With so many beautifully preserved open spaces, you can’t help but want to put on your winter jacket and take off for the nearest trail, slope or skating rink. Outdoor enthusiasts travel from miles around to partake in exciting activities and beautiful landscape. They head to the mountains to ski, snowboard and snow tube, and they stay and unwind in a luxurious room. Some operations even provide special lodging packages that offer premium prices for visitors this time of the year.
Ulster has the terrain and stunning scenery for the most avid cross-country skier or snowshoe enthusiast and even a range of indoor and outdoor ice rinks and parks. Best of all, our outdoor spaces cater to locals and visitors of every skill level. Adrenaline-seeking snowboarders and novices alike will find a track suited for them. Some of our trails even have limited incline and paved pathways to better suit those with restricted mobility. There is truly something for everyone.
Belleayre
Details: Skiing and snowboarding on 175 skiable acres.
Open: Daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including holidays
Location: 181 Galli Curci Road, Shandaken
Phone: 845-254-5600
Email: belleayre@belleayre.com
Website: www.belleayre.com
Dates: Through March, blackout dates and limitations may apply
Website: www.belleayre.com/plan-your-trip/ski-and-stay-packages
Frost Valley YMCA
Details: Over 6,000 acres and 25 kilometers of groomed trails ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Open: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., ski rental shop open on weekends
Location: 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville
Phone: 845-985-2291 ext. 396 – ski conditions hotline
Website: www.frostvalley.org
Hurley Rail Trail
Details: Trail for walking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Features three-mile, 10-foot wide paved path.
Location: Route 209, Hurley
Phone: 845-339-4531
Email: hurleyrailtrail@hvc.rr.com
Website: www.townofhurley.org/plan/html/rail_trails.html
Hudson Valley Rail Trail
Details: Nature trail with 12-foot wide, paved portion that is perfect for walking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Trail spans 3.6 miles and provides flat and slightly-sloped trails for ease of motion.
Location: Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, Old New Paltz Road, Highland
Phone: 845-691-8151
Website: www.hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Details: Listed as “Best Park” by Hudson Valley Magazine, this preserve is surrounded by scenery of the Shawangunk Mountains outside of New Paltz. Outdoor activities include horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Guided nature programs and rentals are available.
Open: Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Route 44/55, New Paltz
Phone: 845-255-0752
Website: www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/127/details.aspx
Mohonk Preserve
Details: Outside Magazine voted Mohonk Preserve one of the five best city escapes in the U.S. Explore miles of trails and scenery through the Shawangunk Mountains. Perfect for cross-country skiers of all experience levels. Trails link to Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Mohonk Mountain House resort.
Open: Daily
Location: 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner
Phone: 845-255-0919
Website: www.mohonkpreserve.org
Mohonk Mountain House
Details: Outdoor adventures with a gorgeous view of nearby mountaintops and 30 miles of trails. Ski and snowshoe rental available.
Open: Open daily, weather permitting
Location: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz
Phone: 845-256-2197 – ski conditions hotline
Website: www.mohonk.com/recreation/winter-activities/
Lippman Park
Details: Enjoy over 100 acres of stunning nature with 8.5 miles of trails. Perfect for snowshoeing and outdoor recreation.
Location: Route 209, Wawarsing
Phone: 845-647-6560
Website: www.townofwawarsing.net/community/park
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Details: Whether you love walking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail provides a striking countryside setting for outdoor activity. Features a 24-mile path.
Location: New Paltz
Email: info@wvrta.org
Website: www.wvrta.org
Kiwanis Ice Arena
Details: Skate with family and friends in this spacious, Olympic-size ice rink. Features fully-enclosed facilities.
Open: Daily, September-April
Location: Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex, Saugerties
Phone: 845-247-2590
Email: kiwanisice@saugerties.ny.us
Website: kiwanisicearena.com
Mohonk Mountain House Ice Skating Pavilion
Details: Mohonk Mountain House Ice Skating Pavilion is a Victorian, 18,000-square-foot outdoor covered ice rink with rustic wooden beams, stone columns and a stunning 39-foot stone fireplace.
Location: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz
Phone: 800-772-6646 or 845-256-2775
Website: www.mohonk.com/a-day-at-mohonk/winter-recreation