By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Holiday Valley Ski Resort plans to replace its main lodge with a three-story building for skiers and those using the facility for conferences.

Holiday Valley, through parent company Win-Sum Ski Corp., is working with the County of Cattaraugus Industrial Development Agency on the lodge project, which could open by next winter.

The IDA will lead a mandated environmental review on the project. It also will host a public hearing on an incentive package needed to help finance the $12,150,000 project. IDA directors are expected to vote on the package in February.

Holiday Valley is an economic engine in Ellicottville. The resort welcomes more than 500,000 skiers annually but also is a year-round destination with an 18-hole, par 72 golf course, obstacle course and other attractions.

According to marketing director Jane Eshbaugh, the main lodge was constructed in 1962 and has had several wings added to it.

The lodge has a European chalet motif, which Eshbaugh is picturesque but not conducive to large meetings and conferences.

The new lodge would serve not only as the base for skiers but function as the centerpiece for Holiday Valley's 105-room hotel.

Plans call for the current bi-level, 21,700-square-foot lodge to be replaced by a three-story, 57,000-square-foot lodge.

The new lodge should be ready to welcome skiers and visitors by next Christmas.