Winter Archives - My Team VP

New Years in Ellicottville

Still need plans to ring in the New Year? Ellicottville has you covered, with something for everyone, and ERA Team VP still has a few available properties at a discounted rate if you want to book a last minute getaway!

For starters, Holiday Valley puts on an epic New Years Eve party, inside the Main Lodge on the main floor, where you can easily view the Groomer Parade and Torchlight Parade on Cindy’s Run at 11:15. The party starts at 9:00 and commences at 1:00 am with a fireworks show in between, starting at 11:45. This is a family friendly event, so bring everyone!

If you’re looking to celebrate downtown, there’s plenty of fabulous dining and music options on the schedule! We strongly suggest making dinner reservations ahead of time- everywhere is sure to be very busy. Take advantage of walking back to your Vacation Rental (if you’re staying in the Village), or catch an Uber!

While you’re here, be sure to check out the iconic Village Gazebo and Ski Tree- both of which are great photo ops! If you haven’t booked your accommodations yet, or interested in Ellicottville Real Estate, contact our Ellicottville office today at 716.699.4800. See you soon!

10 Reasons to List Your House During the Holidays

Have you been slowly preparing to list your home for sale, but just not quite sure you’re ready to pull the trigger? Or has it crossed your mind, but you just don’t think “now” is the time? Have you told yourself, “It’s best to wait until Spring to sell”. Well, believe it or not, there’s several advantages to listing your home now, despite the holidays being right around the corner!

People who are looking for home around the holidays are more serious buyers. Who would spend their holidays going around looking at houses they will never actually buy? Not many. If your home is listed for sale during the holidays and showings are scheduled, you can be confident those viewing your home are serious and committed to making a purchase soon.
Less competition. Many folks prepping to list their home for sale are in the same boat you were in before reading this- they’re going to wait until spring, or even a few years down the road. This means that those serious buyers looking at homes have less to choose from, resulting in a higher chance of them moving forward on yours.
Homes show better when decorated for the holidays. This is a no brainer- don’t you love your home more when it’s decorated for the holidays? So will everyone else!

Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays. Many people plan vacation time during the holidays, therefore have time off from work. If those people are serious about buying, they’re spending that time house hunting!
Many people want to buy before the tax year ends.
January is traditionally the month for transfers. Transferees can’t wait until Spring to buy. You must be on the market to capture that market.

Buyers are more emotional around the holidays. They’re considering their families, future children, and perhaps even future generations enjoying years to come.
It’s possible to restrict showings during special family holiday gatherings and events, just let your Agent know this ahead of time.
You can sell now, but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy until next year if you desire.
By selling, you have an opportunity to look for something to buy in the Spring, when there’s more inventory on the market!

For more information about listing your home for sale, or if you’re interested in buying, contact your local ERA Team VP Agent today!

Ellicottville, NY 2019-20 Seasonal Rentals

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Man, one weekend on the slopes just isn’t enough!” Then this is your opportunity to take the plunge and secure a seasonal rental in Ellicottville! Seasonal rentals are available to be secured for the entire ski season, usually for the dates of 12/1-4/1, allowing you and your family to come and go as you please and soak up as much skiing as you can.

For those of you that don’t know, Ellicottville, NY is known for it’s two quaint, yet evolving ski resorts and appealing village life. Holiday Valley Resort was named 3^rd in the East according to Ski Magazine in 2015, while HoliMont is the largest private ski resort in the country, and they’re just 2.5 miles apart from each other with a quaint village nestled between.

Not only does Holiday Valley offer 60 well-groomed ski slopes, 13 lifts, and 3 phenomenal lodges, but also an incredible Aerial Park, Climbing Forest and a Mountain Coaster, all for year-round entertainment. Not to mention the dozens of hiking and biking trails, 18 hole golf course, and a fun summer cabana bar adjacent to the 3 public pools.

