It’s winter in upstate New York. And while the landscape looks as though time has stood still, the region is teaming with outdoor winter fun on and beyond the slopes!
White snow glistens on frosty mountain peaks. Rolling farmland is blanketed in a smooth layer of sparkling white. Pristine waters freeze into natural sculptures. Experience this ultimate winter wonderland. Join skiers and snowboarders, beginners and experienced, flocking to stunning mountain resorts. Or explore backcountry trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Make lasting family memories tubing down a massive hill, or relax in a beautiful base lodge while the kids take their third “just-one-more” run! While close enough to New York City or Boston for an easy weekend trip, New York’s Catskills offer so much to do you’ll want stretch you stay.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The mountainous terrain of the Catskills is home to some of New York State’s best ski resorts. With a wide variety of terrain, plenty of natural snowfall and prime conditions for snowmaking, experts and beginners will find slopes to satisfy their skill levels. Challenge yourself on rugged, ungroomed black diamonds. Catch serious air in the terrain park. Or enroll your newest skier in lessons at one of many on-mountain ski schools. As you swish down the mountain, be sure to take in the stunning views all around you.Tips for Skiing With Kids
- Dress appropriately for the temperatures.
- Bring snacks and keep kids hydrated.
- Take lots of breaks, and get warm when needed.
- Have kids wear helmets & goggles.
- Keep it fun, and enjoy your time together!
Off-Mountain Activities
You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy a day at the mountain. Many of the Catskills top ski resorts offer off-mountain activities for the perfect family-friendly vacation – including snow tubing! Some resorts will carry your tube back up the mountain for you. Others even have lifts so you don’t have to walk. You can also go ice skating or simple relax inside the lodge with a warm beverage and a tasty meal. For a perfect après ski (or tubing or skating) experience, pamper yourself with a spa treatment!Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing
The Catskills boast miles of groomed and ungroomed trails through peaceful forests and over glistening fields – the perfect terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing! If you’re new to the sport, or looking for manicured trails, visit one of several Nordic ski and snowshoe centers. Or, if you’re a seasoned skier, explore the backcountry on miles of public trails.Snowmobiling in the Catskills
Put a little speed in your Catskills winter experience. Fire up a snowmobile and zoom across the Catskills’ rolling country hillsides and through snow-covered woods on the region’s network of designated snowmobiling trails. From interconnecting state trails in the western Catskills to privately owned backcountry systems, sledders will find plenty of space to satisfy their inner speed junkie. As the closest major skiing destination for NYC residents and visitors, and not far from Boston and Connecticut, the Catskills are the perfect place in Upstate New York to spend your winter vacation!
