Embrace the season at slopes, ice rinks, and scenic parklands just an hour from NYC
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (January 4, 2019) – Warm up to winter in the Hudson Valley with fun outdoor experiences in Orange County, N.Y. Get away to ski slopes; ice rinks; horseback riding stables; and hiking and mountain biking trails that deliver fresh air, fitness, and fantastic views. The coldest season of the year will zip by as you delve into the wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in Orange County with friends and family.
Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana invites everyone to, “Come out and play! A one-hour drive from New York City can have the entire family on the slopes at Mount Peter, the oldest operating ski area in New York State. Reserve some tubing time or take a free beginner ski lesson. Winter’s a wonderful time to take a trail ride on horseback or an adventurous spin along a single-track mountain bike trail. Try something new.”
Some great outdoor recreation opportunities in Orange County include:
- Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain: Open through early March, this outdoor rink offers public and private skating sessions. bearmountainicerink.com
- Juckas Stables, 1204 NY-302, Bullville: Enjoy a horseback ride among the 117 acres of trails winding through the breathtaking Orange County countryside. Novice and seasoned riders will enjoy spending time with the gentle, responsive, and well-kept horses. Lessons are available to people of all abilities in addition to hiring horses by the hour. juckasstables.com
- Fancher-Davidge Park, 130 Lake Avenue, Middletown: This large lake is big enough to accommodate ice hockey and family skating sessions. No skate rentals. Open to the public, weather permitting. Admission is free and lights are available for night skating. middletown-ny.com/en/departments/recreation-parks
- Mount Peter Ski Area, 51 Old Mount Peter Road, Warwick: Head to Mount Peter this winter for skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and lessons. 14 trails with three chairlifts, one carpet lift, and one rope tow. 100% snowmaking. Night skiing. Rentals available. Free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays. Weekend and after-school programs. Café, pub, and two lodges. mtpeter.com
- Port Jervis Watershed Trails and Park, Elks-Brox Memorial Park, Port Jervis: Explore the park’s more than 35 miles of hiking and biking trails through mountain biking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. Open year-round, these family- and pet-friendly trails offer beautiful views of N.Y., N.J., and P.A. discoverportjervis.com/watershed-park
- West Point Ski, 732 Victor Constant Road, West Point: Named for Capt. S. Victor Constant, this ski area on the grounds of West Point Military Academy offers skiing for all ages. Lessons, daily, and season passes are available. armymwr.com
Extend your stay with overnight accommodations at one of Orange County’s cozy B&Bs or select hotels. Acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants and craft beverage locations offer seasonal menus, perfect for warming up after a day outdoors.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Like Orange County Tourism on Facebook for the latest news on local happenings. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.
