5 Best Winter Activities to Enjoy in Upstate New York
When winter arrives in Upstate New York, the landscape transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From snow-covered mountains and groomed trails to frozen lakes and scenic forests, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the colder months.
Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful day outdoors, these five winter activities offer some of the best ways to experience Upstate New York.
1. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
For many winter visitors, skiing and snowboarding are at the top of the list. Upstate New York is home to dozens of ski resorts offering everything from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging terrain and significant vertical drops.
Among the best-known destinations are Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks, and Holiday Valley in Ellicottville. Whiteface also carries a special connection to the region's Olympic history, making a ski trip to Lake Placid about more than just the slopes.
Modern snowmaking and extensive trail systems help make skiing and snowboarding popular throughout the season. Whether you're learning your first turns or looking for more demanding terrain, there are options across the region.
2. Snowmobiling
For those who prefer their winter adventures with a little more speed, snowmobiling provides a chance to explore Upstate New York's winter landscape from a different perspective.
New York has more than 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails, giving riders an enormous network to explore. The Tug Hill region is particularly well known for winter riding, while the Adirondacks provide miles of scenic routes through forests and mountain communities.
Groomed trails can take riders through snow-covered landscapes that would otherwise be difficult to access during the winter months. For experienced snowmobilers, it can be an exciting way to spend a full day exploring the outdoors.
3. Cross-Country Skiing
Not every winter adventure requires steep slopes or a motor. Cross-country skiing offers a quieter way to experience the snow while still providing an excellent workout.
Highland Forest near Syracuse offers opportunities for Nordic skiing, while the Old Forge area is surrounded by extensive winter trail systems.
Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing allows visitors to travel through forests and rolling terrain at a more relaxed pace. It's a particularly appealing option for anyone who wants to combine exercise with winter sightseeing.
4. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is another accessible way to explore Upstate New York after a major snowfall. You don't need a mountain or a downhill slope—just a pair of snowshoes and a trail.
Green Lakes State Park and areas throughout Madison County offer opportunities to explore quiet woods and snow-covered landscapes.
One of the biggest attractions of snowshoeing is the ability to slow down and take in the scenery. Frozen waterfalls, peaceful forests and snow-dusted trails can create a completely different experience from visiting these same places during warmer months.
5. Ice Skating
Ice skating is a classic winter activity, and Upstate New York offers several memorable places to get on the ice.
Mirror Lake in Lake Placid is one of the region's most recognizable winter destinations, offering a scenic setting surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains when conditions permit. Visitors can also experience the historic Olympic Speed Skating Oval, connecting today's winter recreation with Lake Placid's Olympic legacy.
For something more casual, outdoor skating and pond hockey are popular ways to embrace the cold-weather season when ice conditions are safe.
Make the Most of Winter in Upstate New York
Winter doesn't mean staying indoors. Upstate New York offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy the season, whether you're carving down a mountain, traveling through snowy forests on a snowmobile, skiing across a quiet trail, snowshoeing through the woods or skating on a frozen lake.
With mountains, forests, trails and frozen waterways spread throughout the region, winter provides plenty of opportunities to experience a different side of Upstate New York.
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