Dennis Eshbaugh of Holiday Valley

Holiday Valley logoDennis Eshbaugh is the President and General Manager of Holiday Valley, one of New York’s largest resorts. He came to Ellicottville in the 1970s as a ski instructor assumed his leadership position in the mid-1990s, overseeing significant growth and the transformation of the resort.

Under Eshbaugh, Holiday grew into one of the most successful ski areas in the East, adding amenities and becoming a year-round destination. He has focused on a local approach to resort management, allowing the resort to thrive without becoming part of one of the major ski pass conglomerates.

He graciously agreed to detail his rise through the company and the philosophy that has contributed to this success story.

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Holiday Mountain Jeep Tour 2024

It occurred to me that we were overdue for an update on what’s happening at Holiday Mountain. The ongoing resurrection marches on. Watching the steady progress made by staff and community is almost as much fun as skiing. I resolved to get myself up to Holiday and catch up with owner Mike Taylor. Then I completely forgot about it for three weeks. Late summer is a busy time, with beach vacations, family events and college drop-offs.

On my way back home from one of those college drop offs last Saturday, I crossed into Sullivan County on Route 17 and I reached out to Mike. On short notice, he offered to meet me at the hill and give me a tour of recent work in his jeep.

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Holiday Mountain Opens in 2024

Regular readers of NYSkiBlog already know we think the turn around at Holiday Mountain is one of most exciting stories in New York skiing this year. When Mike Taylor bought Holiday last spring, he attacked the problem of repairing, updating and expanding the ski area.

South Lodge

New skis and snowboards for the rental fleet? Done. New carpet, tables and POS system for the lodge? Done. Need some new groomers? Done. Well, not new per se, but new to them. A new lift? It’s happening. Actually, buying and installing a ski lift isn’t that easy. Mike decided to get the double chair — sitting unused for years — back into service this season.

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