Winter Activities & Events

Winter is often a time when people want to curl up in front of a fire and refrain from physical activity. Motivation to stay active wanes and we can be taken over by seasonal blues, overindulgence, and using ‘it’s too cold’ as an excuse to stay indoors. For many, the winter months can bring not only cold weather, but illnesses and isolation. However, this does not have to be the case! Staying active in the winter strengthens our immune system, releases endorphins, and helps to keep off the extra pounds. From ice climbing in Lake Placid to ziplining at night, winter is a great time to try out a new adventure. Here are some suggestions to keep you moving over the next few months. 1. Night ziplining tour – Hunter Mountain Ski Resort - Catskills Kick up the fear factor a bit by heading to Hunter Mountain Ski Resort in the to try a Night Zip Tour. Run by Zipline Canopy Tours, this winter ziplining adventure takes place on the Mid Mountain Tour and is family-friendly. The experience includes six zip lines, four rope bridges, and a 65-foot rappel. The moon and nine illuminated tree platforms guide you over the three-hour tour. https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/attractions/new-york-zipline-adventure-tours-hunter- mountain

2. Snowga: Bristol Harbour Resort Lodge and Golf Course - Canandaigua

Snowga is a growing yoga trend available in the Finger Lakes region of NY state. Yogis move through a flow in snowshoes with the help of ski poles. Participators are left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after this fun workout. Next event will be held on February 11 th . http://fingerlakesyogascapes.com/escapes/fly-night-winter-wonders/

3. Ice Climbing: Lake Placid Set out on a scenic two-hour drive north for limitless winter fun in Lake Placid! Join the EMS Adventure School for some great climbing on both snow and ice. You will come away with an understanding of the fundamentals of winter climbing while experiencing the beauty of the Adirondack high peaks region. https://www.ems.com/f/ems-outdoors-school/locations/lake-placid/ice-climbing-and- mountaineering/ems_lake-placid-ice-climbing-mountaineering.html?fdid=lake-placid

Lake Placid also offers ice skating, bobsled rides, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

4. Sledding:

 Capital Hills Golf Course This municipal course in the city of Albany features rolling hills and beautiful wooded sections. It's particularly popular after a fresh snowfall, and popular with cross country skiers as well. Bonus…dogs are welcome on the trails! Just be sure to bring poop bags with you. Cost: free.  Frear Park Located in Troy, this park has multiple hills for little kids and older daredevils. The views are extraordinary and include glimpses of the Catskills and Adirondacks. Cost: free.

5. Ice Skating :  Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12210  Knickerbacker Ice Arena Troy, NY 12180  Saratoga Springs Ice Rink Saratoga Springs  Schenectady County Recreational Facility Scotia, NY 12302  Swinburne Skating Rink Albany, NY 12206 6. Skiing: New York is home to the most ski areas in the entire U.S. Gore Mountain offers the most skiable acres, while Whiteface boost the highest peak summit of any ski resort in the entire Eastern U.S. prides itself on offering a family-friendly experience for all ages – all within a couple hours of Albany! Other notable areas: Jiminy Peak and West Mountain 7. Snowshoeing:

 Albany Pine Bush Preserve: https://www.albanypinebush.org/ Discover close to 20 miles of officially marked trails for snowshoeing. Located near Albany, this preserve offers easy to moderate trails

 Christman Sanctuary : https://www.theoutbound.com/new-york/hiking/hike-christman- sanctuary This nature preserve offers a 2.2-mile trail with slight ups and downs. Located in nearby Delanson.  Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center: http://dykenpond.org/?page_id=1228 Dyken Pond in Cropseyville offers trails for snowshoeing at no cost. The trails are not groomed, and breaking trail may be necessary at times. Snowshoes are available to rent with advanced notice.

 Five Rivers Environmental Center : http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html The 2.1-mile loop trail located in Delmar is great for a number of recreational activities, including snowshoeing and XC skiing.  Lapland XC Ski Center: https://www.laplandlake.com/ Experience the splendor of the Adirondack Preserve while exploring forests and gliding alongside scenic streams and lakes. You may catch of glimpse of white-tailed deer, otters, snowshoe rabbits and winter birds. Lapland also offer snowshoeing, ice skating, wilderness ski touring, sledding, and tubing. Scandinavian kicksleds are also available to try!  Thacher Park : https://www.albany.com/parks/thacher-park/ Located just 15 miles southwest of Albany, this park includes six miles of limestone cliffs, woodland and open fields, waterfalls, and one of the richest fossil formations in the world. There are nearly 25 miles of trails for hiking, XC skiing, or snowshoeing. Winter Festivals

1. Lake George Winter Carnival: Every weekend in February: http://www.lakegeorgewintercarnival.com/

2. Ottawa, Canada Winterlude: February 1-18 th: https://www.carnifest.com/winterlude-ottawa-canadas-winter-festival-2019/

3. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival: February 1-10 https://www.adirondack.net/winter/annual-events/saranac-lake-winter-carnival/

4. Saratoga Chowder Fest: February 2 nd https://www.saratoga.com/chowderfest/

It can be challenging to get outdoors in the winter. Having a variety of fun activities to choose from will help you to stay physically active and emotionally healthy throughout the winter months. Don’t forget to dress in layers and keep yourself hydrated.