When the temperatures drop below freezing and the snow lies on the ground, the Niagara Falls take on a whole new look. From early November through January the Falls are illuminated with colored floodlights. These are reflected off the ice crystals that have formed anywhere that the mist from the falls has fallen. In addition, more than 3 million colored lights are made up into Christmas displays along a four mile route. On the weekend, the evenings culminates with a spectacular firework display that's not to be missed.
Snow Park (snowparkniagara.com) is an outdoor winter sports activity center that is located on the U.S. side of the Niagara River. It consists of a large play area where the kids can make snow angels, build a snowman, make an igloo or engage in a snowball fight. Alongside the play area is the Tubing Hill and a large regulation size skating rink. You can take your own skates, though the admission fee includes the cost of hiring a pair. If you have your own hockey skates you must get them sharpened by an attendant at no cost before going on the ice. The snow is given a refresher every night by a team with snow making machines.
Rink at the Brink is an outdoor skating facility that is constructed annually on the USA side of the Falls. The rink is directly opposite the Table Rock Welcome Center and features live entertainment every Thursday night and taped music on other nights. A snack bar serves hot chocolate and snacks. With removable see through sides, you get an excellent view of the Falls and at night of the Festival of Lights. Other ice skating facilities in Niagara include the Niagara Falls Ice Pavilion (no website: 911 Robbins Drive, Niagara Falls: 716-285-0715) and the facility in Snow Park.
Western New York and the Niagara region offer plenty of opportunities for skiing, and there are two resorts within a half hour's drive of the city. Just to the south of Buffalo are the Ski Tamarack Ski Resort (no website: 7414 State Rd Rte 240, Colden: 716-941-6821) with 100 acres of skiing, 60 percent of which are covered by snow making machines, and Kissing Bridge Ski Resort (kbski.com) with 700 acres, more than 90 percent backed up with machines. Snow board riders will find a terrain park and half pipe at each of these two resorts.
