Ellicottville, NY – The Holiday Valley mountain crew will be busy this summer constructing a new quad chairlift to replace the existing SnowPine double chairlift, highlighting $5.3 million in off-season improvements taking place at the ski resort in western New York State.nThe new lift will double SnowPine’s uphill capacity and allow ski-in, ski-out access to the SnowPine Village condominiums. Bear Cub, a beginner trail that was constructed for the 2010-11 season is serviced by this lift and will be outfitted with snowmaking pipeline and hydrants for the 2011-12 season. The lower section of Bear Cub is being extended for easier access to the base of the SnowPine lift.

An automated snowmaking system will also be installed on the mile-long Mardi Gras slope. Weather stations on the upper and lower slope monitor temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed and direct a computer to turn on or off the snowguns, or increase or decrease the air and water flow. The goal of automation is to increase efficiency and energy savings while providing the best possible manmade snow. To move all of that snow around, Holiday Valley will purchase a new groomer this summer to supplement the existing fleet of seven snowcats.

The very popular pool area at the Inn at Holiday Valley will be expanded this summer with a larger deck and a second hot tub. The pool facility at the Inn also includes an indoor/outdoor year-round pool where guests can swim outdoors in the wintertime and watch the skiers glide by.

Plans for the reconstruction of Holiday Valley’s main Clubhouse Chalet and relocation of the Holiday Valley Road continue to make progress, with construction of the new lodge slated for summer of 2012.

Finally, the $2.5 million Sky High Adventure Park is currently being built in the Tannenbaum area of the resort. An Aerial Adventure park and a Mountain Coaster will be completed this summer. Beginning May 21 visitors to the Aerial Park can explore the tree top courses; cross bridges, climb ladders, navigate obstacles and soar on zip lines. The Mountain Coaster, scheduled to open in early July, is similar to a roller coaster with cars that ride on a track. One or two riders load a car adjacent to the Tannenbaum Lodge and ride up the hill parallel to the Spruce Lake lift before spiraling down through the woods.