Across town, HoliMont is equipped with 55 trails, 8 lifts, and loads of hiking and biking trails as well. The HoliMont board members and staff take pride in being the only ski area in North America to use what they call “Mountain Men” to service their ski slopes during ski hours, rather than mechanized equipment like other resorts. HoliMont membership information can be found on their website, however, guests that stay with ERA Team VP can be signed in as guests during their stay as well (maximum of 3 weekends). Both resorts are fabulous venues for weddings, corporate events and retreats as well.

It doesn’t end there! The Ellicottville Village offers even more with the perfect balance of local charm, unique retail offerings, phenomenal dining options, and overall fun atmosphere. Some of our favorite spots are The Purple Doorknob, Watson’s Chocolates, Adventure Bound on the Fly, Bike and Bean, and Ellicottville Brewing Company. Not a skier? The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce does an excellent job at filling the calendar with exciting, family friendly events throughout the year, so you’ll be sure the whole family will be entertained while you’re here!

Whether you’re ready to dive into a seasonal rental or just looking to stay a weekend, ERA Team VP has you covered! Contact our Ellicottville office today for availability and pricing!

716-699-4800
rentals@teamvp.com

Winter in Ellicottville: 5 INDOOR Activities

Prefer to admire the picturesque snow covered landscapes in Ellicottville from behind a window? Check out these 5 INDOOR Activities to enjoy from the warmth of indoors this winter!

Bowling at Tim & Bonnie’s

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Come for one game or sign up for a league! EVL Bowling offers a state-of-the-art, family friendly facility, with a full arcade, prizes and big screen TV’s galore! The lanes are open Sunday-Thursday 11am to 10pm and Friday-Saturday 11am to 11pm. If you’d like to join a current league, or are looking to make one with your family and friends, give them a call at 716-592-9001. Short leagues are also available. Warm up your winter with one of Tim & Bonnie’s gourmet pizzas while you bowl!

Family Movie Nights at Ellicottville Memorial Library

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Keep an eye on the Ellicottville Memorial Library’s Facebook page for upcoming Family Movie Nights displayed on their brand new 70” TV screen in the Community Room of the Library! This Friday, December 11th at 6:30pm is a showing of “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. Bring the kids for a family-friendly evening where admission, popcorn and a drink are all free!

Canvas and Cocktails

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Artist, Rebecca Szpaicher, will lead you in drawing a simple painting with the luxury of not only paint but wine as well!! Each session is held at a different venue throughout Cattaraugus County, so make sure to check their Facebook page for the schedule of events and to find out which painting will be created that night. Although originally an “adult’s only” experience, Canvas and Cocktails are now offering children’s paint classes for ages 5 and up (wine is not offered!). Ages 5-11 will need to be accompanied by parents. All participants for any event must preregister either by calling (716) 560-7489 or emailing cocktailsncanvasny@gmail.com. Come sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself!

Brewery Tour at EBC

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Explore behind-the-scenes of The Ellicottville Brewing Company this winter! EBC is a select micro-brewery of craft beers and also serves a wide array of savory and satisfying American cuisines. Make sure to schedule a personalized tour of the brewing operations and warm up from the cool winter winds with your very own custom beer sampling session! Each tour includes a take home commemorative EBC glass so you can reminisce the experience when you are home drinking one of EBC’s signature craft beers, including their recently released “Hang Time” Pale Lager, brewed to benefit the P.U.N.T Foundation: a WNY charity founded by legendary Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman. Brewery Tours begin at 2pm and 4pm on Fridays, and Noon, 2pm, and 4pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

Balloons Music Weekends

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Established in 1990, Balloons is Ellicottville’s ONLY Nightclub! Different bands are highlighted every Friday and Saturday night, with upcoming headliners including The Rhythm Rockers, Tommy Z, Impact, Strangers, and the DeJa Groove Band. Escape the winter chills by finding a spot in front of the live music stage or on one of the two dance floors and enjoy the incredible world class sound system and light show. If the nightclub atmosphere is not for you, then find your way to the back bar for a quieter, more relaxed, family friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a cocktail or order from their delicious dinner menu.

Give us a call at to speak with a seasoned reservationist about booking your own private vacation home rental so that you can fully experience all of the winter activities that Ellicottville has to offer!

