The Catskills Mountains are a winter wonderland during the colder months, and some of the terrain's old logging roads are groomed into cross-country ski trails. Between the snow-heavy pine branches, skiers might catch glimpses of deer, fox, and other mammals and birds during their trek.
Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski Center
6198 Main Street
Tannersville, NY 12485
518-589-5361
mtntrails.com/home.html
In addition to downhill skiing, the Woodstock area is prime for snowboarders and snow tubers out for a winter thrill. There are a variety of trails in the vicinity for beginners, intermediates, and experienced skiing enthusiasts.
Hunter Mountain
Hunter, NY 12442
800-486-8376
huntermtn.com
In the Catskills, locals flock to outdoor ice skating rinks for Charlie Brown-style winter afternoons. Families will enjoy this unique winter activity, and couples will take pleasure in romantic loops around the rinks.
Windham Mountain Adventure Park
33 Clarence D. Lane Road
Windham , NY 12496
518-734-6974
windhammountain.com/mountain/skating/
If the winter chill is too much to bear, touring Woodstock's numerous art galleries and museums is a fine way to spend the day. Tinker Street in central Woodstock is home to many independent galleries, but a visit to this artists' colony wouldn't be complete without visiting the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum.
Woodstock Artists Association & Museum
28 Tinker Street
Woodstock, NY 12498
845-679-2940
woodstockart.org
Visitors who arrive in December are rewarded with cozy shops decked in holiday lights selling Christmas goodies. Hot cider is on hand to beat the chill, and on Christmas Eve, Santa himself arrives on the Village Green to bestow gifts to good boys and girls.
