Skiiers flock to Holiday Valley

ELLICOTTVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Skiiers have been itching for a snowfall that would let them hit the slopes, and Mother Nature is granting their wish just in time for Christmas.

Winter thrill-seekers flocked to Holiday Valley Resort Saturday morning to get in that first run.

Scott Socha of Aurora says, "We come down every Christmas, for the week. Actually, the whole winter we pretty much come down."

Socha and his son, Bennett are especially happy for the white Christmas. It gives their family tradition a little festive flair.

Ellicottville has received over a foot of snowfall this weekend.

Even skiiers from several states away couldn't resist the lure of the freshly-coated slopes including Park McRitchie from Port Clinton, Ohio. He says, "Oh, boy you can't beat this. It's kind of hard to slide down in the mud! This is a good day, though. Tonight, they should have the slopes well-groomed, and tomorrow'll be even much better."

Wilma Robert left sunny, dry Texas behind, and moved to Western New York about a year-and-a-half ago. She's ecstatic to be using her first Holiday Valley season pass." The fresh snow is beautiful," Robert said.

Many seasoned skiiers are ready for the challenge come whatever weather conditions they may face. After all, this is Western New York.