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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Interview: The_Man_Within_The_Map

early season snowstormI remember noticing The_Man_Within_The_Map as far back as 2020. I always liked his approach as much as his skiing. There’s an upbeat life force that shines through his content.

The man himself — Shane O’Toole — had a solid following and then this season, he kind of exploded.

After I saw him stand up to defend the honor of Thunder Ridge on Instagram, I wanted to hear what he had to say. Our interview with Shane follows.

—Harvey
Editor in Chief, NYSkiBlog.com

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Rich Edwards of Catamount

Catamount logoRich Edwards is an unassuming guy who grew up among New York skiing royalty. His father Don Edwards and his business partners were intimately involved in the original development of skiing at Silvermine, Fahnestock, Sterling Forest and they took over Catamount in 1974.

After owning Catamount for 45 years, the mountain was sold to the owners of Berkshire East. Rich is still part of the Catamount team today.

Rich has a deep well of NY ski knowledge, and we tried to tap into it, in a relatively short interview.

— Harvey

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