14 Places to Go Ice Skating, Skiing, and Tubing in the Hudson Valley
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Skiers at Windham Mountain / Photo by Don Landwehrle, Adobe Stock
These are the best winter destinations to take in scenic views, explore snowy trails, and satisfy your inner thrill-seeker.
While travel to northern states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine isn’t a top pick for things to do this winter, the Hudson Valley remains full of socially distant winter thrills. Throughout the region, there exists miles of cross country trails, ski slopes, snow-covered terrain. Here are some of the winter activities to try close to home this season.
Bear Mountain Ice Rink
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. Enjoy brisk winter breezes and gorgeous views of the mountains.
3020 Seven Lakes Dr, Tomkins Cove
845.786.2701
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Belleayre Mountain
This popular regional winter destination located in Highmount has 50 trails, eight lifts, lessons for all experience levels, and four cozy lodges. 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. Masks are required when skiers are indoors, and when riding the gondola. Frequent skier cards grant 50-percent discounts on weekday lift tickets, 25 percent off lift tickets on weekends, and a free day at Belleayre, Gore, or Whiteface.
181 Galli Curci Rd, Highmount
845.254.5600
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Catamount Ski & Snowboarding Area
Straddling the Massachusetts border, Catamount features eight lifts, 42 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.
78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale
518.325.3200
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Dayton Grant Park at Burger Hill
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 county 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.
3137 New York 9G, Rhinebeck
845.876.4213
Fahnestock Winter Park
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.
1570 Rte 301, Carmel
845.225.3998
Hand Hollow State Forest
More than 500 acres of wooded land offer endless options for hiking and winter biking, an activity that’s grown in popularity quite a bit in recent years. There are also speedy ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails. Vivid scenery and plentiful wildlife make this a marvelous destination for those seeking a rejuvenating experience in the Hudson Valley. Plus, visitors with a need for speed can ride snowmobiles across the property.
4079 Rte 9, East Chatham
518.357.2155
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Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain transitions from fall foliage paradise to winter wonderland nearly 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.
64 Klein Ave, Hunter
800.486.8376
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Mohonk Mountain House
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 also 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 $30 for adults, and an all-new $99 winter sports package grants guests access to the rink, trails, lounges, and more, along with the equipment needed to tackle the snow. This weekend destination is the perfect staycation right here in the Hudson Valley.
1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz
845.765.3286
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Mount Peter
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. In between runs, there’s no better place to socialize in the mountains than at Pete’s Pub.
51 Old Mt. Peter Rd, Warwick
845.986.4940
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Plattekill Mountain
Looking for a fun weekend day trip? Come to the Catskills to ski down one of Plattekill Mountain’s 38 trails. The trails range from double black diamonds for the experts to two-mile-long trails for beginners. 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 the day after Christmas. Book tickets online and in advance to guarantee a two-hour time slot.
469 Plattekill Rd, Roxbury
607.326.3500
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Rocking Horse Ranch
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?
600 Rte 44-55, Highland
845.691.2927
Saratoga Spa State Park
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. There are so many things that make it worth the trip outside the Hudson Valley.
19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs
518.584.2535
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Thunder Ridge Ski Area
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.
137 Birch Hill Rd, Patterson
845.878.4100
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Windham Mountain Adventure Park
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 ft of elevation and over 54 individual trails make Windham Mountain the ultimate winter escape. Plus, special events like New Year’s Eve fireworks and live music keep skiers coming back again and again.
19 Resort Dr, Windham
800.754.9463