We might all be looking forward to spring, but why not enjoy winter while it lasts? This week we’re rounding up a few of our favorite winter activities to enjoy with the whole family. We’re sharing cozy spots for a mug of hot chocolate and some activities that will get you out and about.
Hitting the Slopes
We’d be remiss not to mention a few of the local skiing spots in the Catskills. While the Catskills might not compare to skiing in Colorado or further north in the Adirondacks or White Mountains, they’re a great family-friendly spot for a fun day on the mountain. Belleayre Mountain is located in Highmount, just under an hour drive from Saugerties. They’re best known for their downhill skiing, but they also have a network of cross country ski and snowshoe trails – though you do need to bring your own set of skis or snowshoes!
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If you’re looking for a more laid-back, family owned and operated ski resort, be sure to check out Plattekill Mountain located in Roxbury. They offer 40 trails for downhill skiing, as well as snow tubing and snowshoe rentals for nearby trails.
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Winter Sports in the Catskills
If you’re looking for a serious workout, try your hand at snowshoeing! There are a number of different spots that rent out snowshoes and a few of them offer other great winter activities. Be sure to check out Bearpen Mountain in Prattsville. They host a wide variety of winter sports. Snow tubing and sledding require advance tickets and are available most weekends. Depending on snow conditions, they also offer ice skating trails, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, winter fat biking and curling. You can find more info about what is available by going to the conditions page on their website.
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If you’re looking to check out some of the snowshoe trails in the area and would like to rent a pair of snowshoes, there are a number of rental shops in the area. If you’re headed to the Gunks, check out Rock & Snow in New Paltz. They can set you up with snowshoes as well as ice climbing gear. For lower cost ski, snowboard and snowshoe rentals, visit Potter Brothers in Kingston or Fishkill, a family owned business that’s been around since 1945.
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On the Ice
If you’re looking for indoor skating or a spot to practice your hockey skills, Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties is open nearly every day of the week for public skating and hockey practice. If you’re a hockey fan, you can also check out a local game.
Mohonk Mountain House is another great spot for ice skating, as well as other winter activities. They open up their winter activity passes 72 hours before event, so be sure to snag a pass if you’re looking to check it out for the day.
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Winter Views
If you’d like to enjoy icy winter views of the Hudson, stop by the Saugerties Lighthouse. This is a beautiful spot in any season, but a great vantage point in the winter to see how the Hudson transforms during the colder months.
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Satisfying a Sweet Tooth
After all of that winter fun, you’re probably looking for a cozy mug of hot chocolate, or a bite of something sweet. Once you make it back to Saugerties, take a visit to Krause’s Chocolates. Their handmade specialty chocolates are perfect for the moment, but also to take back home. If you’re looking for a great mug of hot chocolate, tea or coffee, stop by Olsen & Company. For cakes, pastries and all kinds of delicious desserts, be sure to check out Hudson Valley Baking Company.
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