There is a magical little ski town where I grew up in the winter on the weekends called Ellicottville, New York (EVL). Growing up my parents and extended family owned chalets on or close to the ski club, Holimont.
With winter here and Christmas almost upon us I get especially nostalgic about that pretty little town and what makes it so special.
If you’ve never been, the town of Ellicottville is cozy and quaint lined with shops, restaurants and bars. They are all very special and unique. The skiing and snowboarding there is great, and for my family it was only a three hour drive from home which was quite a manageable for winter weekend getaways.
But beyond the skiing, snowboarding and entertainment the most special thing about Ellicottville is what it means to me personally, which is family.
Growing up, we shared a chalet with my Aunt, Uncle and cousins. Seeing them and spending time with them every weekend growing up allowed us to forge a strong bond, that to this day remains unbroken.
I am very grateful that my family was able to offer myself, my siblings, and my cousins this experience growing up. Even though I’ve been able to snowboard at some amazing places including Whistler, Fernie, and Lake Louise Holimont, and Ellicottville will always hold a special place in my heart.
Some highlights over the years include:
– Late night wine induced discussions/debates with family
– Watching my beloved little sister Lauren from the chair lift above toppling down the hill pant-less when she decided wearing warm-up pants to ski was a good idea!
– Sneaking into my first bar, with my Aunt no-less!
– Fall Festival at Thanksgiving – The food, the beer tents, the horseback riding
– Pond Skimming at the end of ski season
– Mardi Gras EVL styles
– Late night tobogganing down Sunset Hill at Holimont
– The blueberry beer at Ellicottville Brewing Company (EBC)
– Playing endless games of charades with family and friends, and the laughter that ensued each time my special needs younger brother Jordan would blurt out the answer mid-charade.
– The rich, delicious home-cooked meals and elaborate picnic lunches at the ski hill
– Attending my sister Lauren and brother-in-law Jeff’s fall wedding right at Holimont ski hill
– Dancing like a maniac at Balloons or Madigans
To capture my family’s spirit in Ellicottville, with help from Sierra Jameson Productions I created a slideshow for my loved ones to enjoy.
This holiday season I appreciate that family is special, family is forever. The town of Ellicottville and my family’s place in it will always have a special place in my heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr7pWupnE9E
Happy Holidays!
Jess
onthemmmove 