Winter Sports
This is the time of year that our landscape sparkles with snow and outdoor fun of all kinds beckon. Want to glide by our gorgeous scenery on a pair of cross country skis or feel the thrill of plummeting down a steep slope on a snowboard at a breakneck pace? Or maybe a twirl around an ice covered rink is more to your liking. Ice climbing, snow shoeing and tamer pursuits like enjoying the perfect cup of hot chocolate or cuddling in front a rip roaring fire await you, here, 90 minutes from New York City. For a list of winter activities see below:
Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding/ Snow Tubing
Belleayre Mountain, New York's Winter Snow Park
Off Rt. 28, Highmount, NY 12441
1-800-942-6904
www.belleayre.com
171 skiable acres with 96% of terrain covered by snowmaking; 8 lifts, 47 trails & glades, Rail Park, Terrain Park & Half Pipe; 4 lodges; equipment rentals & lessons; open daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Lodges; 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Lifts. (For more information about Belleayre see our Belleayre Winter Festival January feature).
Sawkill Family Ski Center
167 Hill Rd, (off Sawkill & Jockey Hill Rd), Kingston NY 12401
845-336-6977
info@sawkillski.com
www.sawkillski.com
Family ski center. Open weekends and holidays for skiing, snow tubing and snow boarding.
Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
Belleayre Mountain, New York's Winter Snow Park
Off Rt. 28, Highmount, NY 12441
1-800-942-6904
www.belleayre.com
9.2 kilometers of groomed trails open daily, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Frost Valley YMCA
2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY 12725
845-985-2291 ext. 396 – Ski Conditions Hotline
www.FrostValley.org
6,000 acres set deep in the Catskill Mountains with miles of skiing for all ages and abilities. Over 25 kilometers of trails, including groomed trails; track set; and backcountry trails. Open daily 9:00 AM – 4:30; Ski rental shop open weekends. Day fee: $10/person; $13 with rentals.
Hudson Valley Rail Trail
Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, Old New Paltz Rd, Highland, NY 12528
845 691-8151
www.HudsonValleyrailtrail.net
5-mile nature trail extending from Mid-Hudson Bridge in Highland to Route 299. Walking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. 2.5 mile paved portion.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Rt 44/55, New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-0752
www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/127/details.aspx
Located in the Shawangunk Mountains just outside of New Paltz. MInnewask hosts winter nature programs, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowshoe rentals. Open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily. Fees:$7/car; snowshoe rentals; $15/person.
Mohonk Mountain House Ice
1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561
For updated information on trails and conditions: 845-256-2197
www.mohonk.com/recreation/cross_country_skiing.cfm
Cross-country skiing offers a great way to cover many trails of Mohonk's territory, weather permitting. Enjoy nature in her slumber, as the heavy snow-covered tree limbs and the sweeping views of faraway mountaintops provide a vista you'll not soon forget. 30 miles of trails; Ski Shop with ski and snow shoe rentals on premises. Day fees: Midweek– $18/adults; $13/children under 12; Weekends & Holidays– $23/adults; $18/children under 12. Ski rentals: $20/adults; $14/children. Snowshoe rentals: $16/adults; $12/children
Mohonk Preserve
3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner, NY 12525
845-255-0919
www.mohonkpreserve.org
Over 100 miles of carriage roads and trails in the Gunks (as the Shawangunks are known), including linkages onto the adjacent Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Mohonk Mountain House resort with incomparable & varied scenery ranging from valley views to open, snowy fields. Varied topography for novice and experienced x-country skiers and snowshoers. Groomed trails available only occasionally. Fees: $10/day – purchase pass at Visitor’s Center
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
New Paltz, NY 12561
gorailtrail@yahoo.com
www.gorailtrail.org
12.2-mile path for walking, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through New Paltz and Gardiner. Passes through scenic countryside, historic Huguenot Street area and downtown New Paltz. Access to Rail Trail in New Palzt at Waterstreet Market, off Huguenot Street (parking available in Municiple lot or Historic Huguenot Street lot on Broadhead Avenue), or from the Park & Ride parking lot on Route 32 South. In Gardiner, access is avialable in the center of the hamlet off Route 44/55 (near Hi Ho Gifts and Antique Store).
Ice Skating
Kiwanis Ice Arena
Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex Saugerties, 845-247-2590
kiwanisice@saugerties.ny.us
Fully enclosed refrigerated Olympic-size ice rink facility. Daily. Sept-April.
Mohonk Mountain House Ice Skating Pavilion
1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561
800-772-6646; 845-256-2775
www.mohonk.com
Enjoy bracing mountain air while gliding around this 18,000-square-foot ice rink. The outside pavilion is true to Mohonk’s elegant rustic style with open sides, wooden roof beams, stone columns, and a 39-foot-tall stone fireplace overlooking the enchanting lake and the castle-like Victorian resort.
Moriello Park Ice Rink
Mulberry St, New Paltz 12561
www.townofnewpaltz.org (go to Recreation Dept – then choose: Recreation Updates)
Newly opened outdoor ice rink set at the town of New Paltz Moriello Pool/Park. Open daily for hockey: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM and 7:30 PM-9:00 PM. Open daily for skating: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM; 4:00 PM-7:30 PM. FREE. Outdoor pond skating and sledding is also available at New Paltz Sports Park (across from the Ulster County Fairgrounds), Libertyville Rd., New Paltz. For ice and sledding conditions, please check the town website listed above.
Bracing air and red cheeks also make it the right time for a perfect cup of hot chocolate or other warming spirit. For information on places to get something to drink, eat or rejuvenate see our other January features.