Winter in Ellicottville: 5 Outdoor Activities OTHER than Downhill Skiing

Ellicottville is known as one of the top Eastern North American winter destinations, attracting downhill skiers to it’s two major ski resorts, Holiday Valley and HoliMont, during the winter months; however, there are more ways to enjoy this snow laden oasis! Here are 5 outdoor alternatives to enjoy this winter in Ellicottville, NY…

Snowmobiling

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Also known as the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York, Cattaraugus County offers over 350 miles of snowmobile trails. Make sure to visit the 68 miles of well-groomed trails in scenic Allegany State Park, which is the largest State Park in New York, and the third largest State Park in the nation! Download a complete trail map here.

Need a ride? Visit Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Services to book a Polaris snowmobile rental or guided snowmobile tour. There’s no excuse to why you can’t be out enjoying the most scenic trails throughout Western New York this winter!

Want the kid’s to join? Make sure to attend one of the two FREE State of New York Snowmobile Safety Courses offered this December. Once completed, youth riders ages 14-17 may operate their own snowmobile without adult supervision (without the safety training course an adult must be within 500ft of the child). Youth ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile if they complete the snowmobile safety training course AND are accompanied by an adult. For information on the Little Valley Snowmobile Safety Course click here or for the course offered in Franklinville click here.

Sleigh Rides/Horseback Riding

Prefer to admire Ellicottville’s winterscape from a different mode of transportation? How about a horse drawn sleigh ride! Nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains is the Crosspatch Horse Ranch. This family owned and operated working horse ranch offers sleigh rides, for up to 6 people, all winter long.

Want to take control of the reins? Schedule a winter trail ride for the family! They will gear you up, match you with a horse that suits your abilities and lead you through the trails for a day of horse-filled fun.

Have your own horse? Crosspatch welcomes you to join them on any of their special rides and events! Make sure to give them a call at (716) 938-6313 or visit TheCrossPatch.com.

Snowshoeing/Cross Country Skiing

For an enjoyable change of pace, explore Ellicottville’s countryside with snowshoes or cross country skis! Daily cross country ski, snowshoe and helmet rentals are available at Mud, Sweat N’ Gears, Dekdebruns or Holiday Valley’s Rental Shop. For terrain, choose from the Art Roscoe area of Allegany State Park, Holiday Valley or Griffis Sculpture Park. Holiday Valley also sells a cross country ticket for $15 to take you up to the top of Holiday Valley, from there you can ski the 3 miles from Cindy’s all the way to Spruce Lake. The Art Roscoe area is noted as one of the finest double-track trail systems in the Northeastern United States. The 20 miles of well-designed trail network offers free beginner and intermediate trails throughout the forest. Scenic vistas around the trail offer an exceptional skiing experience and beautiful panoramic views. Griffis Sculpture Park provides a unique experience as you snowshoe between the steel outdoor sculptures of Larry Griffis, Jr and other international artists. The 450 acre Ashford Hollow park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed throughout miles of hiking trails.

Tubing at the Holiday Valley Tubing Company

Not a skier? Visit Holiday Valley’s tubing hill that proves to be fun for all ages. No experience necessary: just sit down, hang on and experience the thrilling exhilaration of pure winter fun! Don’t worry about wearing yourself out from walking back up the hill, just grab a hold of one of the handle tows to ride the tube right back up to the top! The Tubing Area is 4 miles from Holiday Valley, but take advantage of the FREE shuttle service that picks up and drops off at the Resort Services Center turn around. There is a minimum age/height requirement of 7 years old and 42” tall; however, the little ones are welcome to join in on the fun at the “Little Tubers” hill, weather permitting.

Mountain Coaster at Holiday Valley

Looking to pick up the speed? Hop on the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster near Holiday Valley’s Tannenbaum Lodge and get ready for a fun twisty-turney ride down the mountain through the trees! The coaster is similar to a roller coaster, but being closer to the ground, it follows the contours of the snow covered terrain by zig zagging down the mountain. Choose to ride alone or with a friend, and control your speed by levels located on the side of the car. The Mountain Coaster opens December 19th, and riders must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall to ride with an adult or 8 years and 54 inches tall to ride alone. For more information or to purchase your pass visit Holiday Valley’s website.

