ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (Jan. 19, 2024) – Hey there winter enthusiasts! Picture this: Orange County, N.Y. – your ultimate playground for winter wonders! Whether it’s skiing, skating, snowmobiling, tubing or snowshoeing, we’ve got the adventure you’ve been looking for – and it’s just an hour away from New York City!
“It’s time to choose your snowy adventure and soak in the winter vibes in Orange County, N.Y.!” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism & Film. “Visitors will find activities for all to fill a day, a weekend or longer. Save ample time to enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality at one of our many restaurants and fabulous accommodations. Get ready to make memories, my friends – Orange County, N.Y., is calling, and the winter magic awaits!”
Before you embark on your snowy escapades, make sure to touch base with your chosen venue. Confirm conditions to ensure your chosen activity is primed for a day of fun!
The following are just some Orange County locations for winter fun:
SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, SNOW TUBING
Mount Peter Ski Area, 51 Old Mount Peter Road, Warwick, N.Y.: New York’s Family Mountain has expanded its snow-making capabilities for skiing, snowboarding and tubing. It also offers an expanded menu of food items. Those are just the latest improvements in Mount Peter’s multi-year mission to provide winter enthusiasts with an ever more fun and exciting time. Other enhancements have included an expanded area for lessons and a system for buying tickets online. Newcomers can try Mount Peter’s famous free beginner ski lessons on weekends and holidays.
Victor Constant Ski Area at West Point, 732 Victor Constant Road, West Point, N.Y.: Skiers of all levels are invited to enjoy the ski area that is part of the United States Military Academy at West Point. A 650-foot bunny hill green circle run is perfect for novices. Looking for a greater challenge? Tackle the blue square and black diamond runs, plus a race hill.
ICE SKATING
Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Route 9W North, Bear Mountain. N.Y.: Ice skate at scenic Bear Mountain State Park. Skating is open for 1.5-hour sessions on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Skates are available for rent. Private sessions may be reserved.
Middletown Ice Skating Rink, 1-31 Union St., Middletown, N.Y.: The Pavilion in Erie Way Park is open for ice skating each Friday through Sunday. Themed Saturday evenings add to the fun, with music genres including country music, Disney tunes, 1990s hits and more.
Crane Park, Highway 17M, Monroe, N.Y.: Look for the green flag that signifies the ice is thick enough for skating in designated areas. Bring your own skates.
Learn more here.
SNOWMOBILING, SNOWSHOEING, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Winding Hills Park, Route 17K, Montgomery, N.Y.: Ice fishing is permitted during daylight when there is sufficient ice. Snowmobiling is permitted during daylight with sufficient snow cover. (Register at the ranger’s office.) Trails are also open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Learn more here.
Heritage Trail, from Middletown to Harriman: This 19.5-mile, 10-foot-wide trail offers attractive scenic vistas as it winds through a bird and wildlife sanctuary, historic landmarks, murmuring streams, rolling meadows and friendly communities. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular when snow is on the ground. At other times, trail users enjoy biking, walking, rollerblading and nature study as well as shopping and dining in the local villages. Access points are in Harriman, Monroe, Chester and Goshen, all with convenient parking.
HIKING AND STROLLING
Sterling Forest State Park, 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, N.Y.: This unbroken deep-forest habitat, almost 22,000 acres of nearly pristine natural refuge, is important for the survival of many resident and migratory species. These include black bears, a variety of hawks and songbirds and many rare invertebrates and plants. Hikers may also encounter historic structures from the iron industry, some built before the Revolutionary War. Hunting, fishing and hiking opportunities are available. The U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Visitor Center overlooking Sterling Lake features exhibits about the local environment. It features an auditorium for related presentations.
Storm King State Park, Mountain Road, Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y.: A favorite for avid hikers, this mountain inspired the ecological movement in the United States. Beautiful views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. Hiking and hunting. Undeveloped with no facilities. Limited parking.
About Orange County Tourism & Film
Orange County Tourism & Film, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism and film production headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, events and film resources can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Additionally, a fun, free, 60-page travel guide is available for digital download at orangetourism.org/travel-guide/.
