This week hundreds of Western New York students are out of school for winter break. It means a big week for Holiday Valley Ski Resort and neighboring Ellicottville businesses.
"My boyfriend is off from school, so we came this week because he's off from school," Marry-Ann Waters said.
She was among hundreds who were gearing up, ready to hit the slopes Monday afternoon.
Holiday Valley representatives say the unseasonable mild start to this winter season has caused slowed down business.
"It definitely was a slow start to the season with the warm weather we had, through December," Holiday Valley Director of Marketing, Jane Eshbaugh said.
Not only does the weather impact the resort, but it also affects local shops and restaurants in Ellicottville.
"It's been a real challenge this season," John Rounds owner of Adventure Bound said.
Several businesses in Downtown Ellicottville are now catering their business to all four seasons.
Many business owners are not counting out this winter season. In fact, Holiday Valley and Adventure Bound representatives said business has been picking up over the last few weeks.
They are hoping old man winter sticks around a little bit longer to recover.
