The winter can be long and taxing, but it’s also full of magic and wonder. As a way of ignoring the former and celebrating the latter, nothing beats a trip to a cozy, charming small town for the weekend. New York is in no short supply of such beautiful towns, the kind that become even more beautiful when blanketed with snow, but there is one town that we like a little bit more than a lot of the others: Ellicottville. The small town is paradise for those who love to ski, but it has plenty to offer for vacationers of all stripes. It might just be the best small town in New York for a winter trip. To learn more, keep reading, below.

Ellicottville is a town located in Western New York—in particular, Cattaraugus County. The population, as of the 2020 census, is less than 1,500 people.
Holiday Valley/Facebook
The Ellicottville downtown is a charming slice of timeless Americana that really does come alive in the colder months of the year.
Holiday Valley/Facebook
A good portion of the recreation in Ellicottville is centered around the Holimont and Holiday Valley ski resorts. The town is now a destination or even part-time home for many Canadian skiers.
Holiday Valley/Facebook

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Ellicottville boasts 23 bars and restaurants and over 24 retail locations—and all of them are of a walkable distance from each other.
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Then there are the great winter festivals, which are perfect for music lovers of all ages. In January and February alone, there is both a Winter Blues Weekend festival and a Winter Music Jam.
Holiday Valley/Facebook
The most notable destination in the town is the aforementioned Holiday Valley ski resort, which is a self-contained ski resort that features 60 slopes and 13 lifts. Holiday Valley also features a variety of lodging options, which would be a perfect place for visitors to station themselves during their trip to Ellicottville.
Holiday Valley/Facebook
After a day on the slopes, Ellicottville's great dining options provide a nice way to unwind.
Holiday Valley/Facebook

For a cozy weekend getaway that will both recharge and delight, we recommend checking out Ellicottville, the best small town in New York for a winter trip. And, if driving through Western New York, why not check out Sassy’s Truck Stop, which we think is the best place to refuel in the area. And, for those looking for a road trip packing guide, we made one for just that purpose.

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Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA