Photo provided by Plattekill Mountain.
Grandmas used to tell the kids, while zipping their coats up snug, that the chilly air would “put roses in your cheeks.” That it does, and a whole lot more. Good times outdoors in the colder months will boost your mood, power up your immune system, and help you sleep better at night, not to mention burning off lots of calories and keeping your cardiovascular system in tip-top shape..
Think outside the box. Plan a winter outing that leads to a waterfall; until you’ve seen a frozen waterfall, you haven’t truly lived. Bring binoculars for winter birding— birds are easy to spot without leaves in the way. You can go sledding or tobogganing at just about any public park that has a hill. All you need is something slippery to sit on, and you’ll get plenty of good exercise dragging it back up.
So get on out there, folks! Once you’re out there and moving around in the magical winter wonderland you’ll be really glad you ventured out. Even without snow on the ground, this season has its own subtle color palette that’s glorious when you take the time to look at it. Especially as our wonderful Realm is packed with opportunities for wintertime fun.
To stay comfy and get the most out of your experience, you’ll need the right apparel and equipment—lightweight, warm layers, a day pack, and suitable gear for whatever sport you prefer to try. Visit one of our expert outfitters, and they’ll make sure you have exactly what you need.
snowshoeing/winter hiking
These winter activities offer a great low-impact, full-body workout that can get you to serene and beautiful spots that are otherwise impossible to reach when the ground’s covered in white. Snowshoes or microspikes are less costly and easier to manage than cross-country skis. Plan to cover about half as much ground as you’d expect to on a warm-weather hike, especially if you’re breaking fresh trail; pack your water bottle and enjoy the uncrowded trails and sugar-frosted views.
Great opportunities are plentiful on our rail trails and on the carriage roads and pathways.
VISITvortex Top Pick: For sheer variety of hike choices and glorious views, Mohonk Preserve is hard to beat. Miles of carriage roads and wooded trails wind through dramatic cliffs, quiet forests, and open ridgelines offer everything from gentle winter walks to invigorating climbs.
cross-country skiing
This sport is wonderful in many of the same ways as snowshoeing. It takes a bit more equipment and a bit more expertise, but once you’ve got the hang of it, there’s the joy of gliding smoothly over the snow to pay you back. It may be even more beneficial to your sense of balance, and it’s a great aerobic tune-up for mind, body, and soul alike.
The lovely, level rail trails are a great place to learn how to navigate; once you’ve got that down, you can take on the carriage roads of Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park. There are other places like Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski Center that cater specifically to the sport, with groomed trails and specified skill levels.
VISITvortex Top Pick: You really can’t go wrong with the Mohonk or Minnewaska carriage trails, Miles of them are groomed for the winter, the scenery is superb, and the Preserve has some suggested routes all mapped out for you.
MOUNTAIN TRAILS CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER
6198 Main St., Tannersville, NY
518-589-5361, mtntrails.com
skiing, snowboarding, and tubing
The big three offer a truly thrilling rush! No, you’re not in the Rockies, but we’re blessed with several places where you’ll find great opportunities, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, with equipment rentals, expert lessons, gorgeous well-groomed trails for all levels of expertise, and places to grab some refreshments. Each mountain has its own unique personality, and they’re all gorgeous; why not try a different one each weekend and find your favorite views?
VISITvortex Top Pick: Catamount Mountain Resort, straddling the New York–Massachusetts border, is a beloved four-season destination with terrain for all abilities and stunning Berkshire and Taconic Mountain views. Its signature Ridge Run trail offers one of the longest top-to-bottom cruises in the region, while modern snowmaking, night skiing, and a lively base lodge keep the experience smooth and fun. Catamount also features a dedicated snow tubing park, making it a great pick for families and mixed-skill groups.
BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN SKI CENTER
181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, NY
845-254-5600, belleayre.com
CATAMOUNT MOUNTAIN RESORT
78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, NY
413-528-1262, catamountski.com
CATAMOUNT MOUNTAIN RESORT
78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, NY
413-528-1262, catamountski.com
skiing, snowboarding, and tubing continued
Whether you’re carving fresh tracks, catching air on your board, or laughing your way down a tubing run, winter on these mountains is pure magic. Each spot offers its own flavor of adventure and après-ski charm, making them the perfect checklist of must-tries to carry you through the cold months. Layer up, grab your crew, and make every snowy weekend count.
VISITvortex Top Pick: Plattekill Mountain, the last independent family-owned mountain in the region, has a warm, laid-back independent spirit and gloriously scenic surroundings. They’ve got skiing, boarding, tubing, and snowshoeing, with 41 diverse trails, from beginner to black diamond, and live music by the fireplace in the cozy lodge.
HUNTER MOUNTAIN RESORT
64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY
518-263-4223, huntermtn.com
PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN
469 Plattekill Road, Roxbury, NY
607-326-3500, catamountski.com
PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN
469 Plattekill Road, Roxbury, NY
607-326-3500, plattekill.com
ice skating (outdoor)
Skating is an incredibly graceful, relaxing sport, once you’ve learned the basics, in spite of being a great workout. You can stick to just gliding happily about or hone your skills to master the leaps and turns and dance moves that will have bystanders gasping with delight.
There are lakes and ponds that allow outdoor ice skating when the ice gets thick enough; be sure to check with the management or the town to be certain; most places post a green flag when the ice is safe. Happily, we have no shortage of beautiful, fully equipped rinks; at some of them, you and yours can rent skates, get a lesson, get out on the ice, and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa after.
VISITvortex Top Pick: Head to Mohonk Mountain House, where you can get a Winter Sports Pass and go skating, snowshoeing, microspike hiking, or cross-country skiing. Your pass includes equipment rentals for all of the above, plus one free tubing run, and you’ll have access to the warm loveliness of the Mountain House for refreshment breaks.
MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE PAVILION ICE RINK
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY
855-883-37982, mohonk.com
THE RONDOUT ICE RINK AT THE CORNELL
100 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY
845-331-4283, cornellkingston.com
ice skating (indoor)
Hey, it still counts as a winter sport, since ice is involved.
When the chill bites a little too hard or you prefer a cozier setting, you can still lace up your skates and hit the ice indoors. Local rinks offer smooth, well-maintained ice, skate rentals, and open skating sessions for all ages. It’s the perfect way to get a little winter movement without braving the elements, whether you’re practicing spins, holding hands on a leisurely lap, or just reliving childhood snow-day joy.
ICETIME SPORTS COMPLEX
21 Lakeside Road, Newburgh, NY
845-567-0005, icetimesports.org
