Snowmakers Ball
Snowmakers Ball
Villaggio preparing for celebration of the Mountain Crews
photo / HoliMont
As the snow gives way to green and golf carts emerge from hibernation, one final event of ski season will take center stage. Its purpose: to reflect on and honor all the dedicated individuals who play an integral role in making winter fun for all of us.
The Snowmakers Ball is a heartfelt tribute to the mountain crews at our local ski resorts - those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the slopes stay covered in snow and in great condition throughout the season. From snowmakers to groomers, lift operators to lift maintenance crews, these hardworking professionals are the backbone of the mountain. It’s the perfect finale to wrap up a successful ski season.
Villaggio Restaurant, which has hosted the Snowmakers Ball for the past nine years, will open its doors once again to all mountain ops and their fans. Let us rally to celebrate these unsung heroes - these Lords of Snow.
“We created this event because we know these guys work hard around the clock, and we want to show them how much we appreciate all that they do,” said Nick Pitillo, owner of Villaggio. “No matter what the weather conditions are, they’re out there, making sure we have the best experience. These crews are passionate about their jobs, and we wouldn’t have what we have if it weren’t for them.”
Employees from all departments of Holiday Valley and HoliMont are invited as guests of the Snowmakers Ball, which will take place Thursday, April 24th at Villaggio from 5:00-9:00pm. This year, Pitillo is extending the appreciation to crews at Kissing Bridge Ski Area as well.
“We’re excited to have our friends from KB join us in celebration,” said Pitillo. “We are blessed to have a third resort in western New York working just as hard to grow the culture. We’re all in this together.”
Mountain crew employees in attendance will each receive a special gift bag filled with product from local businesses and event sponsors including Weed Ross, HKD, Prinoth, Snomax, and SMI, among others. There is no entry fee for mountain crew employees to attend the Snowmakers Ball; cost of admission for the general public is $10 and includes a complimentary buffet with a variety of apps and hors’d oeuvres graciously provided by many of our local restaurants.
Adding to the evening’s excitement is live music by Geno McManus, plus a raffle featuring a number of high-ticketed items. Expect to see an annual favorite in the raffle - a large print donated by Holiday Valley snowmaker and aerial photographer Dan Aldrich. And in true Pitillo form, this event, which honors these Lords of Snow, also acts as a fundraiser for the Ellicottville Little Eagles. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to support our town’s youngest football players and cheerleaders.
The 2025 Snowmakers Ball is just two weeks away. Any business or individual wishing to donate raffle items, items for the mountain crew gift bags, or food for the buffet should contact Andrea Austin, General Manager at Villaggio at 716-699-2199 or andrea@villaggioevl.com. Whether you’re a local or a frequent visitor to the resort, this event is a wonderful way to give back to the people who made this past ski season unforgettable. This is our chance to say thank you to the true heroes of the mountain. We’ll see you there!
