January 4, 2012, Ellicottville, NY . . . A ribbon cutting ceremony and champagne toast will be held to celebrate the opening of the new SnowPine Quad Chairlift at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7th.

The $650,000 chairlift is Holiday Valley’s tenth quad chairlift and was constructed over the summer by the resort’s Mountain Crew to replace the existing double chair. The lift is 2,100 feet in length and has a capacity of 1,600 skiers per hour.

This new lift almost doubles the capacity of double chair and enhances the 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 was outfitted with snowmaking pipeline and hydrants for the 2011-12 season. The lower section of Bear Cub was also extended for easier access to the base of the SnowPine lift. The lift also services the double black diamond slope, the Wall as well as the intermediate slopes of Bobsled, Catwalk and Last Chance.

A completely new drive terminal was installed at the base and the towers, cross arms, and the return station were replaced to accommodate the larger gauge of a four passenger chair. Holiday Valley Mountain Manager Jim Curtis led the Holiday Valley mountain crew in the construction of the lift. Holiday Valley is one of only a few ski areas in the country to construct their own lifts. The advantage is that the mountain crew is familiar with every aspect of the lift and can maintain the lift properly and make repairs efficiently.

Holiday Valley, in Western New York State is a leading eastern North American winter resort. Fifty-eight slopes and 13 lifts (including three high speed quads) are spread over four distinct faces that offer challenging steeps, gentle cruisers, glades, fun terrain parks and a mountain coaster. Three beautiful base lodges provide full service dining, marketplaces and coffee bars, as well as ski and snowboard rentals and repair, two ski shops and four bars. Fantastic children’s ski programs and on-site day care means convenience and flexibility for families. Comfortable lodging is available on the slopes and in nearby Ellicottville, a quaint ski town with shops, restaurants and apres-ski fun.

High resolution images of the SnowPine Grand Opening will be available after the event at http://www.holidayvalley.com/HolidayValley/info/media-photos.aspx

Ellicottville is located on Route 219, just 50 miles (90 kms) south of Buffalo and less than three hours from Toronto.

Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville is on the web at www.holidayvalley.com .