Winter is the perfect time to get out of the house and explore Central New York. These local destinations offer something for every member of the family.
Please note: This information was up-to-date at the time of publication. Visit each website for more information. Remember to bring a mask!
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing
- Camillus Ski Hill – Looking for a family-friendly option on the west side of town? Run by volunteers, the Camillus Ski Hill offers low-cost skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing (depending on conditions). Due to COVID-19, its ski school, lodge and ski shop will remain closed this season.
Where: 401 Blackmore Road, Camillus.
More information: camillusskihill.com. - Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center – Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center features golf and soccer/batting cages during the summer months, and skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. Not a skier or a snowboarder? Four Seasons also offers a three-hour snow tubing pass.
Where: 8012 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville.
More information: fourseasonsgolfandski.com. - Greek Peak Mountain Resort – Central New York’s largest ski resort is home to a tubing center, four terrain parks and 55 trails for skiing and snowboarding. Families can also check out Greek Peak’s Adventure Center – the mountain coaster and zip line tours are both open for business.
Where: 2000 Route 392, Cortland.
More information: greekpeak.net. - Labrador Mountain and Song Mountain – Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of 24 trails at Song Mountain, or more than 20 trails at Labrador Mountain – or enjoy both with an “Inter-Mountain Passport.” Hungry after all that skiing and snowboarding? Stop by The Last Run or The Moguls.
Where: 6935 Route 91, Truxton (Labrador Mountain; 1 Song Mountain Road, Tully (Song Mountain).
More information: skicny.com. - Toggenburg Mountain – Located in Fabius, Toggenburg Mountain offers 21 trails for skiing and snowboarding, with options for all ability levels. Afterwards, you can stop by the Foggy Goggle or the “Grab & Go” Shack for a bite to eat.
Where: 1135 Toggenburg Road, Fabius.
More information: skitog.com. - Woods Valley Ski Area – Families can enjoy snow tubing (tickets will be sold in time slots this season), skiing and snowboarding, or sign up for private or group lessons. The Woods Valley Ski Area’s grounds also include several terrain parks and a cafeteria.
Where: 9100 Route 46, Westernville.
More information: woodsvalleyskiarea.com.
Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing
- Baltimore Woods Nature Center – The Baltimore Woods Nature Center is home to six miles of trails for snowshoeing (and hiking). It also offers public programs year-round. Please note: The Interpretive Center is currently closed due to COVID-19.
Where: 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus.
More information: baltimorewoods.org. - Beaver Lake Nature Center – Cross-country skiers and snowshoers alike can enjoy multiple trails, no experience necessary – Beaver Lake Nature Center will host a snowshoe clinic every Saturday and Sunday until the end of February. Families can also take advantage of a variety of other programs this winter, including weekday snowshoe jaunts (Wednesdays through February 10) and moonlight skiing and snowshoeing (January 21-24).
Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center. - Green Lakes State Park – Snowshoers can explore the park’s 18-hole golf course, then stay for a hike. Green Lakes State Park also features 15 miles of trails for cross-country skiers – rentals are available across the street at Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center.
Where: 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville.
More information: ny.gov/parks/172/details.aspx. - Highland Forest – Featuring 40 miles of trails for cross-country skiing, as well as six trails for snowshoeing, the “Adirondacks of Central New York” offers options for any ability level. Make sure to also check out the park’s sledding hill and horse-drawn sleigh rides, held every Saturday and Sunday through February 28 – advance registration, and masks, are required.
Where: 1254 Highland Park Road, Fabius.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/highland-forest. - Onondaga Lake Park – Have your own equipment? During the winter months, snowshoers and cross-country skiers can take advantage of three trails at Onondaga Lake Park: The West Shore Trail, the Shoreline Walking Trail and the Long Branch Park loop. Families can also stop by the sledding hill at Long Branch Park.
Where: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/onondaga-lake-park. - Selkirk Shores State Park – Selkirk Shores State Park offers 10 trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoers – featuring views of the Salmon River and Lake Ontario. Keep in mind, families must bring their own equipment. Snowmobile trails are also available.
Where: 7101 State Route 3, Pulaski.
More information: ny.gov/parks/84/details.aspx.
Ice skating
- Clinton Square Ice Rink – The Clinton Square Ice Rink is one of Syracuse’s most popular winter attractions. The rink is open daily (depending on weather) through mid-March. The city of Syracuse also manages two indoor rinks. Meachem Ice Rink will offer public skating in 75-minute time slots (rink capacity is limited), while Sunnycrest Ice Rink will remain closed for the 2020-21 season.
Where: 2 S. Clinton St., Syracuse.
More information: skatesinthecity.com.
Winter Hikes in Central New York
Are you suffering from cabin fever? These five parks are the perfect place to get some fresh air – at a safe social distance. Make sure to bundle up!
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- Beaver Lake Nature Center – Cross-country skiers and snowshoers aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the Beaver Lake Nature Center during the winter months. Its nine miles of trails wind through forests, a bog and more, perfect for a walk – or birdwatching.
Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center. - Camillus Erie Canal Park – Walk the more than 14 miles of trails and view the Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct, built in 1844. Before you leave, make sure to stop by the museum, which features artifacts, a section on local history and more.
Where: 5750 Devoe Road, Camillus.
More information: eriecanalcamillus.com. - Clark Reservation State Park – Clark Reservation State Park is home to a meromictic lake, where the surface water and deep water don’t mix. View it from the Cliff Trail, or explore one of the park’s other four other trails.
Where: 6105 E. Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville.
More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/clarkreservation. - Labrador Hollow Unique Area – Sitting on the border between Onondaga and Cortland Counties, the Labrador Hollow Unique Area offers more than four miles of trails, a nearly 2,000-foot boardwalk through the wetlands, and a waterfall, Tinker Falls. During the winter months, the trails can also be used by snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
Where: Labrador Road, Tully.
More information: dec.ny.gov/lands/37070.html. - Oneida Shores Park – Searching for an option north of town? Open year-round, Oneida Shores Park has plenty of space for a walk – or for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Where: 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/oneida-shores-park.
