Let’s start with a few general principles here. Layer up warm and have the right footwear—we want you to be cozy and safe.
Be extremely patient and cautious if a snow squall blows in while you’re driving; as the saying goes, pretend you’ve got your 90-year-old grandma in the back seat with a pot of hot soup on her lap. And if it’s ice that’s falling from the sky, consider staying in till it passes—neither snow tires nor four-wheel-drive do much good on ice.
Now for the fun part: Rail trails are all around us, offering loads of great opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures. If you see people sledding or skating at the local park, feel free to grab yourself something to slide on and join in.
Make sure to verify that the ice is 4–5 inches thick before venturing out on it; we’ve included a couple of indoor ice rinks and places with snowmaking in case Mother Nature just isn’t in the mood.
Potter Brothers Ski & Snowboard Shop and Kenco Outfitters, both located in Kingston, can both help you choose the perfect clothing and gear for any winter adventure under the sun, and you’ll find great nearby places to stay and tasty food near all of these places.
Here are some great destinations for winter sports. Welcome to our winter wonderland, and have fun!
delaware county
Photos provided by Plattekill Mountain
PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN is a family-friendly, family-run operation where all ages and skill levels can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. They’ve got 40 well-maintained trails, lessons from beginner to alpine ski levels, a variety of dining options, a full bar, and an outdoor fire pit. There’s après-ski live music in the Blockbuster Bar, and you can even make arrangements to rent the whole mountain for a special occasion. You’re right in the lovely, lively town of Roxbury, offering lots of nice options for food and lodging, some cool stores, and stunning scenery everywhere. plattekill.com, 607-326-3500
SNOWMOBILING places can be hard to find these days; rail trails don’t allow motorized vehicles. But the Delaware Catskills have your back if you want to play that way. There are lots of clubs; connect with the Hamden Hill Ridge Riders in Hamden, the Central Catskill Trail Association in Andes, or the Delaware-Otsego-Chenango Snowriders of Sidney for locations. They’ll even tell you where to go grab lunch or dinner from the trail. hamdenhillridgeriders.com, 607-865-4544. Central Catskill Trail Association, 607-434-0719. DOCSnowriders Inc., https://www.facebook.com/docsnowriders
THE CATSKILL SCENIC TRAIL is a 26-mile rail trail along the West Branch of the Delaware River with a number of access points, great for cross-country, snowshoeing, or winter hiking adventures. catskillscenictrail.org, greatwesterncatskills.com
dutchess county
The big main hill at BOWDOIN PARK in Wappingers Falls offers terrific sledding with a Hudson River backdrop, and there’s a 76' × 80' skating rink beside Pavilion 5, open 9 to 5 when weather permits; bring your own skates. There are public restrooms, and your dog is welcome. dutchessny.gov/Departments/Parks/Bowdoin-Park.htm, 845-298-4600
If you’re aching to glide around on the ice, but the weather’s not cooperating or you’d like a few lessons, head over to McCANN ICE ARENA in Poughkeepsie, home of all the good things you can do with blades and ice. They’ve got lessons, public skating, figure skating, and ice hockey for all ages. mccannicearena.org, 845-454-5800
OGDEN MILLS & RUTH LIVINGSTON MILLS STATE PARK in Staatsburg offers tons of great cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, as well as sledding. You can warm up and feast at one of the several nearby restaurants run by the Culinary Institute of America. parks.ny.gov/parks/mills/maps.aspx, 845-889-4646
sullivan county
HOLIDAY MOUNTAIN in Monticello is a superb multi-sport destination with all the trimmings: six ski trails serviced by two chairlifts, a learning center for beginners with a “magic carpet” conveyor lift, a snowsports school, gear rentals, and a 400-foot, 12-lane snow tubing run with a lift of its own. Spend an invigorating day on the slopes and head over to Resorts World Catskills for dinner, a show, and some games of chance. skiholidaymtn.com, 845-796-3161
THE VILLA ROMA RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER in Callicoon has three slopes for skiing or boarding, two snow tube runs, a chairlift, rentals, and lessons. After you’ve had a great day on the hill, retreat to the ski chalet for a drink by the fireplace. villaroma.com, 845-482-2288
THE SULLIVAN COUNTY TRAILS ASSOCIATION has maps, trail conditions, and everything you need to know to enjoy your snowmobile in this part of the Catskills. sctrailsassoc.com, sullivancatskills.com
ulster county
BELLEAYRE SKI CENTER in Highmount is a state-run and family-friendly mountain at the northwestern tip of Ulster County that offers eight lifts, including the only high-speed gondola in the Catskills. There are 171 skiable acres, over 60 trails, almost 10 km of cross-country trails, and four lodges; you can rent skis or boards and take group or private lessons. Après ski, consider dinner at the Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room, less than 10 minutes away. belleayre.com, 845-254-5600
Above photos Mohonk Preserve.
MOHONK PRESERVE has miles of trails and carriage roads that are terrific for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing; check out the suggested ski and snowshoe routes on their website for tips on where to go. The scenery is fabulous, and you’re perfectly situated to grab dinner at Mill & Main in Kerhonkson afterward. mohonkpreserve.org, 845-255-0919. For more ideas, head to visitulstercountyny.com.
Above photos Mohonk Mountain House.
Guests of MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE can glide across the ice on the outdoor skating rink nestled in the heart of the Catskills. Explore miles of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Cozy up by the fireplace with a warm cup of hot cocoa, or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. With a variety of winter activities for all ages, Mohonk Mountain House offers the perfect escape for a truly unforgettable winter getaway. mohonk.com. 844-207-8368
