Are you planning a winter getaway to New York State? Whether you’re looking for a ski road trip or just a long weekend of exploration, the Empire State has plenty to offer during the winter months! Here are some great things to do this winter in New York State.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding
New York is full of excellent skiing and snowboarding spots! Here are some of the best places to hit the slopes:
• Belleayre Mountain Ski Center – Located in the Catskill Mountains, Belleayre Mountain offers plenty of terrain for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers and snowboarders with nine different lifts.
• Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort – This mountain has it all, from challenging slopes and picturesque landscapes to chairlifts that run until 4 am. It’s a great spot for all levels of skiers, from novice to expert.
• Bristol Mountain – Bristol Mountain is a full-service ski area with terrain for all levels and types of skiers, including beginner, intermediate, and expert. It also offers night skiing, which is perfect for those who only have a few days to explore.
• Greek Peak Mountain Resort – Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ski veteran, Greek Peak Mountain Resort has something for everyone. With seven lifts, two terrain parks, and a tubing park, you’ll be sure to have a great time.
Explore the Cities
New York is home to some of the most iconic cities in the world! Here are some ideas of what to see and do during a winter city-exploration:
• New York City – The city that never sleeps has tons of things to check out during the winter months. Museum-hopping, theater performances, iconic architecture, and more await you.
• Buffalo – Buffalo is home to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, making it a great starting point for winter vacationers. Don’t forget to check out the snow-covered Niagra Falls for an unforgettable experience.
• Rochester – This city is a great place to explore during winter, offering numerous outdoor activities like ice-skating and snowshoeing as well as cultural attractions like the Strong National Museum of Play and the George Eastman Museum.
• Syracuse – Syracuse is a great place for outdoor winter fun. Enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, and ice-skating at the many parks and winter festivals in the area, or check out its renowned art galleries.
Hit the Trails
New York has some of the best hiking trails in the country. Here are some of the best trails you can explore this winter:
• High Peaks Trail/Adirondack Park – This trail is one of the most spectacular in the region, with jaw-dropping views of the Adirondacks and breathtaking views of Lake Champlain.
• Allegheny National Forest Trail – This trail is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, offering breathtaking views of the Allegheny River.
• Long Path – This 332-mile trail is perfect for winter hikes, with the opportunity to explore rolling hills, rivers, and historic sites.
• Finger Lakes Trail – This 845-mile trail is one of the longest in the country and offers stunning views of the Finger Lakes Region.
Check Out the Festivals
New York has plenty of colorful winter festivals that are perfect for adding a little color to your winter holiday! Here are some of the most popular festivals:
• The Great Christmas Light Show – Held at Jones Beach State Park, this festival features over 15 million lights and more than 40 dazzling displays.
• Beacon Holiday Stroll – This festival consists of a beer garden, live performances, seasonal fair, and various shops.
• Niagara Ice Wine Festival – Held in January, this festival pairs delicious ice wines with inventive cuisine and live music.
• Saratoga Chowderfest – Held in February, this festival brings together food vendors from across the state to serve up hearty chowders in a variety of flavors.
• Ithaca Festival of Winter Celebrations – This festival offers something for everyone, including live musical performances, an ice-carving competition, and cider-tasting.
Take a Road Trip
New York is filled with beautiful scenic drives that you can explore this winter. Here are some of the best drives you can take:
• Hudson Valley – This road takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the state, including the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.
• Thruway to Niagara – Exploring the Thruway is a great way to discover all of New York’s hidden gems. Stop off at Niagara Falls and Taughannock Falls along the way.
• The Lake Champlain Byway – This beautiful drive takes you along the lake’s scenic shoreline, offering breathtaking views of Adirondack peaks and waterfront towns.
• The Finger Lakes – This road trip begins in Syracuse and takes you on an exploration of the area’s 11 Finger Lakes.
• The Long Island Road Trip – This includes stops at Fire Island, Old Westbury Gardens, and the Long Island Zoo.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for a cabin, a B&B, or a luxury hotel, New York has plenty of accommodations to suit your needs. Here are some of the best places to stay while you explore the Empire State:
• Mohonk Mountain House – This 19th century resort is a great place to stay during a winter vacation. Enjoy a variety of activities, amenities, and scenic views.
• Thayer Hotel at West Point – At this hotel, you’ll be surrounded by Old World charm and modern amenities. The hotel is known for its convenient location and impressive views, making it an ideal place to stay during your winter getaway.
• Inn at Erie Canal – Enjoy a peaceful stay in this rustic inn and canalside location. The inn has character-filled rooms, as well as a restaurant and bar.
• Lake Placid Lodge – Located on the banks of Lake Placid, this lodge is the perfect place to stay for a winter getaway. Enjoy the on-site spa for a relaxing getaway, or take part in their winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing.
• Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfasts – Enjoy a rustic, home-style experience at one of the many B&Bs throughout the Finger Lakes Region. Relax in a cozy atmosphere, enjoy delicious breakfast spreads, and explore the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Whether you’re planning a ski road trip or just looking for a winter getaway, New York has plenty of things to do! From skiing and exploring the cities to hitting the trails and checking out the festivals, there’s something for everyone in the Empire State this winter. So pack your bags and hit the road – you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience!
