Community Corner
Winter Adventure Day Trips Near Hudson Valley
Enjoy these outdoor and indoor winter adventures.
Button up, grab your hat and gloves to get ready for winter fun. These local winter wonderlands are full of adventure—and are less than a tank of gas away.
75 Mountain Laurel Ln.
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
(845) 225-3998
Why Go? An abundance of winter sport choices: cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding set within a 16,000 acre state park. “Our goal is to support outdoor recreation goals and great experiences for the community,” said Paul Kuznia, the park’s education director. "We regularly groom our tails and maintain them.” The park attracts local, regional and international visitors.
Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Insider Tip: If you plan on sledding, bring your own saucer or inner tube. The sledding hill does not accommodate sleds with steel runners.
Must Do: Try ski skating, which is like ice skating on snow.
The Fine Print: The park is weather dependent, so call or check online before heading out. Hours are: weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; weekends: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Trail passes run from $6 for children to $9 for adults. Sledding passes are $3. Touring skis, boots and poles, snowshoes, and skate skis boots and poles are all available to rent.
40 Ski Ln.
Warwick, NY 10990
(845) 986-4940
Why Go? Established 78 years ago, Mt. Peter boasts 14 trails for skiers and snow boarders and has a recently installed a new carpet lift for the beginner ski zone. The views aren’t bad either. “Mt. Peter was started by Macy’s, as a photo shoot area, and we are the oldest operating family run ski area in New York,” said Carol Foshay, Mt. Peter’s marketing director.
Insider Tip: Mt. Peter has night hours every evening except Sunday. (Weekday prices are much lower.)
Must Do: Order the signature Belgian waffles in the lodge restaurant.
The Fine Print: December hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. January hours are 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Lift ticket prices vary, depending on age of skier and day of week, but start at $18. Equipment rentals range from $15 to $20.
Bear Mountain State Park Ice Rink
Appalachian Trail, 10986
(845) 786-2701 ext. 266
Why Go? A true outdoor skating rink, nestled within majestic Bear Mountain. “It is an outdoor rink which most people enjoy and, while they skate, there is a beautiful view,” said Tara Leahy, assistant manager. “The night sessions, with lights, are popular, too.”
Insider Tip: If you plan on skating during Christmas week, be sure to arrive early for tickets since the venue may sell out. The ticket office opens an hour before skating sessions begin. Non-skaters and seniors pay a fee of $2.
Must Do: Take a peek at the adjacent Bear Mountain Inn, which has been recently renovated. Visitors can even make it an overnight adventure by staying at the Inn.
The Fine Print: Open Monday and Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (No evening session on Sunday.) Tickets for adults (over 12) are $5.00, children 4 - 11 are $4.00 and children under 3 are free. Skate rentals $4.
