12/25/2023
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Valley,
People dreamed of hitting the slopes, getting ready to rally.
The village adorned with lights, so merry and bright,
As park skiers and riders got stoked to take flight.
The streets were bustling, a holiday delight,
With shops and cafes, always a charming sight.
The village of Ellicottville, so cozy and grand,
A magical place…a winter wonderland.
The slopes at the Valley, all groomed with care,
With trail names like "Yodeler" and "Champagne," so rare.
Skis and boards ready, in the lodges, we'd wait,
Because the thrill of “Moonshadow” and "Edelweiss" always elate.
When out on the hills, there was nothing to fear,
Skiers and riders, all filled with holiday cheer.
They carved down the slopes, so swift and so quick,
With precision that would even impress jolly old St. Nick.
To the top of the mountain, on "Cindy's" we'd go,
With "Sunrise" and "Sunset," aglow in the snow.
The village of Ellicottville, so festive and bright,
As skiers descended, their spirits took flight.
With a warm, friendly guide, in a telemark setup,
I was immediately impressed by his Old Man Winter getup.
More lively than ever, the skiers they came,
And they shouted and laughed, calling out their favorite slopes by name:
"Now, Hoot Owl! Now, Yodeler! Now, Tannenbaum and Eagle!
On, Morning Star! On, Foxfire! This much fun shouldn’t even be legal!
To the glades and the moguls, on this snowy ballet,
Now dash away, dash away, enjoy this great day!"
As skiers on fresh powder, they flew through the night,
With "Woods" and "Fiddler's" under the moon's gentle light.
To the lodge they returned, their faces aglow,
In Ellicottville's charm, with its festive winter show.
And I heard them exclaim as they settled in for the night,
"Happy holidays to all…Ellicottville…this place does it right!"
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!
