This Tiny Snowy Village In Upstate NY Is The ‘Aspen of New York’ — Known For World-Class Skiing & Pink Salt Cave Spas

Snow-dusted streets, boutiques tucked into restored 19th-century buildings, and ski lifts practically in your backyard—Ellicottville, NY has all the charm of a top-tier alpine town without the West Coast price tag . Quietly tucked away in Western New York, this tiny village somehow manages to squeeze in two massive [ski resorts](https://secretnyc.co/best-ski-resorts-near-nyc/), a lively après-ski scene, and luxury lodging , all within walking distance of one another. It’s what locals jokingly call “Mayberry meets Manhattan,” thanks to its mix of small-town energy and upscale style, and we’re even going as far as to call this cozy getaway “The Aspen, Colorado of New York State .” The pulse of the town: Ellicottville’s world-class snow resorts --------------------------------------------------------------- At the heart of Ellicottville’s snowy playground is [Holiday Valley](https://www.holidayvalley.com/) , the village’s flagship resort. With 60 slopes, 13 lifts, and night skiing across almost every run, it’s the perfect place to chase fresh powder or race down the slopes on the 20-lane tubing park . Its underrated attraction though, the Mountain Coaster —an adrenaline-pumping speed car snaking through snow-covered trees—which adds a playful twist, while heated sidewalks and ski-in/ski-out lodging keep the experience effortless and luxurious. Just a short drive or stroll away, HoliMont offers a completely different vibe: the largest private ski club in North America , with meticulously groomed slopes and zero lift lines. Weekdays welcome the public, while weekends are reserved for the elite, creating an exclusive, country-club-like skiing experience that could easily rival Aspen . Ellicottville’s fairytale Après-ski vibe that radiates throughout ----------------------------------------------------------------- But Ellicottville isn’t just about skiing. The village itself is a snow-dusted wonderland most months of the year. Strolling down Washington Street feels like wandering into a postcard: Victorian buildings house cozy cafés, boutique shops, and artisanal chocolate stores like Watson’s. Boutiques like Daff Dry Goods and Gado-Gado offer mountain-chic fashion and curated global finds, perfect for browsing between runs. And when you’re ready to relax, the town’s luxury spas —like the pink-salt European-style Ellicottville Salt Cave makes it clear that upscale indulgence is never far away. Après-ski in Ellicottville punches way above its weight. Legendary spots like Dina’s combine a wine cellar and loft-style dining with a menu that rivals city restaurants, while Villaggio turns a rustic barn into a lively Italian hotspot. For classic, old-school flair, The Silver Fox Steakhouse delivers premium cuts and an impressive wine list, and Ellicottville Brewing Company anchors the village with its massive timber-frame “beer palace.” Even the dive-bar contrast exists here—The Gin Mill —where locals and visiting jet-setters mingle over beers, completing the town’s perfectly balanced social scene. Winter in Ellicottville isn’t just about skiing and cocktails either. Seasonal traditions give the village a personality all its own! Although the town’s iconic Ellicottville Fall Festival has come and gone, the upcoming Winter Carnival in March features ice carving, snow sculpture contests, and parade floats; the quirky Penguin Paddle and pond-skimming events are playful, beloved local rituals. And for those who crave quiet moments, the town’s eight acre Nannen Arboretum offers peaceful snowshoeing trails, letting you soak in the crisp winter air without a single lift line in sight. Visiting Ellicottville from NYC this winter ------------------------------------------- With luxury lodges and ski-in/ski-out chalets lining the hillsides, boutique hotels tucked along the main street, and festivals that fill the calendar year-round , Ellicottville feels like a village designed for every kind of itinerary. It’s snowy, it’s stylish, and it’s surprisingly accessible for a weekend getaway or longer winter trip—a full-on alpine escape about six hours from NYC . In a region where other ski towns can feel overrun or overpriced, Ellicottville quietly delivers the perfect combination of powder, perks, and personality. This is New York’s very own version of Aspen —minus the pretense, plus all the charm. Source: https://secretnyc.co/new-york-states-aspen-ellicottville-ny-winter-small-town/