On Deck at Holiday Valley
On Deck at Holiday Valley
Resort Excited to Bring Back High-Vibing Events Heading Into the New Year
Photos / Holiday Valley Resort
Holiday Valley has been open for about three and a half weeks at this point, and the reviews are in… we have another fantastic season on our hands. With great weather thus far and hard work from the Holiday Valley staff, It’s been a stellar kickoff to the season. The best part? This is just the beginning!
Dash Hegeman, Holiday Valley’s Director of Marketing, is very excited to head into the new year, being the heart of the season. Thanks to a great beginning, there is a lot to be hopeful for moving forward. “The vibes are very high right now and we are looking forward to continuing that momentum into the coming months,” he said.
Dash went on to discuss how much fun wintertime can be if you just take a different approach. The cold weather doesn’t automatically mean you must find where it’s warm. “Winters in WNY don’t have to be something that people dread. In fact, I’d argue that people should look forward to them because you can get outside and have an amazing time on the slopes making memories with your family and friends,” he added.
COLLEGE DAZE
Only a few days into the new year, Holiday Valley will see its first event of 2025 with College Daze - and it’s a big one. For just $239, college students can book a room at The Inn at Holiday Valley with all of their friends, 3 days and 2 nights of lift tickets, special gifts, food and beverage tastings, hosted parties, live DJ sets, and much more. The event runs from January 5-7th.
“This is such a fun event. Between the hard work that our staff does to make this happen and the dynamic that our Red Bull partnership brings to the event, the energy throughout the resort during College Daze is incredible,” said Dash. This is year 7 of College Daze and Dash is hoping to take it to new heights this year. “We are expanding our partnership with Red Bull this year. There will be three DJs throughout the course of the event, which is an increase from the one that we normally have. The main party will be up at the Yodeler Sundeck. Red Bull is bringing a branded vehicle that will be there to add to the vibes. We’re also looking to partner with some local bars in town for some after-parties for the 21+ students.”
YOUR TURN
Another returning event that’s popular amongst the lady shredders is the Your Turn Women’s Ski Clinic, a women’s exclusive ski school taught by Lisa Ballard, an accomplished snowsports athlete, commentator, writer, and overall powerhouse and trailblazer in women’s athletics. Holiday Valley is receiving the clinic once again this season from February 24-25th.
“$379 gets you instruction with Lisa Ballard, breakfast, lunch, one night of dinner, and a happy hour,” Dash shared. “Demo equipment, lectures, and video analysis too. The price doesn’t include lift tickets but those can be purchased the day of the event at the lift ticket window for a discounted promotional price.”
Dash thinks that holding this space every year for women to collaborate and improve their skiing together is so important because snowsports needs to be inclusive for everyone. That mentality alone has even helped Dash in his own career. “I’ve been lucky to work with many tremendously talented women who often have brought a totally different perspective to the way that I might normally view things in the ski industry. I hope that has allowed me to become a better leader in my own regard,” said Dash.
SCHOOL CLUBS
Also huge in January and February at Holiday Valley is their hosting of grade school ski clubs. Dash says that’s a fantastic age to pick up a new sport like skiing or riding, and in general just an absolute blast for the kids that come. The Holiday Valley Snowsports School is a great resource to these young athletes and Dash emphasized how they’re working every night that the schools come through.
“Holiday Valley is so appreciative of every school that creates a club and visits us throughout the winter. There’s no doubt that the school clubs add a different dynamic to our nighttime operations. The terrain parks see more traffic. The lodges are all filled with activity. It’s a fantastic scene,” he added.
Deals on both passes and lodging don’t just disappear now that the season is in full swing either! Lodging package deals can be found at holidayvalley.com/lodging-packages, and the Intense Milk BOGO begins January 1st. If you bring an Intense Milk bottle or its wrapper to the ticket window any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night, you’ll get two lift tickets for the price of one.
There’s lots happening in the new year at Holiday Valley, and more details can be found at holidayvalley.com or on Holiday Valley’s official social media accounts which are all @holidayvalley. In the meantime, if you need me, I’ll be at College Daze jamming out with my friends on the sundeck!