Give us a call at 716-699-4800 to speak with a seasoned reservationist about booking your own private vacation home rental so that you can fully experience all of the outdoor winter activities that Ellicottville has to offer!

2015 Ellicottville Mardi Gras Weekend

ERA Team VP Real Estate hosts Kick Off Party! — Click on this photo for full video article!

Ahoy Mateys! Welcome to Mardi Gras in Ellicottville New York! This weekend is sure to be a blast especially with ERA Team VP. Mardi Gras in Ellicottville is crazy fun, the slopes at Holiday Valley and HoliMont are packed and the village is hopping busy. The biggest attraction by far for the weekend is the Parade on Saturday night, I’ve seen everything from super heroes, to nuns, sports teams, the Blues Brothers, and if you can’t tell, this year ERA agents and our office are decked out with the pirate gear. Unfortunately Johnny Depp couldn’t make it for his surprise guest appearance… trust me I tried! At 5:00 pm we’ll be kicking off one of our company’s biggest parties of the year! We invite all of our clients, customers, and friends to enjoy the music, dancing, and the finest pirate grub and ale. The parade starts at 6:30 and you’ll see Washington St lined up with thousands of spectators. Prizes are awarded for the best dressed team so be sure to cheer on your favorite group of pirates! Make sure you’re ready to catch some beads because this group of pirates have snuck on to Captain Hook’s pirate ship and found 10 treasure chests full of the beloved beads. Sunday is also packed full of fun: more costumes, more food and drink, and of course, more beads! One of the coolest things to be a part of is the ski parade on the Mardi Gras ski slope at Holiday Valley. You’ll see tons of people dressed up in costumes skiing down this awesome slope. So if you’re ready for a weekend of fun in Ellicottville, hop aboard the ERA Team VP Real Estate buccaneer and we’ll be sure to show you a good time. Yo Ho Ho Mateys!!

~Ciji Riley, Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

“Capture Your Hometown” Photo Contest to Support the Fight Against ALS

ERA Team VP searches for local photographs that capture the essence of each area, to be raffled at 4^th Annual Agents of Hope Scramble Golf Tournament, with winning photographers awarded a cash prize and a chance to win an Ellicottville vacation getaway.

ERA Team VP Real Estate is looking for local photographs that best represent the “hometown” areas of western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania that ERA serves. Nine winning photographs, each representing a different “hometown”, will be unveiled at this year’s 4^th Annual Agents of Hope Scramble Golf Tournament that ERA Team VP will be hosting on Wednesday, August 28^th, 2013. One of the nine winners will be randomly selected to receive a two night stay, for up to four people, at the Ellicottville Inn Condominiums. The Ellicottville in is located right in the heart of Ellicottville, within walking distance to restaurants and shopping. The remaining winning photographers will be awarded a $25 debit card and all photographs will be featured on ERA Team VP Real Estate’s company websites.

The nine winning photographs will be raffled off with all proceeds, as well as tournament proceeds, benefiting The ALS Division of MDA & ALSA (the ALS Association); whose mission is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, through global cutting-edge research, and to empower those affected and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

Photo submissions should represent one of the following areas: Bemus Point, Mayville/Westfield, Fredonia, Lakewood/Jamestown, Chautauqua Institution, Ellicottville, Cuba/Olean, Bradford (PA), or Warren (PA).

The deadline for submissions is August 7^th at 5:00pm, and entries must be a minimum width of 1680px. Please include your name, phone number, and the specific area you believe the photo represents. Multiple submissions per photographer will be accepted.

Submit your photos to Taylor Lehman at taylor.lehman@ERA.com. For more information or to submit further inquiries visit ERA Team VP’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ERATeamVP.RealEstate. If you choose to include people in your submission, you are responsible for obtaining the necessary releases from the individuals depicted, and must be able to provide copies of those releases to ERA Team VP upon request. In submitting a photograph, you grant ERA Team VP a royalty-free, nonexclusive right, in perpetuity, to: use the photograph on the Internet and company publications and promotions.

