15 Places for Ice Skating, Skiing, and Tubing in the Hudson Valley
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Skiers at Windham Mountain. Adobe Stock / Don Landwehrle
These are the best winter destinations to take in scenic views, explore snowy trails, and satisfy your inner thrill-seeker.
While many skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and ice skaters flock to New England to make the most of winter, there is a ton to do in the Hudson Valley. The region is known for its scenic overlooks and wealth of outdoor activities, and that continues through the colder months in the way of miles upon miles of cross country trails, ski slopes, and snow-covered terrain. If you find yourself getting cabin fever this winter, you needn’t trek to Vermont or Maine—look to these winter activities close to home.
Bear Mountain Ice Rink
Tomkins Cove
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Go ice skating at the Hudson Valley’s largest open-air rink from November to March (weather permitting) on the weekends. Be sure to check the website for additional skating hours during the holidays. Pricing is affordable: adults pay $5 to skate, parking is $10 on weekends and holidays, and skate rental is $10 per pair. Visitors can anticipate brisk winter breezes and gorgeous views of the mountains.
Belleayre Mountain
Highmount
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This popular regional winter destination in Highmount has 63 trails, eight lifts, lessons for all experience levels, and five cozy lodges. What’s more, the summit’s vertical drop of 1,404 feet presents a stunning view. Season passes and day tickets allow for a marvelous getaway of any length. Frequent skier cards grant 50-percent discounts on weekday lift tickets and 25 percent off lift tickets on weekends.
Catamount Ski & Snowboarding Area
Hillsdale
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Straddling the Massachusetts border, Catamount features eight lifts, 44 trails, a snowboarding terrain park, and lots more for lovers of the winter sports scene. It’s also home to one of the steepest trails in the Northeast, a double black diamond trail aptly named Catapult. If that isn’t enough for adrenaline junkies, check out the destination’s 5,523-foot-long Catamount Zip Tour, the longest zipline in the U.S. Plus, 13 trails, including the Bobcat and Panther terrain parks, permit night skiing. Bring the entire family to this tried and true Hudson Valley destination for winter fun.
Dayton Grant Park at Burger Hill
Rhinebeck
Perhaps the best-known sledding spot in the Hudson Valley, Burger Hill is the perfect destination for a family outing. The half-mile summit’s panoramic views stretch from the Catskills all the way to the Berkshires. The Scenic Hudson site also offers extensive cross country skiing and snowshoeing. After spending a cold winter day outside sledding, warm up at any one of Rhinebeck’s cozy and delicious restaurants. Or, cozy up for an independent movie at Upstate Films.
Fahnestock Winter Park
Carmel
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Part of the 16,000-acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, the Winter Park provides groomed, mapped trails for skiers and snowshoers of all abilities. Visitors will also find a nifty sledding hill plus ski, snowshoe, and tube rentals. Warm food and refreshing beverages are the cherry on top at this all-in-one Hudson Valley park. Be sure to check the website frequently for updates on whether Fahnestock is open to the public. Skiing begins onsite once enough snow has accrued.
Hand Hollow State Forest
East Chatham
More than 500 acres of wooded land offer endless options for hiking and winter biking; plus, there are speedy ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails aplenty. Vivid scenery and wildlife make this a marvelous destination for those looking to reconnect with nature in the Hudson Valley. Moreover, visitors with a need for speed can ride snowmobiles across the property.
Related: Hiking in the Catskills: A Beginner’s Guide to Hudson Valley Treks
Holiday Mountain
Monticello
Holiday Mountain is open year-round with water attractions, go karts, and bumper boats at the Fun Park, but in the winter, its trails are open for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The resort offers a relaxing and enjoyable day for the whole family via $20 tubing reservations and skiing tickets starting at $30.
Hunter Mountain
Hunter
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Hunter Mountain transitions from fall foliage paradise to winter wonderland almost overnight. Impressive, 1,000-foot tubing lanes make Hunter’s experience especially thrilling. Guests can explore 67 different ski trails of all intensity levels while taking in gorgeous Hudson Valley sights. Hunter’s summit stands 3,200 feet above sea level, granting an unbeatable view of the Catskills. To promote cashless interaction, everything can be purchased online and in advance. The resort offers extensive rental packages; for more information on equipment pricing and availability, visit the website.
Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz
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Mohonk offers open-air ice skating under an elegant, barn-like, 9,375-square-foot pavilion. Thirty miles of trails with stellar views of the Catskills are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Plus, snow tubing and winter hiking bring even more opportunities for family fun. Most winter activities are included in each stay, and Mohonk offers winter activity packages for daytime visitors as well. Trail passes are $35 for adults and $30 for kids for a day of family fun. This weekend destination is the perfect staycation right here in the Hudson Valley.
Mount Peter
Warwick
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Mount Peter is an all-in-one winter destination, boasting the oldest ski operation in New York State and one of the last family-operated ski areas in the country. Over a dozen trails give visitors ample opportunities to explore this beautiful mountainside in Orange County. If you’re not a ski/snowboard pro, don’t fret! The team at Mount Peter has been instructing beginners on winter sports for more than a generation. Those seeking some fun on an inner tube can take advantage of the mountain’s 600-foot tubing run and a carpet lift. To ensure fun for the entire family, there is even an under 42″ section. Between runs, there’s no better place to socialize on the mountain than at Pete’s Pub.
Related: Shop Local at These Hudson Valley Stores for the Holidays
Plattekill Mountain
Roxbury
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Looking for a fun weekend day trip? Come to the Catskills to ski down one of Plattekill Mountain’s 40 trails. The trails range in difficulty, meaning there’s a little something for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. For the truly adventurous, try out the terrain park to catch some air and ride the rails. The state-of-the-art Conveyor Carpet Lift can take guests and their tubes to the top of the mountain on Saturdays and Sundays starting New Year’s Eve. Book tickets online and in advance to guarantee a two-hour time slot.
Rocking Horse Ranch
Highland
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It’s tough to be bored at this 500-acre, family-oriented, four-season destination in Highland. Choose from the winter snow park, snow tubing, an ice skating rink, skiing, and cross country skiing. The timber chute tubing lanes send riders soaring, while the magic carpet conveyor lift takes visitors back to the top of the run. And what’s more postcard-perfect than a horse-drawn sleigh ride on a snowy afternoon at the ranch?
Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Springs
More than 12 miles of groomed trails make this an ideal choice for cross country skiing and snowshoeing as you wind through the picturesque park on the outskirts of Saratoga. The park also includes an outdoor ice skating and hockey rink, perfect for winter experiences. In addition, Saratoga Spa State Park has a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and fascinating history.
Thunder Ridge Ski Area
Patterson
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Thunder Ridge Ski Area boasts 22 trails for a variety of skill levels. Enjoy state-of-the-art chairlifts and magic carpets, in addition to an elaborate terrain park for snowboarders. If visitors need anything, the Putnam County destination has a stocked ski shop with plenty of deals on equipment.
Windham Mountain Adventure Park
Windham
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Windham Mountain is best known for skiing, but its Adventure Park offers a bunch of non-ski activities, like tubing, kids’ snowmobiling, and more. The vast range of trails and beautiful lift make Windham a destination for mountain biking in warmer months and even photoshoots for Hudson Valley weddings. However, 3,100 feet of elevation and over eight individual trails make Windham Mountain the ultimate winter escape. Plus, special events like Santa Ski Day and live music keep skiers coming back again and again.
Related: Pick Your Perfect Pine at a Hudson Valley Christmas Tree Farm