Cross-country skiers will enjoy the Bear Swamp Nordic Ski Trail in the Bear Swamp State Forest. The 13-mile trail has three entry points accessible from parking lots with 13 guideposts marking the trail. Skiers pass through forests and lakes. A highlight is the Guidepost 6 stretch on the north entry side, which provides a view of Bear Swamp. Bear Swamp State Forest is located in Cayuga County.
The annual Light in Winter Festival entertains the whole family over four days in January. The events focus on the arts and science. They range from hands-on activities for kids to lectures about how architecture, art, philosophy and science relates to one another. Visitors can also participate in unusual events such as eating a four-course gourmet meal while blindfolded. It includes musical performances, such as violin and flute playing between courses. The Light in Winter Festival takes place in Tompkins County.
Sports fans can get out of the cold and watch Syracuse University athletic teams compete in the high-profile Big East Conference. The Syracuse Orange sponsors seven sports with winter seasons -- men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track and field, men's and women's swimming and diving and women's ice hockey. Additionally, the spring sports season begins in February for the men's and women's lacrosse teams with indoor home games. Syracuse is located in Onondaga County.
