291lindaf
I'm a former ski instructor and daughter of two ski patrollers.... I've skied in 8 states and two foreign countries... and HV is one of my all time FAVORITE areas. Though there's another ski area (SS) that's closer to our home in PGH, we'll drive 4 hours to ski HV.... for a lot of reasons. Great snow, great grooming, great diversity in terrain. (Yeah, we wish the mountain were a bit bigger, but hey, we can't change that!) The employees are super friendly and helpful and on weekends we always see a good ski patrol/courtesy patrol presence. (Just try to ride the chair without putting the safety bar down... someone will notice!) Safety is a priority at this area. We also enjoy the fact that picnic baskets are welcomed. At some other areas (SS) picnics are relegated to a cramped room away from the slopes. HV also has plenty of cubbies for ski bags, etc, and we always feel safe letting our belongings in them. A tip: we drive all the way up the mountain and start our days from the Tannenbaum lodge.The all weekend lift pass is a good deal... and there are a variety of lift tickets available, including a 4 hour ticket and a beginner area-only ticket. HV is a good value!We first took our kids to HV about 10 years ago. Now one of them asks us to pick him up at college on our way there. Nobody wants to miss skiing Happy Glades!
Nervoussplat
We decided to try some slopes that are still close but not Ontario and were pleasantly surprised! 58 trails, all well groomed! There are some slopes for all levels including the double black diamond "The Wall" (which unfortunately had poor conditions on our visit) there are a ton of chair lifts, and many connectors so you can mix up the runs part way down. They have a very good selection of Glade runs and they proved to be quite fun! We will definitely be returning next season!
rbarnes4
We went for a two day ski weekend this past weekend. The snow conditions were perfect and the sun was a very welcome sight! A staff member even took our picture as we were trying to take a selfie. In all Holiday Valley is my favorite local ski destination!
RedRocksDale
Holiday Valley is a fantastic ski destination for Clevelanders like myself. The quality of the skiing is there for all levels and it truly has the best to offer for a beginner level or even a first time skier. Both intermediate and advanced skiers will have variety to enjoy and discover. Lift lines seem to stay reasonable. Lodge is modern and well designed. Bars are great and fun. Food is very good there as well. For a day trip this place is a 4 star experience. 5 stars are for mountains and this isn't one though there is sufficient vert to get your thighs burning.I've been to everything I can reach and consider for a day trip and this is doable but a stretch of a long day. Better yet you may get a group of friends and head to the resort for a weekend.My experiences in trying to get through to Customer Service were lacking as the phone rang and rang without anyone answering and the phone system having no waiting alternatives like call backs or zero to get to operator - its an annoying fast ring as well which should be abandoned to lower the tension. When I called back to the main operator to ask what was the problem and requested I speak with a manager he just stated 'oh there's someone up there, they are just busy' and just frustratingly dumped me back in the same damn queue. That's poor service of not listening to your upset customer and with a more skilled person could have done a lot more to diffuse and save that situation. He could have made a general apology, explained the limited nature of the bad phone system, and assured me that someone would provide attention not just toss me aside into the twilight zone toilet bowl of phone hell. When I got through I nearly got transferred to the ski school before my questions were completely answered and my adrenaline shot up and I loudly said WAIT I've got questions that still need answered. Damn I didn't want to have to cycle back through that whole mess again! After that panic moment things seemed to go much more carefully with the CSR and was not so rushed. The nice young lady on the line answered my questions and then asked to verify that I was satisfied before sending me away - nice recovery. The few times I've called HV I've had the same vibe though that likely means that management isn't able to sufficiently lead in providing outstanding customer service. I've read other replies by the GM and those all sound good. Now please spend some time over the shoulder with your actual staff and support, encourage, and critique them into something better. Your resort needs this charm factor to be a must stay destination worthy of the high costs that your charge for on site amenities and accommodations.
