I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for skiing near (an hour or less) Buffalo or Niagara Falls for one day.

The best place to ski (there aren't alot of choices) is Holiday Valley Ski Resort which is in Ellicottville, New York, about 1 hour south of Buffalo. Kissing Bridge is slightly closer in Colden which is about 45 minutes.

There is another resort about 1.5 hours from Buffalo - Peek n Peak. Good skiing, full service resort.

I would recommend in this order:

Holiday Valley -- Offers the most variety of skiing of the 3 and is the largest and nicest. Plus the town of Ellicottville is great - very quaint with lots of shops and restaurants on the main street. Lifts in good shape - a few high speek quads. Good snowmaking.

Kissingbridge - Smaller, with generally very easy skiing.

Peak n Peak -- The smallest of the 3, and the farthest. very short runs that are very easy. Great place for a beginner.