Tell a Friend Tour Returning to Holiday Valley
Tell a Friend Tour Returning to Holiday Valley
Here’s Your Chance to Meet Up with Pro Freeskiers, Tour the Resort and Hang in the Parks
Photos / Tell a Friend Tour
In Ellicottville, NY we love to celebrate the thrills that come along each winter season, and to many that means chasing the slopes and getting tricky in the terrain parks. Coming to Holiday Valley this February, we have a momentous event that looks to encourage the community to share in some snowy fun. Let’s rally the crew for the rush of excitement to come when the Tell a Friend Tour hits our town.
The Tell a Friend Tour (TAFT) is a free-based event run at the hands of some seriously skilled freeskiers. The team travels across the country in hopes of giving young skiers or seasoned vets a chance to build up their confidence and take on the terrain park with some of the pros themselves. Their aim is to grow a community of ski enthusiasts and encourage endless opportunities for those who dream big.
Andy Parry, Founder and Operator of the Tell a Friend Tour, is a Western New York native looking to bring some inspiration to the next generation of skiers. With a goal to level the playing field within the industry, he went on to explain how the tour came to be. “TAFT started 12 years ago. I created it because at the time, still the case, there was not really any non-competitive events series. I wanted to create something that focused on community and bringing people together. The grassroots vibe was something that also had been overlooked in skiing... I wanted to create a warm and inclusive environment, not a sterile and distant event.” With thirteen resorts in the mix this year, they continue to build a high energy environment enjoyed by all ages.
The Tour wants to reach each and every skier looking to gain the experiences of the big league, but are struggling to find their way. With the importance of what they aim to offer, Andy continues, “I think it’s super important and memorable for these kids to meet pros they look up to and see online. When someone you have been watching ski for years on YouTube or on social [media] gives you a high five, it changes you. It gives a real-life connection that social media can’t do. It’s an intrinsic thing that can’t be quantified and something they will remember for the rest of their lives. So, because of all those things, I started TAFT.” And what better way to make it obtainable to those passion seeking fans than by having the event be free of charge.
On Thursday, February 15th at Holiday Valley, the Tour will start at the Training Center from 3:00-7:30pm. After the action slopeside, guests are welcomed to join the team for free pizza along with additional raffles and prizes.
The tour has made Holiday Valley one of their annual stops from the very beginning. It’s really become one that Andy Parry looks forward to when on the road. “Holiday Valley is a bit special because I’m from Western NY. I grew up in Victor, NY so I know the area and going to HV is kinda like being home. HV locals are also really into skiing. Something about being in WNY during the winter makes you a bit of a fanatic. The fan base is really strong in that area and in turn makes everything a bit more special for everyone involved.” The representation and love for the area serves as a reminder that our home base of Ellicottville runs deep in the ski community and there is no limit on where the slopes can take you.
Holiday Valley welcomes the event; from the guests it brings to the excitement it surrounds, it proves to be a highlight of the ski season. Dash Hegeman, Director of Marketing, adds how the ski resort embraces the returning Tour. “It’s always a really fun, low-key, high-stoke event for our terrain park enthusiasts and the Park Crew. The Tour is filled with really talented skiers and watching them do what they love in the park is a blast.”
It looks like an all-around action-packed day for all ages to join in on. We hope you find your way to take part in the unique experience of skiing with the pros!
For more information on the Tour check out their various social media platforms such as Facebook Tell a Friend Tour, Instagram @tellafriendtour, and their website www.tellafriendtour.com along with Holiday Valley’s events at www.holidayvalley.com.