Coachbaby48
First time ever skiing and I had a ball (more like a snowball) but all in fun. My coworker and I went night skiing but it was no less a adrenalin rush. The staff were friendly and I met some supportive friends. Its a young crowd of interested types of people many ski boarders, parking is not ideal though not too far from lodge. There are 2 for 1 lift tickets available from McDonalds if you purchase dollar menu items. The price is $3 discount each person. Families will enjoy it here as well. 1 or 2 lesson is worth it if you're really interested in learning to ski. My coworker was a little rough on me and I missed out on some key points for skiing. Nonetheless, I'll return again soon!
Lynnie35
The ski resort was just wonderful, well groomed, not expensive and was huge. I think there are 57 slopes. The lodge is big, clean good food. The restrooms were very clean and were checked on constantly. Was very impressed. Had a wonderful ski shop with lots of goodies. We happened to be there when they were having 40% off. Great Sell.
raingirl3
Wonderful variety on the hills..... great staff. Not overcrowded except on Sunday night and Friday afternoon during our stay
TheHungryDetective
The Hungry Detective and daughter had a great day on the slopes. Clean facility and all the amenities that you will need for a weekend of fun!!!
Scooterpooter
We were there for a long weekend and the trails are great. There was a bit of ice on several slopes. Our fun was ruined by the number of kids allowed to congregate around the entrance to runs (they were sitting on the ground talking and blocking the trail head) and congregated around the entrance to the lines for the ski lifts. Again they would sit down or stand and congregate around the base of the run and blocked some lines. I saw safety patrols on Sunday but they didn't seem to address the situation. We didn't have the same issues at Seven Springs two weeks ago. The runs through the pines were beautiful! Also, The Wall had ice across the top and several inexperienced skiers were going down. The run should have been shut down or monitored. Parents tried to take their 2 kids down - about 5-6 years old and they ended up both somersaulting down most of the run. One was stopped by the padding around a lift post base. Ski patrol came down to assist the kids and fell at the top and lost his ski and pole. There is plenty of parking and several lodges. There should be some flares put out at night on the road where the crosswalk is from the main lodge to the parking lot. The weekend pass was a good value!
BrunoJ530
I think the Holiday Valley resort does the maximum with the slopes and snow conditions they have. With young kids, it s a perfect ski resort to make them progress. The ski school is well organised and friendly. The main lounge is 2-3 years old and bathroom conditions are excellent. When we spend a day a Holiday Valley, it s like going somewhere else, it s like going to vacation. When it s very busy, the parking can be a concern but you should not hesitate to park far. The shuttle are very frequent and are running all the time. The cafe, the food are nice and clean. Go there and you will not regret. I don t think i will spend a complete week but for 1 day or 2 it s perfect. It s a resort small mountain.
MarkB945
This ski resort boasts a good variety of runs for all skill levels. We like the trees that line most runs. Numerous chair lifts and moderate crowds means very little waiting (in comparison to popular Ontario resorts). They have several locations for resting and grabbing a meal. Only 1 hour's drive from the Canadian border!
264donc
As usual, Holiday Valley Ski Resort did not disappoint. The hills were all open and the snow was great. The staff was helpful and friendly.
JamieP514
Lots of trails well groomed, fast lifts, great food, warm lodge! :) Parking was far away and we had to walk quite a distance, but it was worth it for a full day of skiing!
tangledtwigs
The Valley has it all; groomed cruisers, terrain parks, gnarly black diamonds and family friendly punchbowls. Lot's of high speed lifts, plenty of dining options, even a waffle hut at the base of Cindy's run.In addition, there are lot's of fun weekend activities; Mardi gras, dummy downhill, the Penguin Paddle, pond skimming to name a few. Be sure to check their website and schedule your visit to coincide with one of these fun events.
638amandal
I am a novice snow-boarder and I did pretty decent down these hills at Holiday Valley. It is more of a place for ski-ers as snow-boarders seemed out-numbered. The runs are fairly wide but be careful as to stay on hills that are of your level. Do not go down a hill or off course if you don't know if you are ready for that level or not.