Tired of being cooped up indoors all year? Just because the cold winter months are setting in, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the great outdoors. With COVID-19 still at large, it is more important than ever to take care of your physical and mental health. While concerts, parties, and other indoor events might be on hold for now, here are some fun outdoor activities you can safely enjoy this winter.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Luckily you don't have to travel all the way to Colorado or Utah for great skiing and snowboarding. There's plenty of powder in NY! Although your trip may feel a bit different this year with masks and reservations required, resorts are getting back to business. For family fun check out Hunter Mountain ski resort located in Hunter, NY! Skiers and snowboarders will be happy exploring Hunter Mountain’s 240 acres of snowy slopes. Families have been enjoying the slopes on Belleayre Mountain ever since the 1940s, when New York skiing enthusiasts convinced state leaders to develop its trails. Belleayre stands out for its extra wide trails and the fact that, while lively, it’s never overly crowded. This means you have plenty of room to learn and just enjoy the experience without worrying about bumping into anyone. While you’re there, don’t miss a ride on the scenic gondola ride with panoramic views of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Taking a quick break? Warm up by a fire bit and enjoy some hot cocoa!
Sledding & Tubing
A perfect winter activity for the entire family to enjoy, sledding and tubing are an inexpensive way to enjoy the snow. All you need is a sled, tube, and hill! A "no skills" fun activity for the whole family! Hunter Mountain also has a snow tubing park with its very own carpet lift so you don’t have to drag your tube up to the top. The lanes are about 1,000 feet long and all ages can partake. Located right at the base of Hunter Mountain below the Kaatskill Mountain Club Hotel, their hill is one of the biggest in NY. Enjoy a thrilling ride down and then relax as the Magic Carpet whisks you back to the top for another exciting slide!
Cross-Country Skiing & Snow Shoeing
You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the snowy mountain ranges. Cross-country skiing is an outdoor sport that can be safely practiced at a distance. Natural Stonebridge and Caves is the largest marble cave entrance in the US, offering snowshoe tours to view the beautiful sights. They are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and offer over 14 miles of snowshoeing trails. Snowshoe through the woods and return to toast marshmallows around the campfire! Snowshoe to the old Sink Hole, the Beaver Stump Loop or the Bobcat Ledges to see interesting geology and maybe some animal tracks along the way. Both of their Chester Challenge trails, Catamount and Green Hill, are also open in the winter. Complete 6 of the local trails and get a pin, complete 6 in the winter and get additional winter pins!
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Ice Skating
Break out your ice skates, bring your family and friends and enjoy ice skating on Buckingham Pond. The city of Albany periodically checks the ice on the pond to make sure it's safe to skate while DGS clears the snow from the ice. Skating is subject to conditions and weather, as long as there are no signs prohibiting the pond is open to all! The Capital Arena is located at 16 Clifton Common Boulevard in Clifton Park. Public skate is open every Saturday and Sunday from 2-3:50. Click here to read about their Covid-19 safety guidelines. This indoor arena has two full-size NHL sized rinks. Don't have your own skates? No worries, The Capital Arena can provide you with rental skates! The Schenectady County Recreation Facility has a state-of-the-art ice rink that has served the residence of Schenectady County and ice skating enthusiasts from the entire Capital Region! The ice rink offers a wide range of recreational skating, ice hockey and figure skating programs for all ages. Skate aids and handicapped access are also available! New to ice skating? Don't let it discourage you! Many local rinks offer an instructor to guide the way or even lean on a friend.
Grabbing a Bite to Eat
Looking to warm up after having some winter fun outdoors? There are plenty of warm and cozy restaurants to check out in the Capital Region! Our recommendation? The Tipsy Moose is a cozy, rustic cabin like-tavern serving up some delicious comfort food. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern offers 3 different locations in Latham, Troy, and Albany NY. Limited outdoor and indoor dining as well as take-out and delivery are available at all three locations! or head here for brunch on a winter weekend. Did someone say chowda? The Saratoga Chowder Tour will take place Saturday, January 30th through Saturday, February 6th! In a typical year, dozens of local Saratoga restaurants participate in the highly anticipated Chowderfest, with patrons sampling chowder around the city and voting on their favorites. Grab your friends and family and visit participating Saratoga restaurants for a cup or bowl of chowder along with lunch or dinner and your favorite beverage. 