Double Black Diamond at Double Black Diamond at Holiday Valley

Double Black Diamond at Holiday Valley occupies a distinctive position in western New York's Allegheny foothills, situated within the Holiday Valley resort complex near Ellicottville. The course was designed by Paul Albanese and Ferdinand Garbin, architects known for their work in the northeastern United States. The property takes its name from the ski industry's most difficult trail designation, reflecting the dramatic terrain that characterizes this part of the region, where elevation changes and natural contours shape the golf experience.

The routing works through rolling, forested landscape typical of this corner of Cattaraugus County, where the topography presents both strategic interest and scenic variety. Holes move across hillsides and through valleys, with fairways carved from mature woodlands and views extending across the surrounding countryside. The design incorporates the natural movement of the land, asking players to manage elevation changes and consider how slopes affect both tee shots and approach play.

As part of the Holiday Valley resort, the course serves both destination visitors and regional golfers drawn to the Ellicottville area, which has developed as a year-round recreational community. The facility reflects the character of upstate New York golf, where courses often balance challenge with accessibility and where the natural setting plays a central role in the experience. The combination of terrain, tree-lined corridors, and the resort context gives Double Black Diamond its identity within the southern tier golf landscape.