The Catskills in winter are home to some of New York State’s best ski resorts and hiking trails. Clip into your skis or strap on your snowboard at Windham or Hunter Mountains and enjoy the majesty of winter on the slopes.
Skiing, Hiking & Other Snow Activities
The Catskills are 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, both expert riders and beginners will find the slopes of their dreams. Windham Mountain Resort, Hunter Mountain Resort and Platekill Mountain will be the at top of our list as Skiiing destinations near NYC. Hunter Mountain boasts the highest peak in Greene County as well as a top-tier snowmaking system.
Fire up a snowmobile and zoom across the Catskills’ rolling country hillsides and through snow-covered woods. Or, if you’re a seasoned skinny skier, explore the backcountry on miles of public trails. As the closest major skiing destination for NYC residents and visitors, the Catskills are the perfect place to spend your winter vacation.
Ice skating is a popular winter sport and what best place to explore and enjoy this than the Catskills. Kiwanis Ice Arena: Located in Saugerties, this arena is open from mid-August to early April. Windham Mountain Adventure Park: This park located in Greene County features 120 feet by 60 feet outdoor skating rink.
Snow tubing is a fun Catskills winter getaway activity for everyone. Some top snow tubing and sledding locations in the Catskill include Windham Mountain Adventure Park, Hunter Mountain, Plattekill Mountain, Holiday Mountain Ski, and Fun Park to name a few. Explore this 127-acre family-owned brewery.
Winter hiking in the Catskills is thrilling and rewarding for beginner and expert hikers alike. Read about the popular and not-so-popular trails and winter hiking tips on our post here.
History & Winter Festivals
This scenic mountain region in New York has attracted and inspired artists and creatives. It is the setting of Rip Van Winkle, a classic literary work by Washington Irving (whose home you can visit in Tarrytown).
One of the most thrilling winter adventures to have in the Catskills is scaling a frozen waterfall or ice-covered mountain. The region is especially great for ice climbing as it has trails for all abilities. Hanford Mills Museum hosts their Ice Harvest Festival, which features one day of winter fun with a hot soup buffet.
Catskill Ice Climbing Festival – choose from multiple clinics on all the skills and techniques you need to get out on ice. Rates are $195 per person per event for all group events; $230 for the backcountry day. As an added bonus – Rock and Snow will offer 25% off for apparel and 15% off ice gear.
The Catskills boasts of several roadside attractions, including a good number of historic New York covered bridges. You can enjoy dramatic valley views as well as the rustic town and historic buildings on the way to these historic bridges. Most roads are well maintained in the Catskill in winter, but use caution if driving during a snowstorm or flurry.
Spa, Stays, Breweries & more
The Catskills region is dotted with idyllic small towns perfect for exploring. Head to New Paltz for top-tier vintage and antique shopping. Tannersville is a great stop for shopping, this colorful town is not to be missed in general in winter during your Catskills trip.
The Kaatskill Kaleidoscope is the world’s largest kaleidoscope at 56 feet high and housed in a converted grain silo. The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Monticello features a temperature of 84 degrees.
The Shawankgunk Wine Trail offers wine tours throughout the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
Be a part of rock and roll history at The Museum at Bethel Woods. The 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair took place in Bethel, NY. If you’re planning a winter camping trip but want to avoid the snow, try booking your trip to the Catskills in November.
If you are looking for breathtaking, scenic lodges and resorts: Urban Cowboy Lodge, Mohonk Mountain Resort, Emerson Resort & Spa and Kaatskill Mountain Club Lodge at Hunter Mountain. You can also stay in and experience restoration, relaxation and the healing hands of nature in their award-winning spa.
Rip van Winkle Brewing Company located in Catskill, NY offers some of the best craft beers and cuisine. Brotherhood Winery, established in 1839, is the oldest winery in the USA.
Winter Clove Inn & Resort is one of the best upstate New York winter resorts with something for everyone.
Crossroads Brewing Company’s Athens Brewpub is located in a renovated 1893 opera house in Athens, NY. Tannersville in Greene County has one of the best walking Main Streets in the Catskills. Bread Alone Bakery (Boiceville; Ulster County): This has been called “The Best Bakery in the catskills”
Check our winter travel books on other skiing destinations near NYC – Poconos and Vermont.
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