Catskills Winter Activities
- Jurgen Beneke
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 1
Hello, fellow Catskills Nomads!
They say if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And when it comes to a Catskills winter, "them" is the bone-chilling cold that can descend upon our beautiful Hudson Valley.
For those who have moved here from warmer, more consistently tempered climates (looking at you, Southern California transplants!), the extreme shift in seasons can be a shock. We have people arrive surprised to find that we don’t just have seasons; we have seasons. Yes, our summers can get incredibly hot and humid, and our winters… well, let's just say they are authentically frigid. We truly experience the best and, yes, sometimes the "worst" that each season has to offer.
This level of seasonal extremes isn't for everyone. But for those of us who have chosen to call the Catskills and Hudson Valley home, this is part of the package. It's about finding the beauty and the opportunity in every weather pattern.
So, when the temperatures plummet and the landscape turns into a frozen wonderland, what is a Catskills Nomad to do?
Embrace the Cold and Do Winter Activities!
If it's going to be cold and snowy, you might as well take advantage of it. The Catskills and surrounding areas offer an incredible array of winter activities that you simply can't experience anywhere else or at any other time of year.
This is where I find my winter joy: on the trails, gliding through a snow-covered landscape. In this brand-new video, I took a walk along the (yes, very frozen!) Hudson River, getting an up-close look at the winter landscape. The stillness, the crisp air, and the sheer frozen beauty are something to behold.
The main reason I love this season, though, is the incredible cross-country skiing we have right in our backyard. Specifically, some of the best cross-country and skate skiing in the entire Northeast can be found at:
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Miles and miles of carriage roads and trails are groomed and packed for skiing, offering incredible views of the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge and glacial lakes (like Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting).
Mohonk Preserve: This extensive private nature preserve offers breathtaking views of the Mohonk Mountain House and the surrounding Valley, with trails suitable for all skiing levels.
These areas truly transform in the winter, and skiing through them is an entirely different experience than hiking in the summer. It's quiet, it's peaceful, and it’s a great way to stay active during the colder months.
The Sweet Spot Location
This highlights another reason why this area is so incredibly special, no matter the season. We are located in a perfect "sweet spot":
Just 100 miles north of New York City, making the Catskills an easily accessible escape for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Only 3 hours from Lake Placid, a hub for winter sports and Adirondack adventure.
Our unique location in the Hudson Valley offers unparalleled accessibility. From the quirky small towns and artisanal spirit to the vast, rugged wilderness, there is always something to explore and do, no matter what the thermometer says.
So, if you’re finding the winter cold a bit daunting, I encourage you to see it as an invitation. Bundle up, embrace the elements, and come find out what makes winter in the Catskills so incredibly special. Whether you’re trying cross-country skiing for the first time or simply appreciating the beauty of a frozen river, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
See you on the (frozen) trails!
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