To register as a sponsor, individual entry, or four-person team for the 4^th Annual Agents of Hope Scramble Golf Tournament, or for more information, contact Hanna Soffel Briggs at (716) 789-2093 or hanna.soffel@ERA.com or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AgentsOfHopeGolf.

President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival in Mayville, NY!

This weekend, February 18 – February 20, come to Mayville, NY for a fun filled Winter Festival for all ages! The festival is on, no matter the weather, so come enjoy all of the great activities that have been planned!

The main attraction is always the Ice Castle, which is built by many volunteers who cut blocks of ice out of the lake and spend many hours constructing their masterpiece. Eventhough we’ve been experiencing some warmer temperatures, they are already taking precautions to protect the ice castle. Today, the volunteers are focusing on protecting the castle with plastic, in case of rain. View a video of the volunteers building the castle HERE provided by the President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival Facebook page and WICU12 Erie.

Winter Festival (Mayville, NY) Schedule of Events:
Grand Lighting Ceremony: Friday February 18, 6:00PM

Kids Slide: Friday February 18 – Sunday February 20

Broomball Tournament: Saturday February 19, 10:00AM

Chili Cookoff: Saturday February 19

Polar Bear Swim: Saturday February 19

Tug of War: Saturday February 19, 1:00PM

Cold Water Rescue Demonstration: Saturday February 19

Horse Drawn Rides: Saturday February 19

Teen Chill Dance: Saturday February 19, 8:00PM

Kids Corner Activities: Saturday February 19 – Sunday February 20

Dodgeball Tournament: Sunday February 20, 1:00PM

Ice Hockey: Sunday February 20 – Monday February 21

Click HERE for more information on these great events and a list of all of the sponsors who are making this Winter Festival possible!

This is the 25th Winter Festival in Mayville, NY! If you have great memories of this festival and would like to return, but aren’t living in the area, don’t hesitate to check out last minute accomodations! website loading test

This Weekend in Ellicottville & Surrounding Areas!

This Valentine’s Day Weekend a lot of fun winter events are occuring in Ellicottville, NY and the surrounding communities! We still have a lot of snow, so instead of feeling the winter blues, go outside and take advantage of some of these great adventures! You may be wondering, what is there to do in the Ellicottville area besides ski? …. Well find out below!

Sleigh Rides – The Crosspatch Horse Ranch in Salamanca, NY is offering sleigh rides through February 26th (weather permitting). Take your Valentine, or you whole family on a sleigh ride and enjoy the snow in this beautiful area! Call the Crosspatch Horse Ranch 716-938-6313 for more information.

Girls Night Out – Chocolate Indulgence – Pamper yourself, or treat your Valentine to this great event! On February 11 and February 18, L’image Salon and Spa in Allegany, NY will be hosting Girls Night Out – 3-6pm or 6-9pm. Choose two spa services for $20. Call the salon 716-373-6414 for reservations. FREE hors d’oeuvres, (chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate) wine & non-alcoholic beverages.

Boarding for Breast Cancer – Holiday Valley Mountain Resort in Ellicottville is hosting a Boarding for Breast Cancer event all day Saturday, Feb. 12th. This is a nationwide event, providing a fun day to raise awareness of breast cancer. There will be many ways to donate & many opportunites for winning prizes provided by top companies in the snowboarding industry, along with a park clinic for women, demos by Burton and a rail jam contest. Visit Holiday Valley’s website for more details!

Introduction to Snowshoeing – On Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10AM – 12PM learn how to snowshoe at the Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville, NY. Instructions and a guided tour provided by Paths Peaks and Paddles. Call 716-933-0187 for more information!

If you are visiting the Ellicottville area, or if you’d like to plan a romantic weekend getaway with your Valentine, call a reservationist at Team VP today! (716) 699-4800

We offer fully furnished & equipped vacation rental homes, chalets and townhomes! You may start your search here, and even book online! Let us know how we can help you make your weekend getaway perfect!