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

After years of planning, HoliMont is ready to begin work on a $22 million, multi-phase development - the largest in the 50-year history of the Ellicottville ski resort.

It will include construction of 93 single-family homes and 72 condominiums, an expanded Halfpipe and Terrain Park that will be lighted for nighttime skiing and a 26,000-square-foot lodge.

The work also will include a high-speed quad chair, a new area for beginner skiers, more parking, a Nordic Center and upgrades to the main chalet. The residential units will have "ski in/ski out" capabilities.

The project is expected to take seven years and will be funded largely from proceeds of real estate sales.

"This is not going to happen off of the backs of our members," said Dave Riley, general manager. "And we are not going to put the club into debt. This is a case of earn, then spend."

The first phase will involve marketing 31 single-family lots to anchor the recently dubbed "WestMont Ridge" expansion. Pre-sales will begin this fall, with construction to start in the spring.

Riley said he is confident the homes will sell despite a weakened economy. They will be marketed in Western New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Southern Ontario, as well as central New York.

In terms of scope and cost, the project is the most ambitious since HoliMont was formed in 1962. The private resort has approximately 1,300 memberships that translate to 4,400 members. It's open an average 118 days per season.