick. “Frank was a world class athlete that was doubling up his junior and senior year of high school so he could begin his training with the U.S. Ski Team, when he was killed in a motorcycle accident. The entire town, led by my father Mike, and my mother Joan, John Northrup, Mark Ward, Bob McRae, and so many others, rallied together to raise the funds to light the field in his honor. I vividly remember being held up by my dad, in my little league football uniform, to throw the switch on the lights for the very first time.”
Fast forward many years later (44 years to be exact), and those lights are in dire need of attention. In true Pitillo fashion, fundraising efforts are underway and off to a strong start, with just over $45,000 raised of the $250,000 needed to move forward. Want to learn more? Flip to page 20 and scan the QR code. The FPMLF has an account established at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation and all donations are tax-deductible.
Business in Ellicottville continue to thrive, including newcomer ThrIVe IV Lounge. Owned by Caylee Starks, registered nurse, ThrIVe strives to bring health and balance to those in need of hydration, vitamins and minerals, as well as relief from various ailments such as migraines, acne… even hangovers! Ellicottville also saw the addition of 42 North Brewing Co. inside Bike & Bean, and 12 Gates Brewing next door to Ellicottville Coffee Co.
On top of unique shopping, dining and tasty craft beer options, a full menu of fun, high-energy events consumed 2022, providing non-stop excitement for all who love Ellicottville and for those who discovered it for the first time. From the Railrider Jamboree and Hilltap Fest to the WNYMBA Campout, Summer Music Festival and Rock n’ Roll Weekend - just to name a few - there’s always a good reason to put Ellicottville on your schedule. Find more festivals and events at ellicottvilleny.com or just keep picking up ellicottvilleNOW! We’ve got your ticket to a good time!
